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Todd Bridges "Willis" from Diff''rent Strokes: Behind the Scenes (Hilarious and Touching) Interview!
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- Опубликовано: 14 авг 2024
- Todd Bridges, "Willis" from "Diff'rent Strokes" joins John for a hilarious and touching behind the scenes interview! Watcha talkin bout Willis? Todd talks about the first time he met Gary Coleman and Gary's kidney issues on set, Conrad Bain as a father figure, asking the producers to make Janet Jackson his girlfriend and the first time he met Dana Plato. Todd and John crack up as Todd talks about the pranks he and Gary played on the director and producers of "Diff'rent Strokes". Todd also discusses his sobriety, being the first black actor on "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Waltons" and working with Abe Vigoda plus many more stories! Appreciate you being on "That's Classic!" Todd!
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realtoddbridges.com
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Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.
00:00 Introduction
00:47 The first time Todd met Gary Coleman
02:06 Shooting around Gary Coleman's kidney dialysis and the divide his parents caused with Todd
03:42 Conrad Bain - father figure
05:40 The first time Todd met Dana Plato
06:38 Todd and Gary doing pranks on the set
08:34 Todd's relationship with Charlotte Rae
09:12 Todd's relationship with Janet Jackson
10:04 The show FISh/GOOD TIMES
10:54 High Security for Nancy Reagan on the Diff'rent Strokes set
11:36 Does Todd ever watch episodes of Diff'rent Strokes?
12:30 Todd always having people say 'Whatcha talkin' bout Willis?"
14:17 Todd's five year drug issues, over 30 years of sobriety
15:04 Todd's relationship with Abe Vigoda/FISH
17:17 First Black actor on Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons
19:26 Todd on how he was able to cry in a scene
20:28 Todd on "The Love Boat"
21:30 Todd's Mom - very successful manager & acting teacher
22:05 Redd Foxx inspires Todd to act/ hilarious story about Redd Foxx, Todd and Kim Fields!
23:26 Todd's amazing experience on "Battle of the Network Stars"
24:28 Todd's awesome experience on "Circus of the Stars" n
26:05 Todd's time on Reality Competition Shows/Dennis Rodman & Hulk Hogan
27:52 Todd's production company with his brother
28:38 Todd opened the door for a lot of young black actors
29:51 Todd's work to help others find sobriety
31:20 How get in touch with Todd for an autograph, book, etc.
32:41 Todd's favorite charities
33:34 Todd's feeling being the only living cast member of "Diff'rent Strokes"
34:10 Todd's recent marriage and his kids
Thank you for watching my channel! If you enjoyed this video, please SUBSCRIBE and HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL to my channel. I have fun talking about television from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s television shows and often with the stars of the shows..
Todd was so good in "The Wisdom of Solomon" on Little House on the Prairie.
I know that is one episode that really gets to you.
Excellent interview of an amazing success story. As a black man of similar age, I'm so proud of Todd without even knowing him.
Thank you so much. I agree Todd has ridden the highs and lows and came into his own, it’s inspiring😀
@@ThatsClassicTV I'm So Happy For Todd Bridges!! He's A Wonderful Actor ⭐⭐!! Gary Coleman Are A Great Actor ⭐ As Well.. R.I.P / Dana Plato Are Another Talented Actress ✨✨.. She Will Be Missed 😢 As Well!! She Was A Beauty 😍.. Also I Love The Parents That Played On - Diff'rent Stokes 📺 🎥.. May They Rest In Peace 🙏🙏 As Well.
Todd also guest-starred in "Return of the Mod Squad" (1979) as "Lincoln Hayes'" adopted son, "Josh." Very good!
Loved the Mod Squad, Todd was everywhere😀
Todd turned out to be a fantastic guy. He is so nice.
I have to say Todd really worked on changing his direction in life and that is very impressive😀
It is good that Todd is doing better than he was thirty years ago...Tyler Perry should put him in a movie...also RIP Gary😢.
Without a doubt, I am very happy for him. So sad how Gary’s life went.
It's not Tyler Perry's job to resurrect TV stars careers.
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hcbut yet he does!!! So, I say give Todd a shot! That would be cool! 😉😆😆
@@JhomasE Boyd Gaines, who played Valerie Bertinelli's husband, Mark on One Day at a Time, had a small role in the 1980 movie, Fame. He's also done a lot of shows on Broadway.
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc I didn’t know that he did Fame. I have to re-watch that movie.
I’m just 5 minutes into the interview and it’s already priceless. Todd is a legend!
Todd was a blast to interview. What an actor!
Holy Moly what a positive interview. Todd has the best stories ever. All the shows I grew up on. He seemed to get along with everyone. Great that he has his company with his brother. And 30 years sober👍🏻🙏🏼☺️Thank you both for the interview.
Thanks Rozzy, so glad you enjoyed the interview. Todd is such an underrated actor, what a body of work. And 30 years sober is an amazing story in itself😀
So happy to hear Todd has the Lord in his life, 😊 Congratulations for turning your life around, I saw that happen with my Dad as I grew up.
