Todd Bridges

Photo of Todd Bridges

Biography

Like his best known character Willis Jackson, Todd Bridges experienced a real-life reversal of fortune. But instead of the classic rags-to-riches tale, Bridges' off-screen story took a sad turn, fueled by a drug addiction, abuse and the typical trappings of too-soon childhood stardom. Beginning in the late 1970s, the talented actor became a teen idol as Gary Coleman's older and street-smart brother on the hit comedy, "Diff'rent Strokes" (NBC, …
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Job Title

Actor, Consultants & Advisors

Born

May 27, 1965

Career Milestones

Amidst a tumultuous decade battling a drug addiction and run-ins with the law, Bridges appeared in a few low-budget films and made several small television appearances

Made guest appearances on "The Waltons," "Little House on the Prairie" and "Barnie Miller"

1972

Moved from San Franciso to Los Angeles with his family

1973

Made his TV devut starring with his entire family in a Jell-O commercial (date approximate)

1977

Cast as a regular on the "Barnie Miller" spin-off "Fish"

1977

Cast in the historical miniseries "Roots"

1978

Cast as Willis in hit series "Diff'rent Strokes"; series ran until 1986

1989

Charged with shooting a man in Los Angeles CA; imprisoned

1999

Wrote, directed, produced and starred in the biopic about his life, "Building Bridges"

2002

Cast in a recurring role in the award-winning daytime drama "The Young and The Restless"

2006

Competed in the Fox reality show, "Skating with Celebrities"

2007

Joined the cast of the CW series, "Everybody Hates Chris" as Mr. Harris' (Antonio Fargas) nephew Monk