Todd Bridges, Best Known for "Willis" of Diff'rent Strokes, Tells His Life Story (Full Interview)

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9 ай бұрын

In this VladTV exclusive, Todd Bridges, known for his role as Willis Jackson on the hit TV show "Diff'rent Strokes," discussed his career and early life. Bridges noted that "Diff'rent Strokes," which tackled numerous serious social issues, was ahead of its time and unique among its contemporaries. He distinguished how television has changed over time, noting that there are now significantly fewer restrictions on what can be covered. Bridges, a San Francisco native, also discussed his family's extensive involvement in the entertainment industry: his mother trained notable actresses such as Nia Long and Regina King; his brother, sister, and son have also pursued acting. To hear Todd Bridges detail his life and acting career after "Diff'rent Strokes," check out the full interview above.

Пікірлер: 716

@christopherramon-reid2000 9 ай бұрын

Todd seems like a “Let go, and let God…” type of man. By far one of the best interviews he’s ever given.🙏

@marquiesriley6479 9 ай бұрын

So good to see Todd in such a good place…from growing up watching him on DS, to seeing him beat the odds throughout his life and be in a good space…just so happy for the man….

@dariusvbryant. 9 ай бұрын

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@WanQuitaNettles 9 ай бұрын

Todd Bridges is a great storyteller. I can listen to him all day.

@dstreet43 9 ай бұрын

Yes!!!

@Needabeer76 8 ай бұрын

Driving home from work, I circled my block 3 times so I could keep listening. God bless this dude, he survived, moved forward, and grew stronger👊

@seltonk5136 8 ай бұрын

Conrad Drummond hated bridges and Coleman .

@Needabeer76 8 ай бұрын

@@seltonk5136 For real?

@MissQstylez 8 ай бұрын

Yeah I really enjoyed this one

@julieparker6074 9 ай бұрын

I love Todd Bridges. He should have his own show even if it's a talk show! ❤❤❤❤

@tobiasalexander8179 9 ай бұрын

He doing better stuff with the rehabilitation

@deemoe7301 9 ай бұрын

That's right it works for Drew Barrymore. He would have been amazing too as a talk show host.

@IVANOMARTIN-if8bg 9 ай бұрын

Yes He should, for real.

@kingsofcobra 9 ай бұрын

Finally!! A interview that I can say most of people want to see. We love Todd Bridges and Different Strokes arguably one of the greatest tv shows of all time ❤💯

@Jeanne.1862 8 ай бұрын

I have always liked Todd Bridges, but Different Strokes had nothing to do with it.

@evehamilton314 8 ай бұрын

❤❤❤

@theelvisguru9490 8 ай бұрын

What choo talking about kingsofcobra?😂

@russellsmith1048 8 ай бұрын

I'm enjoying this interview. I completely understand and believe the majority of what Mr Bridges is saying. People are always trying to exaggerate a situation. Especially law enforcement in the legal system. People in Todd Bridges position are most vulnerable to predators. People are always looking to make a quick buck off of a situation. The legal system / police will definitely exaggerate the incident regardless if you're guilty or not. Kudos to Todd Bridges! My man.

@richardlacey4923 5 ай бұрын

Lol.. he embellished everything in this video

@arianastetson5330 9 ай бұрын

Dang Vlad, let Todd complete his story without, interrupting him. Muchos Gracias 😎

@librasRgreat 8 ай бұрын

Actually Vlad trying to stick to a chronological timeline and Todd keep jumping around....that was probably frustrating the hell out of Vlad 😂😂....both pros though, great interview

@ThePrinceOfTheTalkbox 8 ай бұрын

vlad is irritating@@librasRgreat

@richardlacey4923 5 ай бұрын

They did this! They did that! Dude blames everyone for his problems but himself in this interview .. he’s full of crap!

@vicki6624 5 ай бұрын

@@richardlacey4923It's you yet again making more false accusations. You were already proven wrong in your first comment. When he was young and did something wrong, he always publicly admitted it was his fault.