I would love to see him in a show or a couple of movies, I know he'd be fantastic!
Thanks for bringing us such a great interview with a great star!!!
👍👍
It really is great to see a successful child actor bring their life around as so many have not. Thanks again Karen, glad I can bring it to you!
Great interview! I'd also love to see you interview Brandon Cruz from Courtship of Eddie's Father.
Thanks! I would also love to interview Brandon Cruz as I loved that show. He has dropped off the radar but if I ever get the chance I will for sure.
@@ThatsClassicTV Thanks.
Good times back then watching this. We had great tv shows back then!!
Glad to see Todd came out on top.
They were fantastic shows, Todd really was the fortunate one.
I loved Todd's work on the waltons too
Yeah it pretty wild that he appeared in both The Waltons and Little House, amazing!
@@ThatsClassicTV yeah he was really good in both
I had a crush on Willis when I was growing up.
I am sure many people did, Todd was and is a great actor!
Incredible interview! Todd Bridges is a legend!
Thank you so much and I agree Todd is amazing, he really has done so much on so many levels.
You're very welcome, @@ThatsClassicTV! Keep up the good work and keep those videos coming, bro!
How wonderful to see Todd, thanks John...I was the 2nd AD on "The Stray" episode of The Waltons (Todd's first appearance) and still recall what an extraordinary actor Todd was...I had never seen the full episode, so I took the time to sit down and watch it...wonderful! I recall our director Harry Harris covering Todd in medium to close-up shots, now I know why. I think Todd was 10yrs old and if memory serves (after 50 years!) I believe that marvelous actor Hal Williams served as Todd's guardian during filming. The closing scene Todd has with wonderful Lynn Hamilton ("Verdie Foster" on our show) is extraordinary and his 'goodbye' to John Walton (Ralph Waite) is touching and as relevant today as it was all those years ago. This was a real treat for me, thanks again John
Thanks John, I always appreciate your commentary. That is wonderful to hear about Todd's appearance on the Waltons, he was just a natural gifted actor, no doubt. Thank you also for your recollection of who he worked with in that Waltons episode. I haven't seen that episode in years but I still remember Todd on the show. I am definitely envious that you were able to it when it happened😀All my best!
Coleman appeared in an episode of Good Times. He was hilarious.
I wish I had seen Gary Coleman in that episode😀
Todd was awesome. I loved Different Strokes as a kid. Loved their bedroom and the back staircase.
I agree you felt like you knew their home. Todd was a lot of fun to interview.
Todd Bridges is the MAN. His biography "Killing Willis" is a great read.
Glad you enjoyed the interview and thanks for the feedback on Todd's book as well!
This was fun!!!! So happy Todd Bridges is still with us. Too many of our cherished stars from back in the day are gone too soon and the world really sucks without them. Thankful he's here and hope to continue seeing more of him.
Glad you enjoyed the interview Lisa! I am happy Todd is still with us and turned his life in a positive direction😀
It was delightful listening to Todd. I had forgotten about the show. I watched it as a teenager and enjoyed it. I totally agree with Todd regarding animal rescue and animal charties.
It is always wonderful when those memories come back to you and you get to relive a little of it. I also feel that way about animal rescue, good cause. Glad you enjoyed it.
@@ThatsClassicTV Memory lane is a wonderful place.
@@agnesgooch459 That it is Agnes❤️
That show was the bomb in its day now long forgotten
@@BenSkyLakewood No doubt.
His performance in the “Wisdom of Solomon” from Little House moved me to tears. 😭
I know seriously such a tear jerker.
Another great interview, John. Diff'rent Strokes was a staple show to watch as a 13 year old, which I was at the time. Not I'm 57 and recently watched all the episodes again. His performance in the Little House episode, "The Wisdom of Solomon" was amazing. All these years later, his performance still makes me cry. I have read Todd Bridges book "Killing Willis" If you haven't read it, I suggest that you do. He certainly had an interesting life and some trouble filled years. Thankfully, he turned his life around. I like his shirt that says, "Saved By The King." To that I say, Amen! Keep the great interviews coming, John. I enjoy them all.
Always appreciate it Beth! That must have been a blast to go back and rewatch all the Little House and Diff'rent Strokes episodes. Thanks for the take on Todd's book as well. I am planning on getting it. That is funny, I noticed his t-shirt as well and I think Todd does feel very thankful. It has worked for him. Definitely more interviews to come.
John, I’m watching the interview now and I’m getting “goosebumps” with some of the great names being mentioned here. You have Mr. Bridges in such a comfortable state of conversation it is incredible! You hAve a style that always seems like you are talking to longtime friends who know you well.
I had mentioned to previously, Todd said he didn’t like doing interviews. That particular interview is here on RUclips. The interviewer’s questioning comes off more as interrogation or a “therapy session”. Totally different from your showcasing this man as an icon and respected actor in TV history.
