Veteran Actress Betty A. Bridges Passes Away at 83

Actress Betty A. Bridges has passed away at the age of 83. The news was confirmed by her representative, Elizabeth Much, to Deadline. The veteran talent passed away at the home of her son, Todd Bridges, in Phoenix on Tuesday, August 27. It is reported that she had been living there in hospice care.

Todd Bridges, also an actor, shared tributes to his mother on social media. In one Instagram post, he uploaded an image of his mother smiling, with the years 1941-2024 written across the bottom. Supportive comments poured in from friends, followers, fans, as well as celebrities like Lenny Kravitz, Melissa Gilbert, and Tyrone Burton.

In another Instagram post leading with the same photo, Todd shared various pictures of his mother in a video format, soundtracked by Everly Fair’s “I Love You Always Forever (Acoustic).”

Betty A. Bridges worked in the industry for more than four decades. According to IMDb, her acting credits date back to 1974. Among her notable guest spots was an appearance on “Good Times,” where she portrayed Charlene, a wife seeking a nude portrait from the leading character J.J. as a gift for her husband. She also had a recurring role as Bina on “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and most recently appeared in “2 Broke Girls” in 2014.

In her career, she also appeared in films such as “A Night at the Roxbury” and “The Colony.” Additionally, she was featured in “Building Bridges,” a 1990 short film that explored her son’s struggles after his time on “Diff’rent Strokes.” According to Deadline, she played an important role in Todd’s recovery from addiction.

Outside of acting, Betty Bridges was a prominent Hollywood manager and acting coach. She co-founded the Kane Bridge Academy acting school, where she also taught. Her students included Nia Long, Tony O’Dell, Sanaa Lathan, Marcus Chong, Shashawnee Hall, and sisters Regina and Reina King, as relayed by her family to the outlet.

Betty Bridges is survived by her son Todd and his wife Bettijo Bridges, son Jimmy Bridges, daughter Verda Bridges Prpich, 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.

Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of Betty A. Bridges.