@kingeliii9011 9 ай бұрын

I grew up with Todd in S.F. Everything he's saying is true. His father was all about the money. That's all he cared about. I went to see him a few times in LA during the peak of his career. I remember his mother handling all of his money back then. I'm glad he's clean and still mentally sharp and intelligent. Because he went through it. There's definitely a bigger calling on his life.

@69weed.420 9 ай бұрын

Pretty amazing to hear from a childhood friend of whatchu talkin bout Willis. Blessings to you. (From 3rd&palou)

@JohnLee-bm6co 9 ай бұрын

God was with him and helped make the right choices when it mattered most. You are right I am glad to see he is mentally sharp and intelligent to . Also he doesn't look 58 to me and stay in shape . God has really blessed him.

@tarae5380 9 ай бұрын

God has kept him and he looks like he's still 30 years old...

@chv307 8 ай бұрын

@@tarae5380You should try and do the same.

@diviningrod2671 8 ай бұрын

What Jr high did he go to ??

@netzajack 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for this interview. Every black kid in the 80s who watched this show wanted to be these guys 🙏🏾

@Familyman247- 9 ай бұрын

Yeah man Todd was that cool dude! Ladies man.

@bryanfews5295 8 ай бұрын

Facts !

@mrsg618 3 ай бұрын

Todd was a heartthrob!!! ❤❤❤

@kenterminateddq5311 9 ай бұрын

IMO, Todd Bridges' interview is one of the best and most honest interviews on VLAD TV. Todd, thank you for being upfront on your ups and downs of your life and career. 😊

@Sweetish_Jeff_ 9 ай бұрын

Much respect and admiration for Todd. He never makes excuses for his past and it’s so good to see him looking and feeling so good. He is an incredible actor who deserves to be recognized as more than just Willis.

@rubedogg6969 9 ай бұрын

I drove for UPS in The City Of Compton California for 20 years and I will never forget that Todd had The Todd Bridges Youth Foundation in the mid 1990’s.

@DJaySplitSecond 9 ай бұрын

Man Todd is a legend!! Glad to see him still alive and giving us these good stories

@JohnLee-bm6co 9 ай бұрын

We had to carry Gary . My boy Todd Bridges , 58 years and 30 years of recovery . Different strokes was one of my favorite childhood shows . Gary Coleman was funny and ingenious Todd was played a great big brother and a popular guy and athlete in school . A lady's man , great show. Great interview I wasn't going to miss this one.

@BubBub-yc8qm 9 ай бұрын

Racism is a real cultural disease! But kudos to Todd for his strength and courage in his recovery. We loved you and Gary and still do! Hand clap for these two great actors for entertaining us through our childhood and portraying such positive images for "Our Culture" and all people of color 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

@williamhouse8791 9 ай бұрын

Screw that. It's hatred plain and simple.

@msjvaldez 9 ай бұрын

💯 ❤

@King.David.219 9 ай бұрын

@williamhouse8791 Yes, I agree with this sentiment. I have this debate with white guys. Black guys majority the time. Not understanding the differences between racism and hatred. White associate always assume that i'm more worried about being a victim of black on black crime. My answer is always the same. When it comes to black on black crime it's Because of society greed and lust for money and material things. That a black person would rob another black person out of jealousy and envy if they have more than them.. But when it comes to white men against black men, they're willing to kill and destroy you. because of the hatred and bias of you being black in their schools.. jobs and their Neighborhoods... With the bias mindset that black Americans is taking their jobs. And destroy the country because of affirmative action propaganda.

@latifahnapier8311 6 ай бұрын

Yes!!!

@richardlacey4923 5 ай бұрын

He’s lying about the burning cross.. he’s done a million interviews and all of a sudden this comes up ? Get out of here.. he blames everyone else in this interview but himself for his problems

@msladystarr 9 ай бұрын

This is by far THE best Vlad interview I’ve seen. I love❤Different Strokes. The show is definitely a solid family classic television show. I’m glad Todd is doing well, he looks good too. I Wish him the best. Continue to Rest Easy in Paradise Dana & Gary🕊🕊

@WiseGuy02 9 ай бұрын

Glad to see Todd is happy and straightened out his life, and his family is doing well.

