Actor Gary Coleman, best known for his role on the hit comedy "Diff'rent Strokes," is the subject of a new Peacock documentary titled "Gary." The film examines Coleman's life, showcasing his talents as a child star and delving into the challenges he faced throughout his career. Todd Bridges, Coleman's co-star on "Diff'rent Strokes," expresses hope that viewers of the documentary will come to appreciate Coleman as one of the best child stars ever.

The documentary explores the troubled life of Gary Coleman, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 42 due to a brain hemorrhage. Throughout his life, Coleman battled kidney disease, which limited his growth to a height of 4 feet, 8 inches. Coleman's distinctive features, including his chubby cheeks and small stature, caught the attention of television icon Norman Lear, who cast him as an orphan alongside Bridges, adopted by a wealthy white man.

Bridges reminisces about the groundbreaking nature of their show in the 1980s, which featured a racially blended family. While the series received both positive and hateful responses, Bridges notes that the positive feedback eventually outweighed the negative. The actors received mail from both sides, but as time went on, the majority of the mail turned positive.

Life as a child star was not always easy for Bridges and Coleman. Bridges and Dana Plato, who played their adopted sister on the show, battled substance abuse issues as they grew up, while Coleman faced financial troubles and even sued his parents for alleged mismanagement of his funds. Despite their struggles, Bridges emphasizes that being a child star today seems different, with less fame and attention compared to their time.

The documentary also delves into Coleman's adult life, exploring his anger issues and legal troubles. In 2022, actress Molly Shannon revealed an incident of alleged sexual harassment by Coleman during her early days in the industry. However, Bridges asserts that the bitter and troubled image of Coleman portrayed in the media does not align with the person he knew as a friend. He believes that Coleman carried a chip on his shoulder due to the hardships he endured in his life.

The documentary also addresses Coleman's medical directive and the accident that occurred at his Utah home, which led to his fatal brain hemorrhage. Bridges admits that many questions remain about what exactly transpired during that time. As the sole surviving original cast member of "Diff'rent Strokes," Bridges reflects on his time working on the show and his current projects, including a podcast with his wife and a reprisal of his role as Monk in the animated-reboot of "Everybody Hates Chris."

"Gary" is set to premiere on Peacock on Thursday, providing audiences with a comprehensive look at the life of the beloved child star, Gary Coleman. Through this documentary, viewers will gain insight into Coleman's struggles, his impact on television history, and the lasting legacy he left behind.