Actor Todd Bridges recently opened up about a disturbing chapter from his childhood, recounting how he was s–ually abused by a family friend and publicist when he was just ten or eleven years old.
In a candid interview, Bridges disclosed the inner turmoil he faced, including questioning his sexuality as a result of the abuse he endured.
He highlighted the profound and enduring impact that childhood s–ual abuse can have on an individual's life.
Bridges expressed his disappointment that the show he was involved in at the time chose to sweep the incident under the rug to avoid negative publicity, failing to report the abuse to the authorities.
This traumatic experience has left Bridges unable to confront his abuser, lingering as a painful memory in his past.
Renowned for his role as Willis Jackson on the iconic TV series “Diff'rent Strokes,” Todd Bridges engaged in a revealing conversation with Vlad, shedding light on the groundbreaking nature of the show during its era.
He reflected on how the series fearlessly tackled serious topics that many other television programs shied away from addressing.
Bridges remarked on the stark contrast between the societal norms of his time and the current climate of television, noting that certain actions and dialogues depicted nowadays would have led to instant cancellation back in the day.
Hailing from San Francisco, Bridges embarked on his acting journey at a young age, making early appearances on shows like Barney Miller and sharing the screen with esteemed actors such as Henry Winkler and Sissy Spacek.
Moreover, he fondly reminisced about encountering his childhood idols, including icons like Lena Horne, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson.
Prior to joining the cast of the popular '70s sitcom “Diff'rent Strokes,” Todd Bridges amassed an impressive repertoire in the entertainment industry.
With over 200 commercials under his belt, Bridges graced the screens of hit shows like “The Love Boat,” “The Waltons,” and “Little House on the Prairie.”
Reflecting on his collaboration with Gary Coleman on “Diff'rent Strokes,” Bridges disclosed that the introduction of Arnold's sibling was not originally part of the storyline.
Following the cancellation of “Fish,” a series in which Bridges played a prominent role, the creators of “Diff'rent Strokes” opted to integrate a brother for Coleman's character.
Recounting his experience as the comedic foil on the show, Bridges described the demanding nature of his role, which required him to set up punchlines for his co-stars.
Despite facing initial backlash for portraying a racially diverse family on “Diff'rent Strokes,” Bridges recalled how the show eventually won over audiences from all walks of life, transcending racial divides and earning
