Mike Coppola/Getty Image
Gary Coleman is finally getting a memorial service -- two, in fact. But is this what the late actor would have wanted? The former child star, who died last month at the age of 42 after a head injury, wrote two separate wills: a 1999 document that gave instructions for his funeral service, and 2005 will that said he didn't want a funeral at all. Following the instructions in the more recent will, Coleman's lawyer declared on Wednesday that no funeral services would be held.
But on Thursday, a few of Coleman's friends announced their intention to hold a small memorial for the actor, while Coleman's agent announced his own plans to organize a large-scale farewell tribute.
Those involved in the friends-only gathering include actor Todd Bridges (Coleman's former costar, who played Willis on Diff'rent Strokes), ex-girlfriend and possible heir Anna Gray, and comedy producer/entrepreneuer Kent Emmons. "Anna and I are planning [a service] in a few months," Emmons told E! News on Thursday. In keeping with the instructions of Coleman's 1999 will, Emmons will not be inviting Coleman's estranged parents. And "under no circumstances," adds Emmons, will the memorial be attended by ex-wife Shannon Price, who is accused of trying to sell Coleman's deathbed photos to tabloids. The service will likely be held in California and include about two dozen people.
Meanwhile, Coleman's agent Victor Perillo is planning his more ambitious tribute for sometime in the next few weeks, hoping for remembrances by celebrities, industry hotshots -- maybe even a politician or two. "Gary was an international star loved by the world, heralded as one of the finest actors of our time," Perillo said in a statement. He should be honored by industry professionals, producers, executives, government officials, etc."
However, is any of this what Gary Coleman would have wanted? Probably not; based on the contents of both wills, it's pretty clear that Gary Coleman just wanted to go quietly, without a lot of press or fanfare. Unfortunately, the strange circumstances of his death have already made that an impossibility. And after all the salacious tabloid stories and fights over his estate, it might be nice for someone to honor Coleman's memory and career in a kind, heartfelt, dignified way. We just hope that the people planning memorials are really Coleman's friends, and not just interested in profiting from his memory. The line between those who loved Coleman and exploited him was always blurry -- and even after his death, it's hard to tell the two camps apart.
Do you think Gary Coleman's friends should hold memorial services? Chime in below!
Like This? Read These:
- Gary Coleman's Revised Will: No Funeral at All
- Gary Coleman's Cause of Death Revealed
- Did Gary Coleman Leave Everything to a Mystery Woman?
- Did Gary Coleman's 'Wife' Sell Photos of His Death?
- Gary Coleman's Funeral Canceled Due to Family Feud
