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Coleman's iconic catchphrase, “What’choo talkin’ 'bout, Willis?” was originally scripted differently. Coleman’s delivery turned it into a memorable line that would echo through pop culture. Despite the catchphrase's initial charm, Coleman would later grow weary of it, indicating the pressures of his fame and the challenge of typecasting that often accompanies childhood stars.
Tackling Serious Issues
Long before Diff'rent Strokes initiated the trend of “very special episodes,” it tackled sensitive subjects openly. One notable storyline involved child molestation, a topic that, while controversial, garnered attention and set a precedent for sitcoms to address significant social issues in the years to come.