• Todd Bridges is an American actor best known for his role in the TV sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" in the 1970s and ‘80s.
• He was born in 1965 in San Francisco to talent agent James Bridges Sr. and actress and director Betty Alice Pryor.
• His acting career began at the age of eight with an episode of "The Young and the Restless" TV series.
• In 1977 he was cast for the recurring role of Loomis in the ABC TV series "Fish" and in 1978 he landed one of the main roles in the TV sitcom series "Diff'rent Strokes".
• His net worth is estimated to be around $250,000 as of mid-2020.



Known for movies

Short Info

Net Worth$30 thousand
Date Of BirthMay 27, 1965
SpouseDori Bridges
FactWith Conrad Bain's death on January 14, 2013, Bridges and Charlotte Rae are the only surviving members from the original cast of Diff'rent Strokes (1978).


Who is Todd Bridges?

Todd Bridges is an American actor, who is perhaps still best known for starring in the role of Willis Jackson in the TV sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes” in the 1970s and ‘80s. Additionally, he is widely recognized for memorable appearances in TV series such as “Fish” and “Everybody Hates Chris” as well as in movies including “Frankie D” (2007), “The Jerk Theory” (2009) and “That’s My Boy” (2012).

Early Life

Todd Anthony Bridges was born under the zodiac sign of Gemini on the 27th May 1965, in San Francisco, California, to talent agent James Bridges Sr. and actress and director Betty Alice Pryor.

He has two older siblings, a brother Jimmy Bridges and a sister Verda Bridges, who are both actors as well.

Acting Career

Todd’s interest in acting appeared at his age of six, when he was an avid watcher of the “Sanford and Son” TV series. His acting career began two years later, when in 1973 at the age of only eight, he made an on-screen debut in an episode of “The Young and the Restless” TV series. In the course of the next couple of years, he honed his skills through a streak of small screen appearances in TV series “Police Story” and “Little House of the Prairie”, as well as in the Primetime Emmy-nominated TV movies such as “Katherine”, “A Circle of Children” and “A Killing Affair”.

To greater prominence young Todd Bridges came in 1977, when he was cast for the recurring role of Loomis in the ABC TV’s series “Fish”.

The real breakthrough in Todd’s acting career occurred in 1978 at just 13 years of age, when he landed one of the main roles in the TV sitcom series “Diff’rent Strokes”. As Willis Jackson he starred in over 170 episodes of the show, through its eight seasons-long run, before it was called-off in 1986. For his performance, Bridges was honored with two nominations for the Young Artist Award in 1983 and 1984, as well as with two nominations for the TV Land Award. Additionally, the sitcom produced a popular catchphrase ‘What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?’, often spoken by his co-star Gary Coleman.

Happy 50th Birthday to Diff'rent Strokes actor Todd Bridges! #BirthdayShoutout

Posted by 106.7 WTLC on 2015 m. gegužės 27 d., trečiadienis

During the late 1970s, he made several notable guest-star appearances in TV series such as “Hello, Larry”, “CHiPs” and “The Facts of Life”. In 1988 he appeared in the horror thriller movie “Twice Dead”, which was followed by the comedy film “She’s Out of Control” in 1989. After appearing in the 1992 critically booed drama movie “The Sounds of Silence”, Bridges was cast for the main role in the action film “Homeboys”. In 1996 he starred in the TV drama movie “Circle of Pain”, while in 1997 he appeared in movies “The Girl Gets Moe” and “Hoover Park”. By the end of the 1990s, he had also appeared in action drama movies “The Waterfront” and “Flat Out”, as well as in the biographical drama film about himself and his own ‘rise, fall and rise‘ entitled “Building Bridges”.

In the early 2000s, Todd Bridges added several big screen appearances to his professional portfolio, including leading roles in “Wrong Way to Sundance”, “The Climb”, “Baby of the Family” and “Land of the Free?”, as well as his directorial debut – the 2001 drama movie “Flossin”. In 2006 he starred in the action movie “Last Call” after which he was cast for the title role in the drama film “Frankie D”, for which he was rewarded with the Best Actor accolade at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in 2008.