@lanbrick5826 9 ай бұрын

Always looked forward to Different Strokes. Didn't have many friends and was bullied in school. Todd & Gary probably saved my life ! Had something to look forward to after all the stress! Great interview!

@DeeperThinkingCommonSenseTv. 9 ай бұрын

You gotta have him back vlad,this brother seems like a good man,and to see him overcome so many obstacles that i have faced as well,to be the person he is now,is very inspiring 💯💪🏾

@harlembeloved7052 9 ай бұрын

Im very proud of Todd Bridges... He looks great and you can tell he is very happy... I'm glad to hear his side of the story even though I read his book... It's amazing how the media demonize people . Much respect to him, very dope interview.

@anewgroove 9 ай бұрын

Bring Todd Bridges back for more interviews⭐️⭐️⭐️🏆⭐️⭐️⭐️

@NevaEye 9 ай бұрын

It's crazy to see Todd looking so great at almost 60.

@tonyfrasca8259 9 ай бұрын

I hope he knows how much people have love for him! Glad he is still here and great to hear his story!

@Mafia1977 9 ай бұрын

I enjoyed this interview. It's nice to see TB doing so well and being so positive about overcoming his circumstances. He can really influence a lot of others going through the same things! God bless you and your future life's work and wherever God leads you! 🙏🏾

@pigg20021 9 ай бұрын

Man...Todd and Gary were going through the ringer. I'm glad he's in a great place now. Awesome interview!!!

@renairving3530 9 ай бұрын

I’m really enjoying this interview, Todd Bridges is so refreshing to watch, I love his positive energy and I love the fact that he’s overcome the demons he had. He also looks amazing, skin so clear 😍😍😍

@NewDestonations 9 ай бұрын

Excellent honest interview of Todd, Vlad! Hope to see more TV legends interviewed on your platform.

@janetstorm7881 9 ай бұрын

So many child stars suffered so much, and then there is Ron Howard who was acting from a very early age as Opie in the Andy Griffith Show and later Happy Day and he grew up so normal and became a great director. I heard an interview with him lately and it sounded like he had such a stable home and a strong father figure.

@adrinneladrinnel0403 9 ай бұрын

Goodie Goodie 🙄and Ron Howard is wyt! Racism =Jealousyism committed by paleface devil losers of the planet! All praises to The Most High that now this nation and all European countries are starting to reap what it has sown all the centuries!!!!!!

@TheFoundationhiphop 9 ай бұрын

Opie Cunningham

@lorimiller4301 7 ай бұрын

He stayed with the same girl for 5 decades. That says volumes about his character. I just wished he had helped Erin Moran when she really needed a friend. She was the cutest little kid on TV at the beginning of Happy Days. 🩷

@traceyf4842 11 күн бұрын

I read Ron Howard book. His brother was a drug addict.

@johnhardy9935 9 ай бұрын

Salute to you Todd Bridges. Blessings to you and your family.. To God be the Glory 🙏🏾

@misham2563 9 ай бұрын

Wow this interview just flew by. Have so much respect for this actor and loved this whole interview!

@flyshymcfashion7092 9 ай бұрын

Much respect to Todd Bridges, This Was An Excellent Interview! Very Insightful & Honest. Seems Like He Appreciates Everything He’s Been Through & Learned Bigger Lessons From It. God Bless Him ❤

@tracystokes6299 9 ай бұрын

Good to know he’s sober. I enjoyed the interview.😊

@cookiebgreat 9 ай бұрын

I absolutely loved watching Todd Bridges as a child. From Different Strokes, Roots to Little House on the Prairie. I am so glad that you are here to tell your story! May God Bless you and continue to keep you!❤❤

@Kimberly578 9 ай бұрын

What makes me so happy about this interview is that Todd did not allow Vlad to paint his own narrative. Todd said aht aht Vlad!! This is my story! I’ll tell it!!

