Arnold Jackson (character)
historyArnold Jackson is a breakout character on the television series Diff'rent Strokes. He was portrayed by Gary Coleman.
Character Background
Arnold John Jackson is the younger brother of Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges), and was born in Harlem, New York City on October 19, 1971. Arnold is a "precocious moppet", who was practically known for his catch phrase, "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Willis?, which became a part of popular culture.
Arnold's father died in 1975, and his mother died in 1977. His mother worked as a housekeeper for a wealthy White widower, named Philip Drummond (Conrad Bain). Before her death, his mother expressed her wish for her 2 boys to be cared for by Mr. Drummond. He agreed, and in 1979, he officially adopted Willis and Arnold.
Arnold is the main character in the television series. In many episodes, he is shown as being a selfish younger brother, or coming up with or being suckered into some scheme to keep out of trouble or obtain his desire of the episode. When the boys first moved in with Mr. Drummond, Willis wanted to move back to Harlem, while Arnold was satisfied with their new surroundings. Willis eventually changed his mind, and they decided to stay with "Mr. D.", as the boys initially referred to him.[http://www.tv.com/diffrent-strokes/movin-in/episode/27102/summary.html?tag=ep_list;ep_title;0].
In another episode, Arnold has to fight a school bully named "The Gooch", so that he will not pick on him anymore. However, Mr. Drummond does not want Arnold fighting the bully, and ultimately decides that Arnold must make peace with "The Gooch". Arnold, however, listens to his brother, Willis, who tells him to fight back. This ended with Arnold getting a black eye, and both boys getting in trouble.
Arnold is best friends with Dudley Johnson-Ramsey (played by TV actor Shavar Ross), who -- like Arnold --was adopted. Dudley appeared in several episodes and both were involved in various schemes throughout the series. Steven Mond also played Robbie, Arnold's other best friend, who once pressured him to drugs. In one episode, Arnold had to have an appendicectomy but is too scared to see the doctor.