Todd Bridges "Willis" from Diff''rent Strokes: Behind the Scenes (Hilarious and Touching) Interview!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 121

  • @ThatsClassicTV
    @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    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..

  • @Buggy-su4oy
    @Buggy-su4oy 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    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😢.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Without a doubt, I am very happy for him. So sad how Gary’s life went.

    • @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc
      @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      It's not Tyler Perry's job to resurrect TV stars careers.

    • @JhomasE
      @JhomasE 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      @@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hcbut yet he does!!! So, I say give Todd a shot! That would be cool! 😉😆😆

    • @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc
      @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@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.

    • @JhomasE
      @JhomasE 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc I didn’t know that he did Fame. I have to re-watch that movie.

  • @gailreese4102
    @gailreese4102 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Todd also guest-starred in "Return of the Mod Squad" (1979) as "Lincoln Hayes'" adopted son, "Josh." Very good!

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Loved the Mod Squad, Todd was everywhere😀

  • @nancyericson4263
    @nancyericson4263 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Todd was so good in "The Wisdom of Solomon" on Little House on the Prairie.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I know that is one episode that really gets to you.

  • @jonchaney
    @jonchaney 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Todd turned out to be a fantastic guy. He is so nice.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I have to say Todd really worked on changing his direction in life and that is very impressive😀

  • @Danny-fs1hk
    @Danny-fs1hk 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I’m just 5 minutes into the interview and it’s already priceless. Todd is a legend!

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Todd was a blast to interview. What an actor!

  • @GunnyPhillips
    @GunnyPhillips 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Excellent interview of an amazing success story. As a black man of similar age, I'm so proud of Todd without even knowing him.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Thank you so much. I agree Todd has ridden the highs and lows and came into his own, it’s inspiring😀

    • @donalddavis6689
      @donalddavis6689 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@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.

  • @rozzykronfeld-wilbanks8759
    @rozzykronfeld-wilbanks8759 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    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.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      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😀

  • @aprilskutt974
    @aprilskutt974 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I had a crush on Willis when I was growing up.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I am sure many people did, Todd was and is a great actor!

  • @LizC1213
    @LizC1213 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Great interview! I'd also love to see you interview Brandon Cruz from Courtship of Eddie's Father.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      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.

    • @LizC1213
      @LizC1213 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@ThatsClassicTV Thanks.

  • @karenleemallonee684
    @karenleemallonee684 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    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!!!
    👍👍

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      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!

  • @waltonsfan7257
    @waltonsfan7257 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I loved Todd's work on the waltons too

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yeah it pretty wild that he appeared in both The Waltons and Little House, amazing!

    • @waltonsfan7257
      @waltonsfan7257 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@ThatsClassicTV yeah he was really good in both

  • @JacobDean88
    @JacobDean88 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Good times back then watching this. We had great tv shows back then!!
    Glad to see Todd came out on top.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      They were fantastic shows, Todd really was the fortunate one.

  • @demetriusdillard2863
    @demetriusdillard2863 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Incredible interview! Todd Bridges is a legend!

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thank you so much and I agree Todd is amazing, he really has done so much on so many levels.

    • @demetriusdillard2863
      @demetriusdillard2863 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You're very welcome, @@ThatsClassicTV! Keep up the good work and keep those videos coming, bro!

  • @maximusprime3459
    @maximusprime3459 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Todd Bridges is the MAN. His biography "Killing Willis" is a great read.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you enjoyed the interview and thanks for the feedback on Todd's book as well!

  • @jojohunt1412
    @jojohunt1412 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    His performance in the “Wisdom of Solomon” from Little House moved me to tears. 😭

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I know seriously such a tear jerker.

  • @nat.1998
    @nat.1998 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Todd was awesome. I loved Different Strokes as a kid. Loved their bedroom and the back staircase.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I agree you felt like you knew their home. Todd was a lot of fun to interview.

  • @movieprod
    @movieprod 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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!

  • @lisabaughn
    @lisabaughn 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Glad you enjoyed the interview Lisa! I am happy Todd is still with us and turned his life in a positive direction😀

  • @patrickromanowilliams4878
    @patrickromanowilliams4878 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Coleman appeared in an episode of Good Times. He was hilarious.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I wish I had seen Gary Coleman in that episode😀

  • @agnesgooch459
    @agnesgooch459 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      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.

    • @agnesgooch459
      @agnesgooch459 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@ThatsClassicTV Memory lane is a wonderful place.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@agnesgooch459 That it is Agnes❤️

    • @BenSkyLakewood
      @BenSkyLakewood 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That show was the bomb in its day now long forgotten

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@BenSkyLakewood No doubt.

  • @christopherramon-reid2000
    @christopherramon-reid2000 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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 TH-cam. 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 🎉👍

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      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!