@RobsRetroGaming 9 ай бұрын

Great interview!!! Todd and Gary felt like my real brothers, because we were around the same age. I even copied some of my preppy look after Todd, as a 13-14 year old teen in the early 80s. Good to see Todd living well, and he mentioned so many shocking events. That Janet Jackson/Jackson 5 story was gold!

@misham2563 9 ай бұрын

Can’t wait to listen to this interview during my graveyard shift tonight.

@marzdabull 9 ай бұрын

The first Vlad interview I watched from start to finish. Great job. Glad to see him happy and healthy ❤

@spittinndamitten9606 9 ай бұрын

One of my favorite Vlad interviews. I found out things I never knew about him as well as the entire Different Strokes cast.

@goodfay 9 ай бұрын

Facts

@tarar.6852 9 ай бұрын

i had a big crush on Tood . I think just about every lil black girl in that era did. I was hurt when i found out he struggled with drugs troubles. I am so proud he pushed through

@shanbrown73 9 ай бұрын

Great interview, and Todd Bridges is awesome! He gave a lot of great information! Very open and honest. Great job, Vlad!

@daniellebrint2913 9 ай бұрын

I love hearing the stories from the actual person 👍🏽

@starr6430 9 ай бұрын

Greaaatttt Interview!!! God Bless you Todd Bridges🙏You are absolutely right God is not through with you,he still have work for you to do. Continue sharing your testimony you are for sure helping someone by sharing your story. You don't look like what you been through 👏🙌🙏😊May God continue to Bless you and your family 🙏

@Danny_S. 9 ай бұрын

I was wanting 2 more hours. Wow, such a great interview. I remember watching Different Strokes as a kid and still watch in on Amazon.

@dluxworld125 9 ай бұрын

Great interview! The crazy thing about these is learning how much predatory behavior was allowed in show business just for a certain look. Then once these actors go off the ledge we point the finger at them

@jemane7757 9 ай бұрын

Todd Bridges grew up watching and stories I heard about him wasn't a push over. Good to see you my brother. Blessings

@robertverduzco1613 9 ай бұрын

This was the best interview ever! love this man this guy's 100% honest

@ericjustice160 9 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed this interview. I love fact that he showed love to Gary Coleman even after the show. You can tell he genuinely loved him like he was his real little brother. 💪🏿💪🏿

@1NewFlyer 9 ай бұрын

Listen how Todd gets sad in his voice soon as he starts talking about Gary’s death.very sad indeed.

@mazettanewton4031 9 ай бұрын

Courageous interview. Absolutely love Him.

@lyndajay4407 9 ай бұрын

Praise God for Todd's testimony! I'm so happy for him.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

@iammgmt.entertainment8687 9 ай бұрын

Todd Bridges looks sound!!! That is good for him, happy to see him look peaceful, Blessing Todd Bridges Forever!!!😀😀😀

@dwaynemusik 9 ай бұрын

He has met all the greats ..Todd's a great dude im so proud of him

@miltonlucas8655 9 ай бұрын

I salute him first of all because he is able to admit that happened to him. And also because he said women won with him💪🖤👑

@thomasharvey3755 9 ай бұрын

Vlad this was a excellent interview very honest and heartfelt thank you salute Todd bridges 💯✊🏾🙏🏾

@lhart99 9 ай бұрын

Man, I can relate to Todd's story a lot. I was molester several times at 11yrs old. I'm glad Todd talks about that shit.

@131rissa 9 ай бұрын

Todd, I am so so happy that through all your trials and tribulations that it's joyful to see you smile!!!!❤

@paprvutv1054 9 ай бұрын

HAPPY TO SEE YOU HEALTHY!!!!!

