[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H4204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING GARY WAYNE COLEMAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I learned of 
the passing today of actor Gary Wayne Coleman. Although short in 
stature, Gary stole the hearts of American viewers with his humor and 
his infectious smile. He lived his life with a spunky sense of humor.
  Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois. He was adopted by Edmonia Sue, a 
nurse practitioner, and W.G. Coleman, a forklift operator. He suffered 
from a congenital kidney disease which halted his growth at an early 
age, leading to his small stature.
  Gary was best known for his role on ``Diff'rent Strokes.'' He was 
cast in the role of Arnold Jackson, where he portrayed a child adopted 
by a wealthy widower. The show was broadcast from 1978 to 1986 and was 
a huge success.
  At the height of his fame on ``Diff'rent Strokes,'' he earned as much 
as $100,000 per episode. Gary also appeared on ``The Jeffersons'' and 
on ``Good Times.'' He also appeared in a 1978 pilot for a revival of 
``The Little Rascals,'' as Stymie.
  His life was tough after he was off the small screen and the large 
screen. He struggled, but he won the attention of the world as an 
actor. I want to join with his family and the rest of his fans and 
those who admired and loved him and extend my condolences to his 
family, his friends, his fans and those that he worked with throughout 
his career.
  We all mourn the passing of Gary Wayne Coleman.

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