Todd Bridges Biography
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"What you talking 'bout, Willis" is what actor Todd Bridges will be hearing for the rest of his life. Todd was born on May 27, 1965, in San Francisco, Calif., and was the first black child actor to have recurring roles on "The Waltons" and "Little House On The Prairie." He also had guest roles on the television shows "Fish," "The Jeffersons," "Good Times," "All In The Family" and "The Facts Of Life." But he is known worldwide as Willis Jackson on the popular TV sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" from 1978-1986. After "Diff'rent Strokes," he began to experience unstable times, which led to drug addiction and trouble with the law, and put his career on hold for nearly 10 years. Todd's more recent works consist of "Treasure n Tha Hood," " Death Row" and "San Franpycho," but to many fans he'll always be Willis.
Actor Todd Bridges is probably best known as big brother Willis on the classic '80s sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. He was only 13 years old when he was cast in the series in 1978, though he had already cut his teeth in the world of television on shows like Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons. Even before that, Bridges had scored gigs in commercials, and his family had relocated from San Francisco to L.A. to support his young career when he was just six. He stayed with Diff'rent Strokes until 1986, when the series ended, and like a lot of child stars, Bridges had a hard time transitioning into the world of adult acting. He began to struggle with drug problems and trouble with the law, and the struggles forced the actor to move his career to the back burner as he battled to become free of addiction.
With time and work, however, Bridges did surmount his problems and emerged ready to take on the world of acting again. He began a production company with his brother, Little Bridge Productions, and began working behind the camera too, directing 2003's Blackball. Additionally, Bridges has toured the country, speaking at schools on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
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