@lynnellbrown1761 9 ай бұрын

Salute 2 Todd!!!! Different Strokes was must see after school 💯

@MrsQuesFavoriteThings 9 ай бұрын

I truly enjoyed seeing Todd Bridges! Thank you so much for interviewing him

@MarleneGreen 7 ай бұрын

WOW! Delightful interview! I’m so thrilled to hear Todd’s stories, see that he’s healthy & most importantly, he’s happy!!! Honestly, I thought he was dead or in jail as the media tends to report about child stars. I’m SO HAPPY for him that he’s alive & well. Thanks for letting him talk & freely share his story! Great job! BRAVO! ❤

@consultkevintyler 8 ай бұрын

Today is a GREAT INTERVIEW! So happy to see him doing his thing again. Much MORE success to you bro. We'll be watching out for you

@brettmillman9137 9 ай бұрын

Firstly thanks for posting this. Thanks Todd for your honesty and your candidness, you have turned into an amazing person. It's always so interesting hearing the 'real' stories behind other people's lives. I am not someone who automatically believes tabloids and word of mouth, as the narratives are always so beat up to suit agendas and sell papers. Having grown up watching Diff'rent Strokes and loving the characters as I have, I am so sad that you are the only cast member left alive. I still watch episodes to this day and I am so happy for you that you have been able to become such a great person, overcoming all of the obstacles that life threw up to you. You should be very proud of your achievements Todd and I wish you all the very best for you and your family for the future. Thanks for sharing your amazing story.

@NatHenrickClarke 9 ай бұрын

Shout out Todd, a part of my childhood and you were funny in EBHC!

@thaxdrugdealer1988 9 ай бұрын

I respect that interview and Todd to the fullest being a recovering and a recoverd drug user and dealer, I can see that he has found who he is and I know he was very honest at best plus having be in the spot light, he holds himself accountable as we all should, 34 years in T, one day at a time, blessing.

@kiesewilburn7763 9 ай бұрын

That was an amazing interview with Todd. Stay positive and continue the great work! Prayers up❤

@carolinehowell5362 8 ай бұрын

The real deal. I met him nine years ago and he is truly sweet and genuine. I highly recommend his memoir. He’s a true survivor.

@richardlacey4923 5 ай бұрын

The real deal? Listen to the interview, every incident the guy brings up or every shortcomings, bridges immediately says “ they “. He blames everyone and everything for his problems or jobs he didn’t get ! He’s full of crap sane as. Corey Feldman

@mmath2188 9 ай бұрын

Such an open, honest and raw interview. Absolutely loved this interview

@richardlacey4923 5 ай бұрын

Listen to the interview, every incident the guy brings up or every shortcomings, bridges immediately says “ they “. He says they a million times in this interview, He blames everyone and everything for his problems or jobs he didn’t get ! He’s full of crap same as Corey Feldman

@mikeelek9713 9 ай бұрын

Todd Bridges would agree with this - once they get you in the system, you stay in. It's like Hotel California. I enjoyed this interview. Todd seems like he's found his place in life. That's a difficult thing when you have a lot of people working against you behind the scenes. That's crazy how the accountant stole all of that cash. Sadly, it's not the first time nor the last time that an accountant or manager has stolen money from a client.

@KyleKing-vx4by 8 ай бұрын

I LOVE Todd Bridges!! He's a living TV Icon, Legend, and Survivor! God Bless him and his family 🙏❤️💪😎

@tama7205 8 ай бұрын

Love this interview. Grew up crushing on Todd Bridges. What a great comeback story he has. Rooting for this guy. He deserves everything he desires.

@muszak1 8 ай бұрын

Todd Bridges speaks the facts; now truly accepts and loves himself. Thank you for your candid interview.

@teamcodehuwa9497 9 ай бұрын

def the best interview to date...Peace Todd.....inspirational!

@MFLOVEify 9 ай бұрын

This is one of your best interviews in a while

@TheKellie03 9 ай бұрын

Way to go, djvlad! Great interview. I am so impressed with Todd Bridges' recovery and success in his recovery, family and life.