Between 2007 and 2009 he portrayed the recurring role of Monk in the Golden Globe-nominated sitcom series “Everybody Hates Chris”.

Todd Bridges

He then appeared in a streak of supporting roles in movies such as “The Apparition of Roxanne”, “King of the Underground” and “That’s My Boy”. In 2012 he appeared in the drama movie “Turning Point”, while in 2014 Todd starred in the comedy horror film “College Fright Night”. In 2016 he guest appeared in “Dependent’s Day”, after which he appeared in movies “Chasing Gold” and “Nightblade”.

Between 2016 and 2020 Bridges occasionally appeared in the role of Dante Lewis in the TV drama series “Sangre Negra”, while some of his most recent on-screen appearances include movies such as “Justice on Trial: The Movie 20/20” and “I Got Five on it 3”.

In addition to his acting career, Todd Bridges has also appeared in several music videos including Moby’s “We Are All Made of Stars” and The Black Keys’ “Howlin’ for You”. In 2008 he was a contestant in the TV reality show “Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling” – as a member of the Team Beefcake, he wrestled under the moniker ‘Mr. Not So Perfect’, and made it to the finals where he was beaten by basketballer Dennis Rodman.

Personal Life

When it comes to his private life, between 1989 and 1991 Todd was married to Rebbeca, while since May 1998 he has been married to Dori Bridges with whom he’s welcomed a son named Spencir.

From one of his previous relationships, he also has a daughter named Bo J. Rushing.

At the age of 15, Todd began smoking marijuana, and over the years developed a crack and methamphetamine addiction. In order to support these habits, during his 20s he began dealing drugs, and was eventually imprisoned for cocaine possession and felony assault. In 1989 he was detained for alleged attempted murder, but was found not guilty. In late 1992 he was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm and for transporting narcotics, after the Burbank Police Department found a gun and methamphetamines in his car. Eventually he was released on a $10,000 bail.

In 2008, Todd Bridges published a book entitled “Killing Willis: From Diff’rent Strokes to the Mean Streets to the Life I Always Wanted” – his memoirs in which he wrote about his childhood, criminal actions and drug addiction, as well as an attempt to distance himself from his character of Willis Jackson.

Net Worth

Speaking of Todd Bridges’ wealth as of mid-2020, authoritative sources have estimated that his net worth revolves around the sum of $250,000 which has been acquired through his acting career since 1973. No doubt it would be somewhat higher, except for his brushes with the law.

General Info

Full NameTodd Bridges
Net Worth$30 thousand
Date Of BirthMay 27, 1965
Height1.8 m
ProfessionComedian, Film producer, Film director, Actor
NationalityAmerican

Family

SpouseDori Bridges
ChildrenSpencir Bridges, Bo J. Rushing
ParentsBetty A. Bridges, James Bridges Sr.
SiblingsJimmy Bridges, Verda Bridges

Accomplishments

AwardsTV Land Anniversary Award
NominationsNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, TV Land Quintessential Non-Traditional Family Award
MoviesI Got Five on It Too, High School U.S.A., See Dick Run, The Climb, Alien Express, Dependent's Day, Curse of the Maya, Big Money Rustlas, The Jerk Theory, Treasure n tha Hood, Love to Kill, Dumb Luck, King of the Underground, Flossin, Turning Point, Dawn of the Living Dead, San Franpsycho, Busted, Th...
TV ShowstruTV Presents: World's Dumbest..., Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling, Skating with Celebrities, Diff'rent Strokes, Fish, 100 Greatest Kid Stars

Social profile links

Quotes

#Quote
1The best advice I've ever received or given, in or out of the entertainment business, is as follows: "Stick with God."

