Todd Bridges, Janet Jackson React To Gary Coleman's Death
May 29 2010, Published 12:55 p.m. ET
Todd Bridges, who played Gary Coleman's older brother, Willis, in Diff'rent Strokes, has paid tribute to his former co-star.
"It's unfortunate... it's a sad day," Bridges said, reacting to the news that Coleman died after a fall at his home put him in a coma.
"It's sad that I'm the last kid alive from the show."
Like Coleman, who battled health woes, financial difficulties and numerous run-ins with the law, Bridges has had his own demons.
He battled cocaine addiction and was acquitted of attempted murder in the late 1980s.
“I’m at a loss for words upon learning of Gary Coleman’s passing,” said Janet Jackson, who played Willis' girlfriend on the show.
“I want to remember him as the fun, playful, adorable and affectionate man he was.
“He has left a lasting legacy. I know he is finally at peace.”
Coleman had been hospitalized in Provo, Utah since Wednesday, May 26, after suffering what his family called "a serious medical problem."
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Coleman had slipped into a coma and was on life support after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage.
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He was pulled of life support Friday morning and later passed away. His wife Shannon Price and her father were at the hospital Friday.
Coleman was 42.
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