@lashelljackson6399 9 ай бұрын

Super interview, happy to hear Todd has done so much work. However, I noticed VLAD didn’t want to focus on the racism and even acted as if he thought Todd was exaggerating about some of it. Trust, I didn’t expect him to say a lot because I know it’s an unpopular and uncomfortable topic but the spotlight has to be continued to be shined on the differences because it was a real part of his demise in early years along with other things. Great interview

@aayanrussell7972 8 ай бұрын

I agree he focused too much on thr drug history a bit too much!

@Hypestyle 8 ай бұрын

Vlad always goes for the salacious angle. Racism is "boring" for a black actor to talk about but drug stuff brings in "ratings!" it's sad but true. @@aayanrussell7972

@lorimiller4301 7 ай бұрын

It was shocking to hear how the police treated him. I was so glad to hear that the wyt people went to court for Todd. That's disgusting and completely unfair. It's heartbreaking to hear a part of he went through. It needs to be talked about and brought out in the open so everyone knows exactly how bad it was. Todd was hurt and it's important that his stories are known. Especially since he's gone through so much and reached the other side.

@richardlacey4923 5 ай бұрын

Lol he blames everything on everyone else but himself for his problems in this interview . he’s full of crap!

@womanofgoldenwords3881 8 ай бұрын

I’ve seen a lot of these clips with Todd Bridges. I love listening to his stories. He seems so down to earth and real.

@FraylyFarmMiniHomestead 9 ай бұрын

Great interview! Kudos to Todd for overcoming such trauma and has changed his life.

@Edavis247 8 ай бұрын

I love you Todd Bridges!! I remember like it was yesterday when you were having all your problems, but you overcame them and 30 years later you're still doing great!! I'm proud of you Todd❤❤ R.I.P. Gary and Dana.. and your mom Betty is a beautiful woman.

@michaelrochester48 9 ай бұрын

Sometimes I think that this channel has such great interviews that they can be forever known as the definitive interview of these particular stars

@justaskmissdee5645 9 ай бұрын

Great interview, I watched from beginning to end! Thanks Todd for owning who you are the good, the bad and indifferent!

@mzkj1972 8 ай бұрын

This was a great interview always loved Todd Bridges God bless him❤

@Ms.Tasha. 9 ай бұрын

This interview was so awesome! 👏🏾

@shawnuff1974 9 ай бұрын

Let's hope this interview gets my man a major bag from a movie or series.

@ag-kw3qk Ай бұрын

What an amazing interview. Thank you!

@coconut3656 9 ай бұрын

He looks damn good to have that extensive drug history. Love this interview!!

@monteblanc1622 9 ай бұрын

It's crazy, looking back I wouldnt have imagined years when the troubles started for Todd, that he would be the man that he is today. I'm so proud of him... so soo proud of him. And so glad he's here to tell his story. God bless you, big brother. 🙏🏾

@3THEGOON 9 ай бұрын

It's so tight that Todd grew up with all these greats....Ali, Janet, even being with the President and his wife...this is stardom in real life.

@sblake9501 9 ай бұрын

Great interview!!! So glad to see he's sober and on the right path!!!

@paulanthonyyepez2915 8 ай бұрын

This is one of the most interesting interviews Vlad TV has ever done.

@vincentscibana856 9 ай бұрын

I was born in 65 watched different strokes alwa liked it I always knew these actors hadarough life. I really enjoyed this video im very happy for him ,actually i wish i could meet him one day

@hiphopjewels 8 ай бұрын

He looks great for 58 wow, articulate and so much transparency. What an amazing comeback story. Nice to hear he's still in the business, and doing well. Great interview. I'm in my late forties, and this guy is a TV legend.

@soldierofjesuschrist6303 24 күн бұрын

Todd is a legend...absolutely love this interview for sure...thx V

@arianastetson5330 9 ай бұрын

There are, SIX Jackson Brothers. Michael Marlon Randy Tito Jermaine Jackie

@mdub2000 5 ай бұрын

So good to see Todd…he has alot of story to share…. Hope to see him out there acting again if he wants to… either which way hearing him share his story is really captivating. Thanks for having him on Vlad!