Betty A. Bridges, a seasoned guest actress known for her roles in shows like ‘Good Times’ and ‘ER’, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, at the Phoenix home of her son, ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ star Todd Bridges. She was 83 and had been in hospice care, according to her representative Elizabeth Much, who confirmed the news to ‘Deadline’.
Following her passing, Todd Bridges paid tribute to his mother on social media, sharing a photo with the text “1941-2024. Betty Bridges” and a video montage set to Everly Fair’s cover of Donna Lewis’ song “I Love You Always Forever.”
Born on August 1, 1941, Bridges had a prolific acting career spanning four decades, starting with a guest role on ‘Police Woman’ in 1974.
She gained recognition for her appearances in Norman Lear’s shows, including a 1975 episode of ‘Good Times’, where she played Charlene, also known as “The Nude,” opposite Jimmie Walker.
She also had a recurring role as Bina on ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’ and guest-starred in shows like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Hill Street Blues’.
Throughout her career, Bridges made guest appearances on numerous TV shows, including ‘Dallas’, ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’, ‘Ally McBeal’, ‘The Practice”, ‘Scrubs’, and ‘NYPD Blue’.
She also appeared in movies like ‘Night at the Roxbury’, ‘The Concrete Jungle’, and ‘Building Bridges’, a 1990 documentary directed by her sons Todd and Jimmy Bridges.
In addition to her acting work, Bridges was a prominent Hollywood manager and acting coach, co-founding the Kane Bridge Academy, where she taught students such as Nia Long, Tony O’Dell, Sanaa Lathan, Marcus Chong, and Regina and Reina King.
Bridges is survived by her sons Todd and Jimmy, daughter Verda Bridges Prpich, adopted son Zerondrick Hubbard, and several grandchildren.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
