Who is Dion Mial? Everything to know about Gary Coleman's former manager

Dion Mial is a name strongly connected to the life of Gary Coleman, the child star most known for his part in Diff'rent Strokes. Mial, former manager and lifetime friend of Coleman, was instrumental in the actor's stormy life.

From negotiating the difficulties of a fading Hollywood career to managing Coleman's failing health and legal disputes, Mial was there through it all.

The new Peacock documentary Gary delves deeply into the ups and downs of Coleman's journey. Mial's involvement in Coleman's life has been brought to light in the new Peacock documentary, Gary, streaming from August 29, 2024.

According to the documentary, Dion Mial was a confidant who saw the harsh reality of fame and its consequences. Dion guided Coleman through the change from a cherished child actor to battling the hard facts of adult life as his career slumped.

Particularly in the years when the actor encountered many personal and professional difficulties including health problems and legal conflicts, Dion Mial's influence in Coleman's life was vital.

Gary explores Mial's role in helping Gary Coleman find work and purpose. Coleman relied on Gary for support and advice as he struggled with his fame and reality.

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Dion Mial has been there throughout the rise and fall in Gary Coleman's career

Dion had been a witness to Gary Coleman's early success. Coleman became famous after Norman Lear discovered him due to his wit and charm. The success that propelled Coleman into the spotlight also set the stage for his later challenges.

Despite Dion's efforts, Coleman's career nosedived as he struggled to shed his child-star image. Even as Coleman struggled with health and legal issues, Mial supported him.

One of Coleman's most significant moments turned out to be his decision to become a security guard. His childhood dream of becoming a cop was fulfilled to some extent.

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The legal and financial struggles

Mial was also been there to help Coleman navigate the complex legal and financial issues that arose later in his life. As Coleman grew older, he became estranged from his parents and business team after discovering that his finances were being mismanaged.

Dion was there to help Gary Coleman regain control of his finances, a process that was fraught with challenges and ultimately led to further estrangement from his family.

The documentary covers Coleman's mistrust of those who managed his career and finances, with Dion Mial becoming one of his few confidants during this turbulent time. Coleman relied on Mial throughout his financial and legal struggles.

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Gary Coleman’s final days

Dion Mial was an important part of Gary Coleman's final years. Coleman's troubled relationship with Shannon Price and his death suspicions are revealed in the documentary.

Mial was one of many who questioned Coleman's death, particularly the decision to take him off life support two days after his fall. Other Coleman friends shared Mial's concerns that the actor's death was surrounded by unanswered questions.

As stated to People by Gray (who worked previously as Gary's manager),

“Gary had an advanced healthcare directive where he stated he wanted at least two weeks of care before any plugs were pulled, so I don't understand why anyone would pull the plug two days later, not two weeks later,”

Coleman died after a life of triumph and tragedy, but Mial was there till the end.

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Dion Mial’s Friendship with Gary Coleman

With Mial standing by Gary Coleman through the highs and lows, the documentary Gary presents a picture of the life Gary Coleman led.

Dion Mial's efforts to enable Coleman to keep his dignity and find purpose in a life overshadowed by early fame and later challenges showed his loyalty to the actor.

Ultimately, Dion Mial was a real friend—someone who stayed by Gary Coleman's side through the good times and the bad, providing constant support even if the world seemed to be turning away from the former child star.

Dion had a close relationship with Gary Coleman based on great loyalty and relentless support. As shown in Gary, Dion was a friend who supported Coleman through some of the most difficult times of his life and not only as a manager.

From guiding Coleman through the demands of celebrity and financial difficulties to casting doubt on the circumstances surrounding his death, Mial's influence in Coleman's life was notable.

The documentary provides a window into the life of a man who stayed dedicated to helping his friend until the very last despite personal hardships.