I wish you could’ve asked him about working with OJ Simpson and Liz Montgomery, but I know there is SO much to talk about with this veteran of show business.
GREAT JOB! Thank you ! I wish you could’ve talked with him even longer 🎉👍
Thank you so much for your kind words Christopher. I love doing it and am glad that comes through, I am a fan myself. I had to respect that Todd was on vacation so I couldn’t ask much more. Thanks again for your support!
@@ThatsClassicTV In a short time you two covered a LOT about his life and career, in detail, which is incredible. Very impressive.
@christopherramon-reid9841 Thanks Christopher
It's really him, Solomon from Little House on The Prairie, he really played his role very well, a wonderful episode with a wonderful actor in this series, by the way, his German children`s dubbing voice sounds great ! Greetings from Germany....
Glad you enjoyed it😀Todd is an amazing actor and was terrific on Little House.
Thank you very much for these videos.@@ThatsClassicTV
Oh I love different strokes such a great show watched it a while back maybe a year ago on the roku channel Todd was great as Willis cool interview
Thanks Cade, glad you enjoyed it! Always fun bringing back the memories!
Your welcome man these interviews are a blast yes love bringing back memories
Always crack up when Mr Drummond says I never saw a black goldfish before and Arnold says that's ok he never seen a rich white man either lol😂😂😂😂😂😂
I have been watching a lot of Todd’s interviews lately. He seems like an awesome fun person to hang out with.
Glad to hear, Todd was a lot of fun to interview and what he has overcome is inspiring as well😀
@@ThatsClassicTV I really enjoyed your talk with him. First time seeing your channel hit you have a warm and accessible way about your interview
Wow...Todd seems like such a great, humble guy!! I'm so glad I watched this video!
I am glad you watched it as well! Todd really is an inspiration😀
Watcha talkin bout Willis? I remember this lovely, warm TV comedy show back in the day. Great scripting and lots of laughter every week. However, it's a great shame that the main actors have sadly passed away as they are fondly remembered.
It was a great show! Still fun to watch but it is unfortunate how cast members died. Hope you enjoyed the interview and no one will ever forget Watcha talkin bout Willis? that is for sure😂
My favorite childhood show! 😢😢😢
Love hearing that. Diff'rent Strokes was a special show and funny!
Great interview with Todd Bridges.
Appreciate it very much Cooper! Todd was just awesome!
Great Interview. What you talken about Willis. I heard Dana and Gary could still be alive in the All World Protection Program. Sounds nuts but stay tuned!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it😀Loved Diff’rent Strokes.
Dana is alive, and it has occurred to me that Gary is also in witness protection. I am so glad to know this.
I remember Todd on Barney Miller to. He tried to mug Barney’s wife with a stick. 😂
Todd was great in everything he was in, just naturally talented.
I seem to remember Todd playing a guest role in the Little House series. Is that right?
That is right and Todd talks about his experience on Little House and The Waltons in the interview😀
Todd Bridges had many guest roles in a lot of TV shows in the 70's.
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc Yes, he did, a very talented actor.
@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc He was a cast member in the short-lived Fish series
@@wb3381 You're right 👍
Gary actually played on Good Times once.
That is a fun fact:)
Thanks for this interview
My pleasure 😀
@@ThatsClassicTV it would be really cool if you could get any of the surviving cast of Charlie's angels(the classic tV show not the remake movies)
@@waltonsfan7257 I hear you, I have been working on getting even one of them for some time, we will see...
@@ThatsClassicTV cool I hope you can
Really great questions! Todd was such a good looking kid and the epitome of a child star.His charisma was intoxicating & admirable. It was no surprise to me that he had such sex appeal at that young age.
Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Todd.
Such a fun episode! Loved all the shows of that era!
It really was fun to go back to that time with Todd. It was such a great era of television.
Great interview ❤❤
Thank you very much, Todd is so interesting.
Wonderful interview, Mr. Todd Bridges👏👏 Thank you for entertaining me and countless others over the years...I have always been a big fan of yours and your were one of my crushes back in the day🤭 You are a great talented actor, grew up to be a wise and kind man and the WHOLE Midwest still have love for you!! May God bless you and your family🙏
Thanks Kim, glad you enjoyed the interview with Todd, he Regis a great guy😀Wonderful kind words.
@That's Classic Tv 📺.. Keep Up The Good Work ⭐✨⭐✨.
Thank you Donald, I sure will 😀
I love it when a plan comes together. God's Plan.
This guy was on top and lost his way but got back on track.
Incredible story.
I love how Martin & Everybody hates Chris discovered new starts & employed so many actors from back in the day.
Todd does have a wonderful story. It is very cool that both those shows brought back actors from back in the day, so smart😀
@@ThatsClassicTV yep yep like Teddy.
How Old Were The Children On Different Stokes ?
How Old Was Charlotte Rea
& Conrad Bain ?
Get demond Wilson from Sanford and son
Believe I would love to have Desmond on, just haven't been able to work that out so far.
louis gossett jr appeared on LHOP before todd
Thanks for that fun fact!