Shannon Price became a household name through her marriage to beloved child star Gary Coleman, but her own story began long before she met the “Diff’rent Strokes” actor. Born on August 28, 1985, in Van Nuys, California, Price grew up in the heart of the entertainment industry with aspirations of making her mark in Hollywood. Here are five key facts about the woman who captured the attention of one of television’s most recognizable stars.
1. She Started as an Aspiring Actress in California
Shannon Price was born and raised in Van Nuys, a suburb of Los Angeles, where she developed an early interest in the performing arts. Her early career included minor appearances in television dramas and independent films, which provided valuable experience and exposure in the industry. While these roles didn’t bring widespread recognition, she continued seeking opportunities to showcase her talent and took on various types of projects.
2. A Meeting on a Movie Set Leads to a Whirlwind Romance
Price’s life changed dramatically when she met Gary Coleman on the set of the movie “Church Ball” around 2005-2006. Coleman, who had achieved fame as a child actor on “Diff’rent Strokes,” was 37 years old when he met the 22-year-old Price. Despite their 15-year age difference, the two developed a strong connection that would quickly evolve into a serious relationship.
The romance moved at a quick pace, with Price reportedly proposing to Coleman within just five months of meeting him. Their relationship’s intensity and speed became a topic of public fascination, setting the stage for their eventual marriage and the media attention that would follow.
3. They Had a Secret Hilltop Wedding in Nevada
In 2007, Shannon Price and Gary Coleman exchanged vows in a private ceremony at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. The wedding took place on a hilltop, creating a romantic and intimate setting for their union. Coleman himself described the exclusive nature of their ceremony, noting that “Nobody was around but the minister, preacher, the videographers, the photographer, the helicopter pilot, and us.”
However, the couple’s happiness would be short-lived, as their marriage would face numerous challenges that would eventually play out in the public eye.
4. Their Marriage Faced Public Scrutiny and Challenges
The couple’s relationship became increasingly strained, leading them to appear on the reality show “Divorce Court” in 2008 in an attempt to work through their marital problems publicly. During their appearance, they discussed issues including emotional neglect and financial disagreements. The show provided a platform for them to air their grievances and seek a resolution for their troubled marriage.
Despite their efforts to reconcile, Coleman filed for divorce in August 2008, just 16 days after Price’s 23rd birthday. The divorce proceedings attracted significant media attention, with their personal struggles becoming tabloid fodder. The marriage had lasted approximately one year, marking a difficult period for both individuals.
5. She Maintained a Low Profile After Hollywood
Following her divorce from Coleman and the subsequent events that kept her in the public eye, Shannon Price made a conscious decision to step away from the spotlight. Price has largely kept a low profile in recent years, though her profile has recently risen due to scandals related to her prior marriage to Coleman.
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