‘Diff’Rent Strokes’ Gary Coleman actor – who passed away last Friday (28.05.10) aged 42 after suffering a brain haemorrhage – penned a document detailing who he wanted his assets distributed to after his death which is now in the hands of his close friend Todd Bridges.
Todd – who starred with Gary in ‘Diff’Rent Strokes’ – told Entertainment Tonight: "A friend of mine and I have paperwork, and we’ll bring it out soon, that will show what his wishes were and what he wanted. "There’s a big fight going on with his parents and some other people involved, and after we bring this paperwork out, everybody’s going to shut up."
Gary was estranged from his parents Sue and Willie for many years, and Todd has vowed to ensure none of his pal’s assets end up with them. He added: "Gary had certain wishes excluding his parents. I’m not going to go against a dying man’s wishes. There’s a reason why he didn’t speak to them for 23 years." Meanwhile, Sue and Willie have hired a lawyer in a bid to get permission to bring their son “home”, arguing that since the actor was divorced from on/off partner Shannon Price at the time of his death, they are the legal custodians of his remains.
Their attorney Frederick Jackman issued a statement saying: "The Colemans don’t want to fight anyone. They’re hoping that by applying for Formal Probate, they can get through this process the right way. "I don’t understand why so many people who knew Gary are being so secretive. The status of the divorce, whether or not anyone has a will, these are all issues that should be brought to the family’s attention immediately." In 1989 Gary sued his parents for allegedly stealing his fortune, something they have always denied.
