Actor Todd Bridges was shocked to discover he had "died" - and spent yesterday reassuring friends and family he was alive. The 41-year-old Everybody Hates Chris star found himself the subject of a death scare when his name was confused with Shawn Bridges, a former drug-addicted truck driver who recently died after a long illness.

But the star insists he is alive and well - despite making "breaking news" on a gossip website after "dying" of a drug-related ailment.

He tells US magazine People, "There were all these calls about it, and for a half an hour no one could reach me.

"I was in (electronics store) Fry's shopping and I had my cell phone on silent. I am just glad that my kid never heard it."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)