'Gary Coleman was exploited by 'greedy individuals,' claims Todd Bridges of 'Diff'rent Strokes.'

Gary Coleman could have been spared from the challenges of child stardom if he wasn't obligated to be a financial provider.

According to Coleman's "Diff'rent Strokes" co-star, when people become greedy, they often prioritize taking money and stealing things, resulting in financial losses for others.

"The only change in my life is that I survived. I'm still alive and carrying on with my daily routine. … Unfortunately, Dana Plato and Gary are no longer with us. … In Gary's case, I believe he was surrounded by the wrong individuals."

Gary Coleman, the late actor who starred in the popular '70s sitcom, is the focus of a new documentary on Peacock titled "Gary." The documentary explores his journey to fame, the challenges he faced while living in the public eye, and the events leading up to his death at the age of 42.

The documentary includes new interviews with Bridges, former managers, Coleman's estranged parents, and his ex-wife, Shannon Price.

"That’s what happens when people get greedy. They tend to just take money … and steal things. We all lost some money to some people." — Todd Bridges

"Bridges, 59, emphasized the importance of speaking out about Gary Coleman, stating, "People need to know who he really was. He was a good kid. People need to know that.""

In 1978, "Diff'rent Strokes" premiered on NBC and gained popularity due to the humor provided by Coleman, who was just 10 years old at the time and had exceptional comic timing.

Arnold Jackson, the younger of two African American brothers, was adopted by a wealthy White man and played by Coleman. The show tackled race and class relations alongside typical growing-up challenges. Coleman's iconic catchphrase, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout?", would become synonymous with him for the rest of his life.

Gary was a really smart kid when I first met him, Bridges recalled. I didn't know what to think, but I enjoyed being around him. He grew up around adults, so it was a lot different for him. I, on the other hand, grew up around other kids.

"Bridges recounted the memory of when Gary and Dana were with him, and they were playing jump rope. Gary attempted to jump the rope, but he failed and fell. Everyone, including Gary, started laughing."

The documentary revealed that Bridges claimed Coleman was pressured by his father to continue working despite being ill.

"I was unhappy to see that," Bridges stated. "I knew he was ill and should have had the chance to rest during the season's end. Seasons today are different from those in the past."

Despite his small stature, Coleman's child star charm was endearing. However, his height was a result of a serious health issue, kidney failure, which led to him receiving his first of at least two transplants at the age of five and requiring dialysis. Even as an adult, his height only reached 4 feet, 8 inches.

"Bridges stated, "Today you perform eight shows, but that's not what it was like for us. He did it for nine months straight, even when he was sick, and started doing movies and other things. Parents should not do that.""

Sue and Willie Coleman, Coleman's parents, rejected the claims made in the documentary.

In his lifetime, Coleman felt used and sued his parents and former manager in 1989, accusing them of misappropriating his trust fund, as reported by The New York Times.

In that year, Sue made a court application to take charge of her son's $6 million inheritance, asserting that the 21-year-old was unable to manage his own affairs. According to Coleman, the action was a result of Sue's disappointment over not being able to control my life.

In 1999, Coleman filed for bankruptcy protection, the outlet noted.

According to the Associated Press, at the time of his death, Sue stated that she desired reconciliation and had been patiently waiting for her son to be prepared.

Despite being the highest-paid child actor on TV in the '70s and '80s, Coleman faced legal, financial, and health issues as an adult. He continued to appear on TV and take on small roles, but his fame faded. He even worked as a security guard at one point.

The "curse" of "Diff’rent Strokes" wouldn't only affect Coleman.

In 1989, Bridges was found not guilty of attempting to murder a drug dealer. At the time of the trial, the 24-year-old testified that he suffered from depression and turned to drugs after the cancellation of "Diff'rent Strokes." In his 2010 memoir, Bridges revealed that he was molested by a publicist and family friend when he was just 11 years old.

In 1991, Plato, who portrayed the boys' teenage sister in White, pleaded guilty to a robbery charge. Tragically, she passed away in 1999 due to an overdose of painkillers and muscle relaxants. The medical examiner's office determined her death at the age of 34 as a suicide.

I was 24, 25 when I realized I needed help," Bridges said of his addiction. "Gary didn't want to talk to me at first when I was getting into trouble, but when he started struggling, I reached out to him. He asked why I wanted to talk to him, and I told him, 'Because you're my brother. It happens. You'll get out of it.'

"And Dana, she was such a light," he added. "She was such a spark. I was really sad when that happened to her."

The documentary "Diff’rent Strokes" revealed that bets were being placed on which of the three child stars would die first. Bridges stated that he aimed to prove his critics "all wrong."

In 2005, Coleman relocated to Utah in an attempt to revive his career, but he was hindered by ongoing legal disputes.

In September 2008, a dispute with a fan at a Utah bowling alley resulted in Coleman pleading no contest to disorderly conduct. The lawsuit was settled out of court.

In 2010, Coleman's wife, whom he met on the set of "Church Ball" and married in 2007, was involved in more than 20 disputes with officers.

In 2010, Coleman suffered a brain hemorrhage after a fall. According to the documentary, two days after the accident, he was taken off life support.

Over 31 years sober, Bridges founded the Society of Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment to assist other addicts. Additionally, he will voice a character in the upcoming animated series "Everybody Still Hates Chris."

He credited his Christian faith for keeping him grounded in Hollywood.

He stated, "When I encounter difficulties, I turn to God, and my life transforms. I have faith in Him. People inquire about my beliefs. I respond by sharing my experiences where I felt His presence in my life."

Looking back, Bridges said many lessons were learned.

"For every child actor who goes wrong, I can name 10 who haven't," he said. "It's not child actors who are the problem, but certain people. We must be cautious of predators who are lurking and waiting."

The Associated Press contributed to the report that Gary premieres on Aug. 29.