Todd Bridges "Willis" from Diff''rent Strokes: Behind the Scenes (Hilarious and Touching) Interview!
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 Published On Aug 29, 2023

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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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

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