Facts

#Fact
1Fought and won against former rapper, Vanilla Ice, in a celebrity boxing match on FOX-TV. [March 2002]
2Acting mentor was Conrad Bain.
3With Conrad Bain's death on January 14, 2013, Bridges and Charlotte Rae are the only surviving members from the original cast of Diff'rent Strokes (1978).
4Has a daughter named Bo J Rushing.
5Uncle of Penny Bae Bridges, Brooke Marie Bridges, and Rachel Bridges.
6Ranked #40 in VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Kid Stars"
7Was a contestant on The Weakest Link (2001). His second question was to name the man that married Courteney Cox. As a joke for not knowing the answer, Bridges guessed Gary Coleman. As a result, he was voted the very first weakest link.
8Rescues woman whose wheelchair tipped over while fishing. [April 2001]
9Ex-brother-in-law of Barbara Bridges.
10Son of Betty A. Bridges
11Younger brother of Jimmy Bridges and Verda Bridges.
12Arrested after alledgedly ramming an associate's car with his own after an argument. [January 1997]
13Father, with Dori Bridges (nee Dori Smith), of son Spencir Bridges (b. 1998).

Pictures

Movies

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Ghost Dog: A Detective Tail2003TV MoviePower Plant Guard
Pauly Shore Is Dead2003Todd Bridges
Baby of the Family2002Ted
Pacino Is Missing2002Harrison Dodge
Scream at the Sound of the Beep2002Lamar
Welcome to America2002Easy T
The Rerun Show2002TV SeriesT.J. Davis
Diamonds from the Bantus2002
The Climb2002Eddie
The Beach House2002Todd
Wrong Way to Sundance2001Todd Bridges
Son of the Beach2001TV SeriesTodd Bridges
Inhumanity2001Video
Flossin2001Terry
The Thief & the Stripper2000Burn
The Darkling2000TV MovieBaron
After Diff'rent Strokes: When the Laughter Stopped2000TV MovieCrack Dealer
Building Bridges2000Todd Bridges (1990)
Flat Out1999Dr. Acosta
The Waterfront1998
A Day in the Life of Mia1997Richard
A Devil Disguised1997ShortThomas
Hoover Park1997
The Girl Gets Moe1997Dr. Glick
L.A. Heat1997TV SeriesTrevor
Busted1997VideoBilly
Circle of Pain1996TV Movie
Gangstaz1996Tyrone
Homeboys1992Johnny Davis
The Sounds of Silence1992Joe Goodman
The Ben Stiller Show1992TV SeriesTodd Bridges
The New Lassie1991TV SeriesDeputy Kirby
She's Out of Control1989Water Man
Twice Dead1988Petie
Diff'rent Strokes1978-1986TV SeriesWillis Jackson
High School U.S.A.1983TV MovieOtto Lipton
Here's Boomer1980-1981TV SeriesTurk / Benny
The Facts of Life1979-1981TV SeriesWillis Jackson
Hello, Larry1979TV SeriesWillis Jackson
CHiPs1979TV SeriesTodd Bridges
The Return of Mod Squad1979TV MovieJason Hayes
The Waltons1977-1978TV SeriesJosh Foster Josh
The Love Boat1978TV SeriesMichael Jr.
Fish1977-1978TV SeriesLoomis
A Killing Affair1977TV MovieTodd York
A Circle of Children1977TV MovieTodd
Little House on the Prairie1977TV SeriesSolomon Henry
Roots1977TV Mini-SeriesBud Harvey
Police Story1976TV SeriesLittle Walter
Katherine1975TV MovieRobert
The Orphan and the Dude1975TV MovieLeonard Brown
Barney Miller1975TV SeriesTruman Jackson
The Young and the Restless1973TV SeriesJuice #2 (2002)
Nat Turner: Story of A Prophet2017pre-productionJack Waller
The Deaf Kid2017announcedHarold
Hospital Arrest2016post-productionProsecutor Denuyl
Bar Chroniclespost-productionThe Customer
The White Sistaspost-productionBishop Wilkins
Renaissance Man2016Todd
Nightblade2016Detective Francesco
2064: Read Only Memories2016Video GameHayden Webber
Precious Mettle2016Sam
Dependent's Day2016Hank Wright
Roommates on Elm Street2015TV SeriesThe Landlord
Dead Ringer2015Detective Billington
Hotel P2014TV SeriesBryce
College Fright Night2014
Tesla Effect2014Video GameMantus
Monsters on Main Street2014Larry Goleman
Turning Point2012/IMarvin
World's Dumbest2012TV Series
That's My Boy2012Todd Bridges
King of the Underground2011Todd
The Black Keys: Howlin' for You2011Video shortLeeroy (as Sir Todd Bridges)
Do Me a Solid2010ShortMaurice
The Apparition of Roxanne2010Officer Johnston
Big Money Rustlas2010Scruffy Scrub #3
The Jerk Theory2009Waiter (uncredited)
Everybody Hates Chris2007-2009TV SeriesMonk
I Got Five on It Too2009Jimmy
See Dick Run2009ATM
Darkroom2008Charles the Barkeep
Frankie D2007Frankie D
Foster Babies2007VideoWillie Sr.
Big Ball'n2007VideoKevin Phillips
Death Row2007VideoMark Violet
San Franpsycho2006VideoOfficer Eckersley
Last Call2006/IVideoWilliam
The Damned2006VideoRick
Issues2005Carson
I Got Five on It2005VideoJimmy
Alien Express2005TV MoviePeter
Treasure n tha Hood2005Henry Nails
Jane Doe: Now You See It, Now You Don't2005TV MovieThe Man
Evil Grave: Curse of the Maya2004Ruben Herardo
Land of the Free?2004Alex
May Day2003Video
Black Ball2003Billy
Dumb Luck2003Lincoln

