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Todd Bridges: My Estranged Friendship with Gary Coleman
19 Jul
Summary
- Todd Bridges and Gary Coleman reconnected on a plane after years of estrangement.
- Coleman's father created a rift between the Diff'rent Strokes co-stars.
- Bridges and Coleman became very close again before Coleman's death.
Todd Bridges recently recounted the complex, yet ultimately mended, relationship he shared with his Diff'rent Strokes co-star and friend, Gary Coleman. The actors, who first worked together in 1978 on the popular sitcom, experienced a significant estrangement during their time on the show.
Bridges explained that Coleman's parents, particularly his father, played a role in their distancing. This led to conflicts, including an incident where a 13-year-old Coleman slapped Bridges, causing Bridges to retaliate. Such events, fueled by the perception that Coleman was more vital to the show, created friction.
However, after Diff'rent Strokes concluded in 1986, Bridges and Coleman serendipitously reconnected when they were seated next to each other on a flight. This chance encounter allowed them to rebuild their bond, becoming very close once more, especially as Coleman grew distant from his parents.
Coleman passed away on May 28, 2010, following a brain hemorrhage. Bridges expressed gratitude for having reconciled with his friend before his untimely death.