    • @christopherramon-reid2000
      @christopherramon-reid2000 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@ThatsClassicTV In a short time you two covered a LOT about his life and career, in detail, which is incredible. Very impressive.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @christopherramon-reid9841 Thanks Christopher

  • @bethspahr8996
    @bethspahr8996 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      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.

  • @cadeevans4623
    @cadeevans4623 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thanks Cade, glad you enjoyed it! Always fun bringing back the memories!

    • @cadeevans4623
      @cadeevans4623 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Your welcome man these interviews are a blast yes love bringing back memories

    • @cadeevans4623
      @cadeevans4623 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      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😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @Alwayshopeful100
    @Alwayshopeful100 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Wow...Todd seems like such a great, humble guy!! I'm so glad I watched this video!

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I am glad you watched it as well! Todd really is an inspiration😀

  • @fz1224
    @fz1224 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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....

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Glad you enjoyed it😀Todd is an amazing actor and was terrific on Little House.

    • @fz1224
      @fz1224 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you very much for these videos.@@ThatsClassicTV

  • @menzicosce
    @menzicosce 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have been watching a lot of Todd’s interviews lately. He seems like an awesome fun person to hang out with.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Glad to hear, Todd was a lot of fun to interview and what he has overcome is inspiring as well😀

    • @menzicosce
      @menzicosce 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ThatsClassicTV I really enjoyed your talk with him. First time seeing your channel hit you have a warm and accessible way about your interview

  • @Mareko49er
    @Mareko49er 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My favorite childhood show! 😢😢😢

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Love hearing that. Diff'rent Strokes was a special show and funny!

  • @SantiagoBernebeu
    @SantiagoBernebeu 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      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😂

  • @Curly34584
    @Curly34584 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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!

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thank you, glad you enjoyed it😀Loved Diff’rent Strokes.

    • @LindaDiCarlo-bv8ul
      @LindaDiCarlo-bv8ul 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Dana is alive, and it has occurred to me that Gary is also in witness protection. I am so glad to know this.

  • @veronica-dn9ro
    @veronica-dn9ro 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    I seem to remember Todd playing a guest role in the Little House series. Is that right?

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      That is right and Todd talks about his experience on Little House and The Waltons in the interview😀

    • @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc
      @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Todd Bridges had many guest roles in a lot of TV shows in the 70's.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc Yes, he did, a very talented actor.

    • @wb3381
      @wb3381 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      ​@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc He was a cast member in the short-lived Fish series

    • @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc
      @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@wb3381 You're right 👍

  • @cooper482011
    @cooper482011 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great interview with Todd Bridges.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Appreciate it very much Cooper! Todd was just awesome!

  • @patrickromanowilliams4878
    @patrickromanowilliams4878 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I remember Todd on Barney Miller to. He tried to mug Barney’s wife with a stick. 😂

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Todd was great in everything he was in, just naturally talented.

  • @NOV123
    @NOV123 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Gary actually played on Good Times once.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That is a fun fact:)

  • @kcoolmuziq
    @kcoolmuziq 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Todd.

  • @waltonsfan7257
    @waltonsfan7257 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks for this interview

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      My pleasure 😀

    • @waltonsfan7257
      @waltonsfan7257 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@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)

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@waltonsfan7257 I hear you, I have been working on getting even one of them for some time, we will see...

    • @waltonsfan7257
      @waltonsfan7257 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@ThatsClassicTV cool I hope you can

  • @TeriGigi
    @TeriGigi 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Such a fun episode! Loved all the shows of that era!

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It really was fun to go back to that time with Todd. It was such a great era of television.

  • @kimjohnson9183
    @kimjohnson9183 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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🙏

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks Kim, glad you enjoyed the interview with Todd, he Regis a great guy😀Wonderful kind words.

  • @carolynswan1171
    @carolynswan1171 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great interview ❤❤

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you very much, Todd is so interesting.

  • @do7hemath937
    @do7hemath937 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Todd does have a wonderful story. It is very cool that both those shows brought back actors from back in the day, so smart😀

    • @do7hemath937
      @do7hemath937 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ThatsClassicTV yep yep like Teddy.

  • @donalddavis6689
    @donalddavis6689 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    @That's Classic Tv 📺.. Keep Up The Good Work ⭐✨⭐✨.

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you Donald, I sure will 😀

  • @karlachasteen1068
    @karlachasteen1068 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How Old Were The Children On Different Stokes ?
    How Old Was Charlotte Rea
    & Conrad Bain ?

  • @1223steffen
    @1223steffen 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    louis gossett jr appeared on LHOP before todd

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for that fun fact!

  • @TheSvartdemon
    @TheSvartdemon หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Get demond Wilson from Sanford and son

    • @ThatsClassicTV
      @ThatsClassicTV  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Believe I would love to have Desmond on, just haven't been able to work that out so far.