On TV’s “Diff’rent Strokes,” Shavar Ross was Gary Coleman’s little best buddy.
Ross is 52 years young these days and coming to Saginaw. Whether fans recall the original shows or the reruns, they will have a chance to meet the former child star, now family man and philanthropist, who focuses on mental health concerns in his appearances.
For a free event from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Saginaw County CAC Hall, attendees will be greeted by the one-time “Dudley,” Arnold’s friend from the top-rated sit-com, which aired from 1978 to 1986.
Ross later was known as “Weasel,” hanging out with Urkel in Family Matters, and has compiled more than 100 film appearances. Lesser known is his adult success, much built on the other side of the camera.
Dr. Melvin C. McDowell Jr. will serve as interviewer and emcee for Ross, who is completing a four-day residency via Dow Visiting Scholar & Artist support through Saginaw Valley State University.
A profile describes Ross as “an American actor, film director, screenwriter, film producer, editor, photographer, author, online retail entrepreneur, and spiritual mentor and teacher.” A month ago on social media he shared a photo with Jacqueline, his bride of 30 years and mother to their two children.
Offhand, this would not seem to be the bio of someone with personal mental health history, but Shavar speaks stories from his upbringing as a child acting prodigy and eventual big-time star. One example is becoming a victim of a pedophile, and beyond that, during near the same time his Dudley character was central in a two-part Diff’rent Strokes portrayal, “The Bicycle Man,” which was groundbreaking at the time in 1983.
Earlier this week, in more private and personal settings, Ross and Dr. McDowell are encountering Saginawians in smaller groups at local shelters and homes for youths and runaways, among various locations. They will be joined along the way by SVSU social work students, among them future mental health therapists and clinicians.
McDowell is an assistant professor of social work in the SVSU masters program, and owner and clinical director at McDowell Healing Arts Center, serving Saginaw and Genesee counties.
He says, “We will tackle topics such as mental health, Shavar’s life and growing up being a child star, spirituality, entrepreneurship, and much more. We hope to empower, inspire and uplift our community.”
Admission on Saturday is free at the door at CAC, 2824 Perkins, but organizers are seeking attendance estimates for a pre-program buffet. To register, click here.
