7. Gary Coleman

Gary was an American actor, best known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson in the American sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” which aired from 1978 to 1986, and for his small stature as an adult.

In the 1980s he was actually described as “one of television’s most promising stars”.

After a successful childhood acting career, Coleman struggled financially later in life. In 1989, he successfully sued his parents and business advisor over misappropriation of his assets, only to declare bankruptcy a decade later. So, what really happened?

Gary had to file for bankruptcy in 1999 after his parents and manager spent the majority of his money. Coleman had accumulated over $8 million in trust funds during his career as a young actor, but eventually discovered he had just $200,000 in cash to his own name.

Coleman’s medical issues did not help his financial situation either. He even tried to commit suicide twice, by overdosing on pills and he eventually died in 2010 after many years of financial difficulties.

Gary’s story is somewhat different from the rest of the infamous bunch. He made most of his money as a young person and he relied on his parents to take good care of him. It is risky to not be involved in managing your own finances. And as Coleman came of age, he could have and should have talked to financial advisors outside his immediate circle, even though it is quite hard to imagine being deceived by your own blood.