strokes

DIFF’RENT Strokes star Todd Bridges has split from his wife, after three years of marriage.

The actor, 60, who played Willis on the much-loved 80s sitcom, met his spouse Bettijo on a dating app, but they have now called time on their relationship.

The former child star revealed the news of his marriage break-up, saying he wished his wife “all the best”.

In a statement given to TMZ, the Diff’rent Strokes star told TMZ: “After much thought and mutual respect, we have decided to end our marriage.

“During our time together we shared meaningful moments, but have chosen to go our separate ways.

“I ask for privacy and wish her nothing but love and happiness moving forward.”

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The couple’s break-up comes just over three years after the couple got married in a low-key Beverly Hills wedding, which just 40 guests attended.

The pair had a whirlwind romance, which saw them get engaged just six months after meeting on a dating app, and wed three months later.

This was Todd’s second marriage, as he was previously was married to Dori Bridges from 1998 to 2012.

DIFF’RENT STROKES FAME

Known for its catchy theme tune, Diff’rent Strokes aired on NBC and also ABC from 1978 to 1986, running for eight seasons.

The series followed the life of a wealthy businessman, Phillip Drummond, who adopts his housekeeper’s two children after she died.

Along with Todd, the popular sitcom made a star out of a young Gary Coleman, who’s character Arnold Jackson coined the phrase, “Whatchu talkin’ bout, Willis?”

But the show is also remembered for tacking a range of diverse issues, and addressing a host of serious issues, from eating disorders to bullying.

Actor Todd played Arnold’s older brother Willis.

Sadly after the show finished, he had several brushes with the law, and in 1987 was tried and later acquitted of attempted murder in 1988.

Todd also dealt with substance abuse issues, which he talks about in his book about his recovery, Killing Willis.

However, the actor turned his life around and is still a regular face on TV, which includes a stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2022.

Todd is the last of the main and original Diff’rent Strokes stars who is still alive today.

His much-loved co-star Gary was plagued with health problems, and sadly died of a brain hemorrhage on May 28, 2010. He was 42.

CO-STAR DEATH

Todd’s marriage split comes just weeks after another one of his Diff’rent Strokes’ co-star Melanie Watson passed away.

She played Arnold’s pal Kathy Gordon on the 1980s TV show Diff’rent Strokes, appearing in four episodes of the hit show.

The actress had been in hospital where she quickly deteriorated, TMZ reported.

Robert Watson, Melanie’s brother told the outlet that she died on December 26.

He said his sister had been suffering bleeding, and that doctors did their best to help her.

Melanie was born in Dana Point, California, with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, which causes bones to fracture easily.

ACTRESS Melanie Watson died on Friday in Colorado Springs.

Best known for her role on the 80s TV show “Diff’rent Strokes”, she passed away aged 57.

The Diff’rent Strokes actress had been in hospital where she quickly deteriorated, TMZ reported.

Robert Watson, Melanie’s brother told the outlet that she died on December 26.

He said his sister had been suffering bleeding, and that doctors did their best to help her.

Watson was born in Dana Point, California, with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, which causes bones to fracture easily.

The disease can also cause a curved spine, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and other issues.

The actress’ brother told TMZ that she was lucky to have lived as long as she did with her condition.

Robert said he would always think of Melanie.

She played Arnold’s pal Kathy Gordon on the 1980s TV show Diff’rent Strokes, appearing in four episodes of the hit show.

Her character used a wheelchair, just as the child star did in real life.

In 1982, she appeared in an episode called Kathy, named after her character.

In the episode, Kathy argued with Gary Coleman’s character, Arnold, after he tried to convince her to walk without using crutches.

Watson retired from showbiz after her run on hit show Diff’rent Strokes ended.

Later, she was married to Roger Bernhardt, for four years between 1994 and 1996.

Known professionally as Melanie Bernhardt, the child star was the founder and executive director of Train Rite, an organisation that trains shelter dogs to help disabled people.

In 2020, the the actress began a run for the Colorado State Senate, but pulled out of the race as “unforeseeable health conditions” derailed her campaign.

In 2024, she had expressed hopes of running for political office again.

Watson spoke about her TV stardom in a 2020 interview with IndieWire, describing herself as “a pill” to work with.

She said: “I was always playing with my yo-yo and listening to my Walkman.”

Talking about representing disabled people like her on screen, Watson said: “I didn’t realise what a gift it was to be the first one out there.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have stayed in the business.”