Gary Coleman, the diminutive child star of the 1970s hit television show "Diff'rent Strokes" died Friday at the age of 42 after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

Coleman was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after he suffered an intracranial hemorrhage, which is bleeding inside the skull, at his Utah home.

He was conscious until his condition worsened around midday on Thursday, his family said in a statement, and was then placed on life support.

His wife, Shannon, made the decision to pull life support early Friday morning, TMZ.com reported. A spokesperson for Utah Valley Regional Medical Center said Coleman died at 12:05 p.m. local time.

Friends and family members were by his side when he died, according to the hospital.

Coleman was best known for the childhood role in "Diff'rent Strokes," which aired for several seasons beginning in 1978, and rocketed him to fame at age 10.

He played one of two African-American siblings who were adopted by an affluent white man. His character's catch phrase, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout?" became one of the most memorable on television.

Coleman had health issues throughout his life. A congenital disorder kept him from growing taller than 4'8 and he suffered a seizure earlier this year.

By the age of 14, he had already received two kidney transplants. He had heart surgery last year.

Like many child stars, he struggled both personally and professionally as an adult.

During a 1993 television interview, Coleman said he had attempted suicide twice. And last year, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour criminal mischief charge related to a domestic violence incident at his home.

Coleman also had a number of financial and legal problems, which his family acknowledged in a statement.

He had "difficulties not only with health issues, but also with his personal and public life," the statement said.

"At times it may not have been apparent, but he always had fond memories of being an entertainer and appreciates his fans for all their support over the years," the family said.

Coleman also ran in California's 2003 gubernatorial election, finishing in eighth position with 12,488 votes, or 0.2 per cent of ballots cast. Arnold Schwarzenegger won the race.

According to People Magazine, Coleman had amassed and lost an $18-million fortune over his career.

He met his wife, Shannon Price, on a 2005 movie set in Utah and they were married in 2007.

They did not have any children.