Todd Bridges Reflects on the Tragic Demise of Gary Coleman and the Pitfalls of Child Stardom

Todd Bridges, who co-starred with Gary Coleman in "Diff'rent Strokes," opens up about the exploitation and struggles that plague child stars, sharing his belief that Coleman could have been saved from a tragic fate.

Todd Bridges, known for his iconic role as Willis Jackson in "Diff'rent Strokes," has shed light on the challenges and pitfalls that young performers face in the entertainment industry, particularly in the wake of the tragic demise of his former co-star, Gary Coleman.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Bridges vehemently asserts that Coleman's exploitation by unscrupulous individuals ultimately contributed to his untimely death. "That's what happens when people get greedy," Bridges stated. "They tend to just take money ... and steal things. We all lost some money to some people."

Todd Bridges Reflects on the Tragic Demise of Gary Coleman and the Pitfalls of Child Stardom

Growing up in the spotlight, Bridges realized that Coleman's upbringing was vastly different from his own. "I think he grew up around adults, so it was a lot different for him. I grew up around other kids," he explained. "But I enjoyed being around him."

Bridges fondly recalls a time when Coleman tried to jump rope with him and Dana Plato, Coleman's on-screen adoptive sister. "Gary tried to jump the rope, but he didn't. He fell. We all just started laughing, including Gary," Bridges said.

Todd Bridges Reflects on the Tragic Demise of Gary Coleman and the Pitfalls of Child Stardom

However, behind the scenes, the "Diff'rent Strokes" cast endured relentless pressure. In the recently released documentary "Gary," Bridges alleged that Coleman was forced by his father to continue working despite being unwell. "I knew he was sick. He should've had the opportunity to be able to rest when the season was done," Bridges said. "Those seasons are not like the seasons today."

The documentary also explores Coleman's short stature, which stemmed from a serious kidney condition. He underwent multiple transplants and required dialysis. Even as an adult, his height reached only 4 feet, 8 inches. Bridges believes that Coleman's parents exploited his health condition for financial gain.

Todd Bridges Reflects on the Tragic Demise of Gary Coleman and the Pitfalls of Child Stardom

As an adult, Coleman faced a series of legal, financial, and health issues. He made sporadic TV appearances and took on small roles, but he never fully escaped the shadow of his childhood fame. At one point, he resorted to working as a security guard.

Bridges himself has faced his own struggles, including a battle with addiction and an acquittal of attempted murder. In his 2010 memoir, Bridges revealed that he was molested as a child. Dana Plato, who played the siblings' White teenage sister, died of an overdose in 1999.

Todd Bridges Reflects on the Tragic Demise of Gary Coleman and the Pitfalls of Child Stardom

Despite the adversity they faced, Bridges has managed to turn his life around with the help of his Christian faith and the support of his family and friends. He has been sober for over 31 years and has started a foundation to assist recovering addicts.

Bridges believes that lessons can be learned from the tragedies that have befallen his former co-stars. "For every child actor you see going wrong, I can name you 10 that haven't," he said. "We need to watch out for predators. They're there and they're waiting."

Todd Bridges Reflects on the Tragic Demise of Gary Coleman and the Pitfalls of Child Stardom