'Different Strokes' star Todd Bridges shares final words with mother, 'Good Times' actress Betty A Bridges
Todd Bridges said that his mother, actress Betty A. When Bridges was dying this summer, his last words to her were to tell him he could go.
“Before she died, she was awake a little bit, and I kissed her on the forehead, and I said, 'Look, if you want to go see your mother, your grandmother, and your brothers, you can go ahead, Mom. Go,'” The actor, who plays Willis Jackson on “Different Strokes,” revealed to People magazine this week. “'We're going to be okay,' and about a few hours later, he's gone.”
The 'Different Strokes' alum, 59, was by his mother's side when she died in hospital at her home in Phoenix in late August. She was 83.
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Todd Bridges said that his mother, actress Betty A. When Bridges was dying this summer, his last words to her were to tell him he could go. (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
“He was going through so much, and I'm glad God took him home,” Bridges told PEOPLE. “My mother was dying, to me, I didn't want her to, but I didn't want her to suffer anymore.”
Betty A. Bridges played an important role in Todd's recovery from addiction, his rep shared after his death. “His tough love and unwavering support highlight the profound influence of family and friends in overcoming life's toughest battles,” the rep said.
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Betty A. Bridges and Todd Bridges on “Diff'rent Strokes” together. (Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUuniversal Getty Images via Getty Images)
“That's the reason I stayed calm,” Todd told People, adding that he “stood behind her” “no matter what.”
Besides “Good Times,” Betty is best known for her roles on “ER” and “2 Broke Girls.” She appeared in “Quincy ME,” “Wonder Woman,” “Scrubs,” “NYPD Blue,” “What's Happening!!” also appeared. and “Different Strokes.”
He was also a Hollywood manager and acting coach with students such as Nia Long and Regina King.
Betty A. Bridges was in hospice care at home with her son Todd when she died in August at age 83. (Getty Images | East 2 West Collective)
Betty co-founded Kane Bridge Academy, an acting school. He eventually moved the school to his home in Los Angeles and would give free lessons to children in his neighborhood.
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While he was happy to take care of her, Todd told PEOPLE that it was “hard to watch her fall, knowing she wasn't going to make it.”
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