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Frankie D2007producer
Foster Babies2007Video producer
Big Ball'n2007Video producer
Black Ball2003producer
Flossin2001producer
Building Bridges2000producer

Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Foster Babies2007Video co-director
Black Ball2003
Flossin2001as The Bridges Brothers
Building Bridges2000

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Building Bridges2000

Cinematographer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
A Devil Disguised1997Short

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star2003"Child Stars on Your Television"

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
TSI: Hollywood2013Short special thanks
The Surreal Life2004TV Series special thanks - 1 episode

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Dr. Oz Show2016TV SeriesHimself
Coming To The Stage2016TV SeriesHimself (segment "mr. microphone")
Home & Family2016TV SeriesHimself
Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You2016DocumentaryHimself
One on One with Jasper Cole2015TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Jack and Triumph Show2015TV SeriesHimself
The Insider2014TV SeriesHimself
Exhale2013TV SeriesHimself
Oprah: Where Are They Now?2013TV SeriesHimself
Access Hollywood Live2013TV SeriesHimself
Marie2013TV Series documentary
TSI: Hollywood2013ShortHimself
World's Dumbest2008-2013TV SeriesHimself
Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin2012TV SeriesHimself - Panelist
The Tragic Side of Fame2011TV MovieHimself
50 Greatest Wedding Shockers2011TV Movie documentaryHimself
Are We There Yet?2011TV SeriesHimself
Way Black When: Primetime2011TV SeriesHimself
Totally Tracked Down2010TV SeriesHimself
The Mo'Nique Show2010TV SeriesHimself - Guest
BET Awards 20102010TV SpecialHimself
Entertainment Tonight2007-2010TV SeriesHimself
The Oprah Winfrey Show2010TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The 8th Annual TV Land Awards2010TV SpecialHimself - Glee Club
The Wendy Williams Show2010TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Larry King Live2010TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Chaos to Harmony2010DocumentaryHimself
Gold Diggin': For Love of Money2008VideoHimself
Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling2008TV SeriesHimself
The Two Coreys2008TV SeriesHimself
50 Greatest Comedy Catchphrases2008TV Movie documentaryHimself
Psychopathic: The Videos2007VideoHimself (segment "Woo Woo Woo")
Decision House2007TV SeriesHimself
Jury Duty2007TV SeriesHimself (2007)
TV Land Confidential2005-2007TV Series documentaryHimself - Interviewee / Himself
50 Most Shocking Celebrity Scandals2007TV MovieHimself
The 5th Annual TV Land Awards2007TV SpecialHimself - Winner ("30th Anniversary")
1 vs. 1002007TV SeriesHimself / Himself - Mob
Fear Factor2006TV SeriesHimself - Contestant
Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Diff'rent Strokes'2006TV MovieHimself
Jimmy Kimmel Live!2006TV SeriesHimself - Guest
50 Shocking Celebrity Confessions2006TV Movie documentaryHimself
Skating with Celebrities2006TV SeriesHimself
The 100 Greatest TV Quotes & Catchphrases2006TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
The Young Turks2005TV SeriesHimself (2010)
The Child Star Jinx2005TV Movie documentaryHimself
Punk'd2005TV SeriesHimself
The Greatest2005TV Series documentaryHimself
Biography2005TV Series documentaryHimself
Breakin' vs. Krumpin'2005Video documentaryHimself - Host
BET Comedy Awards2004TV SpecialHimself
