Actor Gary Coleman died at age 42 on May 28, 2010, after falling and striking his head in a Provo, Utah driveway. The immediate cause was an epidural hematoma related to an accidental fall. Coleman was born February 8, 1968, and was 42 years old at the time of his death. Below is a concise breakdown of key dates, factual context, and career milestones relevant to understanding this question.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | February 8, 1968 | Public records / biographies |
| Date of death | May 28, 2010 | Coroner / news reports |
| Age at death | 42 years old | Coroner / news reports |
| Place of death | Provo, Utah, United States | Law-enforcement / coroner |
| Primary cause of death | Epidural hematoma from head injury due to fall | Coroner’s report |
Biographical context behind the age question
Understanding how old Gary Coleman was when he died begins with his birth year and the circumstances of his final days. Coleman was born in 1968 and rose to fame as a child star in the late 1970s and 1980s. His death at 42 was sudden and resulted from complications after a fall, which made the age at that moment a meaningful detail for both public understanding and media reporting.
Child star rise
Coleman’s role as Arnold Jackson on the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes (1978–1986) made him a household name. His visibility and earnings as a child actor placed him at the center of conversations about child performers, finances, and guardianship, themes that remained relevant long after the show ended.
Later years and legal guardianship battles
After his sitcom ended, Coleman’s adult life involved high-profile legal disputes over control of his finances. A conservatorship was established, and subsequent litigation over its termination drew sustained media attention. These legal events influenced how his later years were documented and reported.
Career highlights and impact
Beyond the age question, Coleman’s professional footprint remains notable in television history. His work on Diff’rent Strokes defined a generation of viewers’ childhoods and highlighted both the opportunities and vulnerabilities of child performers. The sustained public interest in his life and career explains why specific factual details, including his age at death, continue to be sought and verified.
Financial context and net worth considerations
During his peak earning years, Coleman generated substantial income, but much of it was controlled through conservatorship. Estimates of his net worth have varied widely in media reports, often citing figures between $100,000 and $500,000 at the time of his death. However, precise figures are difficult to verify, and responsible coverage tends to present ranges while emphasizing the legal complexities around his finances.
Common questions and clarifications
Because Coleman’s death and financial history are often discussed together, a useful reference can help distinguish what is firmly documented from what is speculative. Below is a concise comparison that addresses recurring points of confusion.
Comparison of key topics
| Topic | Verified Detail | Common Clarification |
|---|---|---|
| Age at death | 42 years old on May 28, 2010 | Sometimes misstated due to confusion with earlier or later dates |
| Cause of death | Epidural hematoma after a fall | Not drug- or alcohol-related according to the coroner |
| Net worth range (estimated) | $100,000–$500,000 | Reported figures vary; precise amount is unconfirmed |
| Major source of income | Diff’rent Strokes residuals and licensing | Ongoing revenue from reruns and syndication |
| Legal status at death | Conservatorship had been terminated in 2009 | He was legally independent at the time of his death |
Lasting relevance of verifiable details
Reliable information about Coleman’s age, cause of death, and career context helps counter misinformation and offers a stable base for informed discussion. For audiences and researchers, clearly cited facts about milestones such as his birth date, death date, and occupation support accurate reporting and long-term understanding. This approach is especially important when public interest intersects with sensitive personal circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
- What was Gary Coleman’s exact age at death? He was 42 years old when he died on May 28, 2010.
- Where did his death occur? He died in Provo, Utah, after falling and suffering a head injury.
- What did the coroner determine as the cause? The coroner cited an epidural hematoma resulting from the fall.
- Did he have a conservatorship at the time of death? No; his conservatorship was terminated in 2009, a year before his death.
- How is his net worth commonly described in reports? Estimates typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, though precise figures are uncertain.
Summary and key takeaways
Gary Coleman was 42 years old at the time of his death on May 28, 2010, in Provo, Utah. The immediate medical cause was an epidural hematoma due to an accidental fall. His age, birth date, and the circumstances of his passing are consistently reported by coroner records and reputable news sources. Understanding these verified details supports clearer discussions about his biography, career, and the ongoing public interest in his life.