83-Year-Old Actor from ‘Good Times’, ‘ER’, ‘Hill Street Blues’, Mother of Todd Bridges

Betty A. Bridges, a prominent figure in television and acting coaching, passed away on August 27 at the age of 83. She died at her son Todd Bridges’ home in Phoenix, where she had been under hospice care. The news was confirmed by Rep Elizabeth Much, although no cause of death was provided.

Born on August 1, 1941, Betty Bridges began her screen career in the 1970s, appearing in popular TV shows such as Police Woman, Charlie’s Angels, and Norman Lear’s Good Times and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Over the next four decades, she became a familiar face on television, guest-starring in series like Wonder Woman, What’s Happening!!, Quincy, M.E., CHiPs, Lou Grant, Diff’rent Strokes, Hill Street Blues, Dallas, Beverly Hills, 90210, Ally McBeal, The Practice, NYPD Blue, Scrubs, and 2 Broke Girls.

Bridges also had roles in films such as A Night at the Roxbury, Rooster, and The Concrete Jungle. In 2000, she starred in a short film titled Building Bridges, written and directed by her sons Todd and Jimmy Bridges.

Betty Bridges transitioned her talents towards nurturing future generations of actors by becoming a prominent acting coach and Hollywood manager. She co-founded Kane Bridge Academy, an acting school where she gained popularity as a teacher, particularly for children and minority groups. The school was eventually run out of her Los Angeles home, where she often allowed neighborhood children to attend classes for free.

Her dedication as an acting coach was evident through the success of her students, which included Nia Long, Tony O’Dell, Sanaa Lathan, Marcus Chong, Shashawnee Hall, and the sisters Regina and Reina King. Her work extended beyond the professional realm, as she played a vital role in her son Todd’s recovery from addiction, providing tough love and unwavering support to help him through his struggles.

Betty Bridges is survived by her son Todd Bridges and his wife Bettijo Bridges, son Jimmy Bridges, and daughter Verda Bridges Prpich. She also leaves behind her adopted son Zerondrick Hubbard and grandchildren Penny Bae Bridges, Brooke Marie Bridges, Raei Bridges, Mikai Emanuel Bridges, Paxton Isaiah Bridges, Radd Prpich, Bo Bridges, Spencir Bridges, Attalie Anne, Piper Hirschi, Modette Hirschi, and Rockwell Hirschi.

To honor her memory, the family has requested that donations be made to the Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation instead of sending flowers.

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