The Surreal Life2004TV SeriesHimself
Hollywood Squares2002-2003TV SeriesHimself / Himself - Panelist
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star2003Himself
I Love the '70s2003TV Series documentaryHimself
Banzai2003TV SeriesHimself
TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV2003TV Special documentaryHimself
VH-1 Where Are They Now?2002TV Series documentaryHimself
Celebrity Boxing2002TV SpecialHimself
MADtv2001TV SeriesHimself
Oh Drama!2001TV SeriesHimself
Weakest Link2001TV SeriesHimself
I Love 1980's2001TV Series documentaryHimself
Child Stars: Their Story2000TV Movie documentaryHimself
Labor Day2000Himself
Entertainment Tonight Presents: TV's Greatest Scandals2000TV Movie documentaryHimself
Dancing in September2000Himself (uncredited)
TV Guide's Truth Behind the Sitcom Scandals 22000TV Movie documentaryHimself
E! True Hollywood Story1998TV Series documentaryHimself
The Beth Littleford Interview Special1998TV SpecialHimself
Vibe1997TV SeriesHimself
The Daily Show1997TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Word1994TV SeriesHimself
The Howard Stern Show1991TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Sally Jessy Raphael1991TV SeriesHimself
Body Language1985TV SeriesHimself
Battle of the Video Games1983TV MovieHimself - Red Team Member
Ebony/Jet Showcase1983TV SeriesHimself
Circus of the Stars #71982TV Special documentaryHimself - Trapeze Artist
The Regis Philbin Show1981TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The New Battlestars1981TV SeriesHimself
Circus of the Stars #61981TV SpecialHimself
The 33rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1981TV SpecialHimself - Presenter: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special & Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special
Good Evening, Captain1981TV SpecialHimself
Kids Are People, Too1981TV SeriesHimself
The Alan Thicke Show1981TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Third Annual Black Achievement Awards1980TV SpecialHimself
CHiPs1980TV SeriesHimself
Macy's 54th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade1980TV MovieHimself
The John Davidson Show1980TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Hollywood Squares1980TV SeriesHimself
The Mike Douglas Show1980TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Battle of the Network Stars VI1979TV SpecialHimself - NBC Team
Bicycle Safety1975DocumentaryHimself - Cyclist

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
An Open Secret2014/IDocumentaryHimself
Vanilla Ice Archive2012DocumentaryHimself
The O'Reilly Factor2008TV SeriesWillis Jackson
Video on Trial2006TV SeriesHimself
50 Cutest Child Stars: All Grown Up2005TV Movie documentaryHimself
Tupac: Resurrection2003Documentary

Awards

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2008Feature Film AwardNew York International Independent Film & Video FestivalBest ActorFrankie D (2007)
2007Anniversary AwardTV Land AwardsRoots (1977)

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2004TV Land AwardTV Land AwardsQuintessential Non-Traditional FamilyDiff'rent Strokes (1978)
2003TV Land AwardTV Land AwardsQuintessential Non-Traditional FamilyDiff'rent Strokes (1978)
1984Young Artist AwardYoung Artist AwardsBest Young Actor in a Comedy SeriesDiff'rent Strokes (1978)
1983Young Artist AwardYoung Artist AwardsBest Young Actor in a Comedy SeriesDiff'rent Strokes (1978)

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

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