Todd Bridges: Not (Just) Talking About Willis

A quick glance at Todd Bridges’ screen, television and voice credits reveal a long and successful acting career.

From early appearances on iconic shows like Barney Miller, Fish, Little House On the Prairie and Roots – and the role that propelled him into the spotlight; that of Willis Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes – to adult roles on The Young and the Restless, Everybody Hates Chris, more than 100 episodes of truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest and dozens of films – he has continued to work and to grow as an actor.

Bridges is a part of the 70s zeitgeist and is firmly embedded in pop culture. Today, somewhere in the world, somebody is surely saying “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis” to somebody else – even if they don’t know where the phrase came from. My mother used to say it all the time.

His past legal and substance abuse issues – although decades in his rear-view mirror – thrust him into a negative media frenzy for a time – and it’s our guess that most people have no real idea about the man himself other than what the media has portrayed. And much of that is just plain wrong.

Bridges has said himself that many people likely think he’s still off somewhere doing drugs, completely unaware that he has been clean and sober for almost 30 years. Contrast this with other well-known celebrities who seem to be celebrated because of their trials, tribulations and eventual recoveries.

His book, Killing Willis, details his life – including his very public fall from grace, racism, the unspeakable pain associated with childhood sexual abuse, and the drugs that served to dull that pain for a time. It’s also the story of triumph, hope and redemption.

I got to hear Bridges speak on these subjects right here in Myrtle Beach yesterday afternoon in front of a small group at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Last night, he kicked off this year’s Addiction and Recovery Lecture Series at the college. This year marks year 15.

Casey King heads up the series. He’s a physics professor at HGTC and was Professor of the Year in 2019. He has been sober since 2005. I look up to the man and am proud to call him a friend. I only hope my own sobriety can make such a positive impact on others.

King’s aim has long been to change the face of recovery and to reduce the stigma attached to it – and I have covered him many times in local newspapers, this blog and in the podcast I share with my brother.

See more about Casey and the series HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

I found Bridges’ candor refreshing. His authenticity came across as he told his story and answered questions – and what we saw was the real deal, not some watered-down or scripted spiel. He got emotional a few times, and so did we.

Fun fact: Bridges attended Hollywood Professional School – the same quirky school that my brother and I went to at the same time. He was a grade below us. Another HPS alum, Mackenzie Phillips, spoke at a previous lecture series.

What a strange and wonderful little place that was.

I didn’t meet him at HPS, but I waited my turn and mentioned this, more than 40 years later.

Small World.

NOTE: The Addiction and Recovery Lecture Series continues each remaining Thursday in February at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. For more information, visit www.hgtc.edu/recovery

With Todd Bridges

With Casey King

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• Addiction and Recovery
• Casey King
• Hollywood Professional School
• Horry-Georgetown Technical College
• Todd Bridges