Todd Bridges Alleges Gary Coleman’s Father Attempted to Have Him Fired from ‘Diff’rent Strokes’
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Todd Bridges, known for his role in the hit TV show ‘Diff’rent Strokes,’ recently made shocking claims about his experience on set with his co-star Gary Coleman. During an appearance on The Patrick LabyorSheaux, Bridges revealed that Gary’s father, Willie Coleman, played a significant role in creating tension between the two young actors.
The tension between Bridges and Gary Coleman became apparent during an incident where the two had a physical altercation. Bridges recalled, “At 13 years old, Gary slapped me and I slapped him back.” Despite their age difference, Gary’s father, Willie, allegedly believed that his son was more essential to the show than Bridges, leading to friction between them.
According to Bridges, Willie Coleman even went as far as trying to have him fired from the show. “They were like, ‘Oh, we gotta fire him. He slapped the star.’ And they were like, ‘Willie, we can’t fire Willis. The show is about Willis and Arnold. We can’t fire Willis. It would be dumb,'” Bridges recounted. However, Bridges remained unfazed by the situation, stating that he was at peace with not being in the spotlight as long as Gary was considered the star.
After the show concluded, the interference from Gary’s father continued to impact their relationship. Bridges revealed that they were kept apart for a few years following the end of ‘Diff’rent Strokes.’ However, when they eventually reunited, Bridges was relieved to find that they were able to rebuild their friendship. He explained, “Because now Gary didn’t want anything to do with his parents because he knew what they were doing to him. And so we became very, very close.”
Tragically, Gary Coleman passed away on May 28, 2010, after suffering a brain hemorrhage. Despite the challenges they faced during their time on the show, Bridges fondly remembers the bond he shared with his onscreen brother. The revelations made by Bridges shed light on the behind-the-scenes struggles that the young actors faced while working on the popular sitcom.
The news of the alleged interference by Gary Coleman’s father in his relationship with Todd Bridges has sparked discussions among fans of ‘Diff’rent Strokes.’ Many have expressed sympathy for the young actors who had to navigate complex relationships both on and off-screen. The revelations made by Bridges provide a unique insight into the challenges faced by child stars in the entertainment industry.
The legacy of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ lives on, but the recent revelations from Todd Bridges offer a new perspective on the dynamics at play during the show’s production. As fans continue to reflect on the impact of the beloved sitcom, Bridges’ candid account serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise behind the scenes of a seemingly happy-go-lucky TV show.
In conclusion, Todd Bridges’ claims about his experience with Gary Coleman and his father shed light on the challenges and tensions that existed behind the scenes of ‘Diff’rent Strokes.’ The revelations offer a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play during the production of the show and highlight the complexities of relationships among child stars in the entertainment industry.