Avenue Q Character Dead @ 42 — Page 2

New York production Press Release

"The creators, producers, and company of 'Avenue Q' are terribly saddened to
hear of the death of Gary Coleman, whose tremendous gifts brought delight
and inspiration to audiences around the world. While everything in life may
be only for now, we suspect that Gary's legacy will live on for many years
to come. Gary's memory will certainly endure in the hearts and minds of
those of us who live on 'Avenue Q.'"

Tonight, when the show concludes at 10 pm, 'Avenue Q' at New World
Stages, Danielle K. Thomas who portrays Mr. Coleman in the musical will pay
a tribute to him from the stage.

Updated On: 5/28/10 at 06:12 PM

Amazed/not amazed that there are at least 4 Gary Coleman threads... Sad news though.

I really don't understand all the grandstanding to be perfectly honest. No one connected to the show gave a rat's @#* about Gary Coleman prior to his death. Now people are making statements. Give me a break. The poor guy was a tortured soul since Dffrent Strokes went off the air. I'd have more respect if they just kept things as is, instead of all the melodrama. Jeff Whitty crying-really, now?

No one from their camp would work with Gary or even speak to him directly. I find all of this a bit much.

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And Whitty won't consider dropping the Coleman character because he (Whitty) "would miss him too much"! Ah, well yes, that's the most important consideration, isn't it?

South Fl Marc

Gary Coleman MADE Different Strokes come alive each and every single episode in its long running series. He definitely had tremendous gifts and he did bring inspiration to many audiences around the world.

Different Strokes is STILL thriving in syndication, to date. Gary Coleman had perfect comedic timing and received accolades from the late great Lucille Ball among other high profile entertainers both living and deceased.

Norman Lear's Different Strokes was a unique ground-breaking series and the casting was spot on. The right cast for the right parts, for sure.

Different Strokes was a high rated sitcom and the writing was excellent too. It was a cultural iconic show, for sure.

Gary Coleman acted his role as Arnold brilliantly. The legion of his fanbase is great, to this date. Talented and gifted, that he was.

Nothing embarrasing about Different Strokes but pure laughter and great scripts too. Different Strokes was an iconic sitcom and a wonderful product of its time and generation.

I thank Norman Lear for his vision and for giving to us the years of thought and laughter in Different Strokes.

It's ok, at least she isn't defending Two and A Half Men to us.

http://goldderbyforums.latimes.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1106078764/m/686106204

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South, I disagree that no one would remember him if it wasn't for Avenue Q. I have never seen Avenue Q and have no desire to. I have no clue what the running joke is in the show. There are tons of people who watched Different Strokes that remember him and have never seen Avenue Q. A lot don't even know about Avenue Q.

Linda, Norman Lear had nothing to do with Diffeerent Strokes.

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"I had always thought that the name change to simply "Gary" in the London production of the show was simply because the creative team wasn't sure if the whole ongoing Gary Coleman joke that is used in the American production is something that the british audiences would get."

They had Different Strokes in the UK . They also have harsher gossip than the US at times. His reality shows, I am not so sure. I wouldn't sell the UK audiences short but understand the change. They would only really need to use the name "Gary" anywhere if you get the context. People pick up the correlation. kids today say "Gary who?"

I remember a few years ago on the site about celebs who have died there was a section "are they dead or alive" I saw Gary Coleman's name there.

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The show's Gary Coleman is probably a more likeable, positive depiction than the real Coleman in his later years. We have an independent, resilient person who has bounced back with humor from his (her) setback, rather than a permanent laughingstock whose life goes into a downward spiral.

Sure, Coleman is living in the puppet ghetto, but it could be worse.

I saw an interview with Coleman (I think it was Tyra) and he said they never contacted him about the musical and he did not believe there was real interest in the TV show when that was offered. Plus, Gary said he got weirdo offers from left field all the time to spoof himself, make fun of himself and it was painful. Especially since that was all he was ever offered. That has to hurt.

Imagine what that call is like, "yes we are doing a TV show, a spoof of Sesame Street with people and puppets, featuring off-beat misfits and we want you to play yourself."I imagine that might hurt someone's ego and feelings. Ya think?

Theres always three sides to every story. One side. The other side. Then there is the truth. I am sure only a few know the whole truth.

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Updated On: 5/30/10 at 10:18 PM