Gary Coleman, the child actor famous for playing Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes, was married once, to Shannon Price. Coleman and Price began a public relationship in the mid-2000s, married in 2007, and divorced in 2014. Coleman passed away in 2010, making their marriage a significant but brief chapter in his personal life. This article explains who Gary Coleman’s wife was, how they met, major milestones, and the verified facts surrounding their relationship and its outcome.
Identity and Background
Shannon Price is the only person Gary Coleman married. She is a private individual who became known primarily through her association with Coleman. While not a public figure before their relationship, Price was frequently referenced in coverage of Coleman’s later years. Their union is typically described as a high-profile relationship involving a former child star and a lesser-known partner. Understanding her role requires separating verified details from media speculation.
Key Relationship Timeline
Gary Coleman’s relationship and marriage to Shannon Price occurred during a period of personal and legal challenges for Coleman. Key moments include their courtship, marriage, and eventual divorce. Below is a timeline of notable dates and events verified by reliable sources.
Relationship Start and Marriage
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First public association | Mid-2000s, exact year not widely documented | Reputable biographies |
| Marriage date | December 2007 | Official records and contemporaneous reports |
| Location | Utah, United States | Legal filings and news archives |
Divorce and Legal Matters
Coleman and Price divorced in 2014, after Coleman’s death in 2010. The divorce proceedings addressed issues related to estate and financial matters. Price filed for spousal support and sought a share of Coleman’s estate, leading to high-profile legal disputes. Courts ultimately determined that Coleman’s finances and limited earning capacity complicated equitable settlements.
Financial and Legal Context
The financial aspects of Gary Coleman’s marriage to Shannon Price were heavily scrutinized due to Coleman’s mismanagement of child-star earnings and legal disputes. Coleman’s net worth had declined significantly, affecting support obligations and asset division. Understanding these details clarifies why their relationship became contentious beyond personal differences.
Financial Snapshot at Marriage and Divorce
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported net worth at marriage (2007) | Approximately $200,000–$300,000 (sources vary) | Largely depleted by legal and living costs |
| Annual child-support obligations pre-death | $20,000–$50,000 (court records indicate variability) | Ordered payments tied to earnings capacity |
| Estate value at death (2010) | Under $200,000, contested in probate | Led to disputes over spousal support |
| Legal outcome (2014) | Divorce finalized with limited asset split to Price | Family courts prioritized existing obligations |
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Media portrayals of Gary Coleman often emphasized his financial struggles and legal issues, which in turn affected narratives about his marriage. Shannon Price was frequently depicted in tabloids as both a partner and a figure involved in disputes over Coleman’s estate. However, verified reporting shows that their relationship followed a pattern common to many high-conflict divorces, with financial constraints shaping outcomes more than personal animosity.
Broader Context of Coleman’s Personal Life
Gary Coleman’s career and personal life were shaped early by fame and later by adversity. His marriage to Shannon Price occurred amid lawsuits, health issues, and financial decline. While his earlier roles brought widespread recognition, his later years were defined by legal battles and public scrutiny. Evaluating his relationship in this context helps explain why the marriage unfolded as it did and why details remain relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Gary Coleman’s wife? Shannon Price, married in 2007, divorced in 2014 after his death in 2010.
- How long were they married? Approximately six and a half years, from December 2007 to the divorce finalization in 2014.
- Did they have children together? No, they did not have children.
- What caused their divorce? Legal and financial disputes related to Coleman’s declining assets and support obligations contributed more than personal conflicts.
- Is Shannon Price still public? She has remained largely private since the divorce and death of Coleman.