Todd Bridges, renowned for his role in the iconic sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, recently celebrated 32 years of sobriety. In an interview on the Allison Interviews podcast, Bridges candidly discussed his journey to sobriety, the challenges he faced, and his perspective on the entertainment industry.
Bridges emphasized a pivotal moment in rehab where he felt a divine intervention, guiding him toward long-term sobriety. He described a feeling of exhaustion from repetitive negative patterns and a subsequent spiritual awakening. He explained that true sobriety involves addressing underlying emotional issues, rather than just abstaining from substance use. He credits his faith and the support of others for helping him maintain his sobriety for over three decades.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1143×393:1145×395)/TODD-BRIDGES-Live-in-Front-of-a-Studio-Audience-010725-754c56b34a0e416a966ebbd5f2f95958.jpg)
The actor opened up about the childhood trauma that contributed to his past substance abuse, including being molested as a child and having an alcoholic father. He also spoke about experiencing frequent police stops, even while on his way to work, which fueled anger and resentment. Bridges attributed these experiences to the development of a “chip on his shoulder” and the subsequent need to address the underlying pain and anger through faith and healing.
Bridges expressed frustration with the media’s tendency to focus on his past mistakes rather than his long-term sobriety. He contrasted his experience with that of Charlie Sheen, noting that Sheen’s accomplishments are often highlighted while his own are overshadowed by past struggles. Bridges believes this disparity reflects a broader issue of racial bias in Hollywood. He pointed out that while both he and Sheen have returned to television with roles in Everybody Still Hates Chris and other shows, respectively, the media framing of their careers differs significantly.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1143×393:1145×395)/TODD-BRIDGES-Live-in-Front-of-a-Studio-Audience-010725-754c56b34a0e416a966ebbd5f2f95958.jpg)
Despite the challenges, Bridges remains optimistic and focused on his current endeavors. He is actively involved in the animated spinoff of Everybody Hates Chris and co-hosts the podcast Dang! with his wife, Bettijo. He expressed contentment with his current path and gratitude for his accomplishments. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining his sobriety and moving forward in his career on his own terms.
Bridges’ story serves as an inspiration for those struggling with addiction and highlights the importance of addressing underlying trauma and focusing on long-term recovery. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
