Todd Bridges Now: Career, Wife, and Life After Diff’rent Strokes
Todd Bridges, best known for playing Willis Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes, announced his separation from wife Bettijo Hirschi in January 2026 after three years of marriage. The 60-year-old actor’s personal life has been in the spotlight as he continues to navigate his post-child-star career.
Current Activities
- Continues acting in TV and film – YouTube interview
- Active on Instagram with ~79,000 followers – Instagram
- Public speaker about his life and career – Complex
Personal Life
Historical Relationships
- Dated Janet Jackson briefly in early 1980s – The Guardian
- Co-star and friend of Gary Coleman on Diff’rent Strokes – BBC
Overcoming Struggles
- Survived drug addiction – People
- Navigated child stardom pressures – multiple interviews
- Now advocates for mental health – Instagram posts
Born: May 27, 1965 | Famous role: Willis Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes (1978–1986) | Married to Bettijo Hirschi: 2022–2026 (separated) | Children: 1 | Instagram followers: ~79,000
| Full name | Todd Anthony Bridges |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | May 27, 1965 |
| Place of birth | San Francisco, California |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Spouse | Bettijo Hirschi (m. 2022, sep. 2026) |
| Children | 1 (son with Dori Smith Bridges) |
| Net worth (estimated) | $1–2 million |
What is Todd Bridges doing now?
Todd Bridges continues to work in the entertainment industry. In 2024, he and Bettijo planned a podcast called “Dang,” as shown in a YouTube interview. He also returned to a popular new TV series that year.
Current acting projects
Bridges has appeared in films and TV guest roles. The YouTube clip mentions his recent return to a series, but specific titles were not disclosed in the available sources.
Public appearances and social media
He remains active on Instagram, where he posts about his life and engages with fans. His verified account has approximately 79,000 followers.
Podcast and speaking engagements
Bridges has done public speaking about his experiences as a child star and his recovery from addiction. The planned podcast “Dang” would have featured him and Bettijo, though its status is unclear after the separation.
“After much prayer and reflection, we have decided to separate.” – Todd Bridges, via USA Today
Did Todd Bridges and Janet Jackson ever date?
Todd Bridges has stated in interviews that he dated Janet Jackson in the early 1980s, when both were young stars. The claim is part of Bridges’ own account.
Todd Bridges’ own account of dating Janet Jackson
In a 2020 Guardian interview, Bridges said he and Jackson went out for a short time. No other sources confirm the relationship.
Janet Jackson’s relationships and marriage
Janet Jackson’s son was fathered by Wissam Al Mana, her ex-husband. The singer has not publicly commented on Bridges’ claim.
Were Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges friends?
On Diff’rent Strokes, Bridges played Willis Jackson to Gary Coleman’s Arnold. Off-screen, the two were close friends.
On-screen bond on Diff’rent Strokes
The sitcom aired from 1978 to 1986. Bridges and Coleman were the two main child actors and spent hours together on set.
Post-show relationship
After the show ended, they remained in touch. Bridges expressed sadness over Coleman’s 2010 death and later criticized how Coleman’s estate was handled. “No one went to his funeral because of money issues,” Bridges said in a 2021 podcast.
The divorce filing states the marriage was “irretrievably broken.” – Complex
Is Todd Bridges still with his wife?
No. In January 2026, Bridges announced separation from Bettijo Hirschi after three years of marriage. He filed for divorce in Maricopa County, Arizona, on March 31, 2026.
Marriage to Bettijo Hirschi
They met and married in 2022, according to USA Today. IMDb lists the marriage date as September 21, 2022.
Separation announcement in 2026
Bridges told People magazine the decision came after “much prayer and reflection.” The separation was made public in mid-January 2026.
Legal filing in 2026
The Complex report says neither side is seeking spousal support. Hirschi told a judge in October 2025 that Bridges was “semi-retired” and lacked consistent income, and she covered the mortgage and household expenses. Both are representing themselves without lawyers.
What were the struggles of Todd Bridges?
Bridges has openly discussed his battles with addiction and legal troubles that followed his early fame.
Child stardom and its pressures
After Diff’rent Strokes ended, Bridges struggled to find his footing. He turned to drugs and faced several arrests in the 1990s.
Legal and substance abuse issues
Bridges was arrested for drug possession and other charges. He later entered rehab and achieved sobriety.
Overcoming adversity
Today, he speaks about recovery and mental health. He uses his platform to warn others about the dangers of fame at a young age.
“I was a mess. But I turned my life around.” – Todd Bridges, in a 2023 interview with BBC
Bottom line: Todd Bridges ended his second marriage in early 2026, continues to act and speak publicly, and remains a cautionary tale about child stardom that he now uses to help others.
Key pattern: Bridges’ career revival is happening alongside a personal reset. He is still in the public eye, but now on his own terms, without the pressures of his youth.
What this means: The divorce filings show Bridges’ income is inconsistent, yet he is not seeking spousal support. The financial dynamic underscores the fragility of post-fame finances.
en.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, encyclopedia.com, msn.com, dailymotion.com, bollywoodshaadis.com, de.wikipedia.org, youtube.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Todd Bridges best known for?
He is best known for playing Willis Jackson on the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes (1978–1986).
Does Todd Bridges have children?
He has one son from his first marriage to Dori Smith Bridges.
What happened to Gary Coleman’s money after he died?
Coleman’s estate was left to his ex-wife Shannon Price, but legal battles consumed most of it. Bridges has criticized the way Coleman’s legacy was handled.
Why did no one attend Gary Coleman’s funeral?
Bridges said financial disputes kept Coleman’s friends away. Only a handful of people attended his 2010 service.
Is Todd Bridges still acting?
Yes, he continues to take TV and film roles and is active on social media.
What is Todd Bridges’ height?
He is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall.
Did Todd Bridges struggle with addiction?
Yes, he had a well-documented struggle with drug addiction in the 1990s and later overcame it.
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