Arnold Jackson was portrayed by Gary Coleman. He was the younger brother of Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges), and was born in Harlem, New York City on July 19, 1971. Arnold is a "precocious moppet," who was practically known for his catch phrase, "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?", which became a part of popular culture and in 2006 was included in TV Land's "The 100 Greatest TV Quotes and Catch Phrases" special.
Arnold's father died in 1975, and his mother died in 1977. His mother worked as a housekeeper for a wealthy white widower, named Philip Drummond (Conrad Bain). Before her death, his mother expressed her wish for her two boys to be cared for by Mr. Drummond. He agreed, and in 1979, he officially adopted Willis and Arnold.[2]
Arnold is the main character in the series. In many episodes, he is shown as being a selfish younger brother, or coming up with or being suckered into some scheme to keep out of trouble or obtain his desire of the episode. When the boys first move in with Mr. Drummond, Willis wants to move back to Harlem, while Arnold is satisfied with their new surroundings. Willis eventually changes his mind, and they decide to stay with "Mr. D.," as the boys initially refer to him.[3]
In another episode, Arnold has to fight a school bully named "The Gooch," so that he will not pick on him anymore. However, Mr. Drummond does not want Arnold fighting the bully, and ultimately decides that Arnold must make peace with "The Gooch." Arnold, however, listens to his brother, Willis, who tells him to fight back. This ended with Arnold getting a black eye, and both boys getting in trouble.
Arnold's best friend is Dudley Johnson (played by TV actor Shavar Ross), who, like Arnold, was adopted. Dudley appears in many episodes, and both are involved in various schemes throughout the series. Steven Mond played Robbie Jayson, Arnold's other best friend, who once pressured him to try drugs. In one episode, Arnold has to have an appendectomy, but is too scared to see the doctor.
Arnold, along with Phillip Drummond, made a cameo in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series finale, as potential buyers of the Banks' mansion
On The Facts of Life, Arnold appears in Rough Housing and in The New Girl: Part 1.
