According to a hospital statement Former child star Gary Coleman has died aged 42 following a brain hemorrhage.

The diminutive Coleman starred in the hit TV series "Different Strokes" from 1978 to 1986 as a plucky Harlem eight-year-old adopted by a wealthy white family.

The hospital further said that he died early Friday at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Centre in Provo, Utah, when he had been in a coma. He reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage after falling and hitting his head at his nearby home Wednesday night.

A hospital statement said, "Family members and close friends were at his side when life support was terminated. Family members express their appreciation and gratitude for the support and prayers that have been expressed for Gary and for them."

Born in Zion, Illinois in February 1968, Coleman had been inflicted with health problems throughout his life. A rare kidney defect meant that he never grew more than 1.42 metres and forced him to undergo two kidney transplants before the age of 14.

According to the reports, he is estimated to have earned more than $18 million from his showbiz career, but his profligate spending ways left him bankrupt by 1999. (With Inputs from Agencies)