Gary Coleman's death today at age 42 already has us recalling the diminutive star's best moments, all culled from the time when he was a television icon and the most famous child actor of his generation. After the jump, take a trip with us to Diff'rent Strokes's prime, the short time afterward when Coleman had his own animated series, and a couple of his sweeter pop culture cameos.
Let's revisit the baddest TV catchphrase of the '70s first. Here's several versions of "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" in all their glory.
The role of Arnold Jackson will always define Gary Coleman even if his post-show life in the public eye had more downs than up. Here's Arnold in the greatest episode of Diff'rent Strokes as he learns to "Just Say No" with the help of houseguest Nancy Reagan.
Diff'rent Strokes was known for its very special episodes, like this one about a child molester. Enjoy Coleman's delivery of the less-popular, "Whatchu talkin' about, Dad?"
The short-lived cartoon 1982 The Gary Coleman Show featured Coleman in a voice-acting role. I can at least assert that the opening credits were adorable.
After Diff'rent Strokes, Coleman made a career of self-deprecating TV appearances. While this Klondike Bar commercial isn't rip-roaringly hilarious, it's dated in the best way possible.
One of Coleman's more endearing cameos occurred in -- God help me -- Kid Rock's music video for "Cowboy." I feel like grabbing a microphone, staring into a Times Square studio camera and saying, "Carson, please play Kid Rock's 'Cowboy' because he's a hot artist and I love him. WOOOOOO."
I think we can do without sad clips from The Surreal Life, Midgets Vs. Mascots, and The Insider today, right? For one last treat, check out Coleman's cameo with Conrad Bain in the final episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. In the meantime: R.I.P. Gary Coleman.