| Gary Coleman and his autographs tell an interesting | | | | In 2007, Coleman sold signed Nintendo games on an |
| story. The star of "Diff'rent Strokes" from 1978 | | | | Internet auction site. In 2008, Coleman offered an |
| through 1986 signed thousands of photos in his role | | | | autographed pair of Old Navy sweat pants on ebay. |
| as Arnold Jackson in the immensely popular TV | | | | The size 12XL sweat pants sold for more than |
| sitcom. After the show ended Coleman remained | | | | $400,000. Coleman loved games and especially |
| active in the entertainment industry, appearing in | | | | model railroading. While living in Los Angeles he |
| commercials, small roles in films, and television | | | | often visited the model train shop on Pico Boulevard |
| movies. Coleman signed many autographs for his | | | | in Los Angeles. Combining his interest in games with |
| legion of fans during his heyday years of television | | | | autographs was a natural venue for Coleman. |
| fame. Photos signed by Coleman and cast from his | | | | However, Coleman's experience with providing |
| television shows are often available on the Internet | | | | autographs to fans was not always favorable. In |
| marketplace. Reprint autographs of Coleman | | | | 1998, while shopping at a uniforms store in |
| obtained on the Internet are used for display | | | | Hawthorne, California, for a bulletproof vest he |
| pieces. | | | | planned to wear for his job as a security guard, a |
| At the peak of his television success, Coleman was | | | | woman demanding an autograph besieged Coleman. |
| reportedly earning $64,00 a month and earned about | | | | When the woman requested that he add a |
| $18 million from his television performances. | | | | sentiment for his son and said, "Ain't you gonna put |
| However, Coleman's estate was decimated by | | | | something nice on it," Coleman grabbed the |
| alleged mismanagement. | | | | autograph and tore it up. The woman insulted |
| Coleman sued his adopted parents and his former | | | | Coleman who then punched her in the face. The |
| business manager for misappropriating more than $1 | | | | case went to court and Coleman agreed to a plea |
| million from his trust fund. Autographs from | | | | bargain, receiving a 90-day suspended sentence, pay |
| Coleman and his mother may be seen as | | | | $1,665 for her hospital bills, and he was ordered to |
| endorsements on business checks. In 1993, Coleman | | | | take an anger-management class. |
| prevailed in his lawsuit when a Santa Monica Court | | | | Coleman turned this adverse experience into a |
| awarded Coleman $1.28 million; the judge ruled that | | | | positive outcome. In 2003, Coleman appeared in a |
| Coleman's adopted parents and former manager had | | | | computer game. He played himself and appeared at |
| wrongfully profited as his guardians during five years | | | | a shopping mall, where one of the game's objectives |
| while he was a minor. | | | | was to obtain his autograph. After the player |
| Despite his windfall, Coleman had difficulties with | | | | receives the autograph from Coleman, police accost |
| financial affairs. Coleman worked as a security guard | | | | Coleman in a mall and arrest him for no apparent |
| at Fox Hills Mall in Los Angeles. In 1993, he opened a | | | | reason. |
| video-game arcade in Fisherman's Village in Marina del | | | | In 2005, Coleman moved to Santaquinn, Utah, to lead |
| Rey. The business failed and was closed in 1994. | | | | a private life, free of autograph seekers and |
| Money problems and failed business ventures led to | | | | paparazzi. Coleman's quiet days were spent playing |
| chapter 7 bankruptcy in 1999. | | | | with a huge model train setup in the basement of his |
| Coleman turned to selling his autographs for money. | | | | home in Utah. |