Todd Bridges Book Reveals Affair with Dana Plato & How She Introduced Him to Drugs - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 03-15-2010, 09:44 PM

Bridges claims Plato - who died from a prescription drug overdose in 1999 - introduced him to drugs, which led to his long battle with cocaine and crystal meth addiction.

However, the actor - who has been sober for 17 years - insists he has taken responsibility for his actions. He writes in the prologue, "Seriously, I would not change a single thing about my life."

Explaining why he's writing the book, he adds, "I really wanted to tell what really happened... They always want to make me blame Hollywood. That's just not the truth. You know how they say Hollywood throws childhood stars away? That wasn't true in my case."

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index....out_troubled_c

catlover79 · 03-15-2010, 11:22 PM

I put a request in for this book at the library - it sounds fascinating.

OOliver · 08-20-2010, 04:06 PM

I just finished this book (took one day to read), which I borrowed from my library. Not an interesting book in any respect.

Sorry folks, but Bridges comes off as the professional victim - everyone was out to get him from 'day one' (starting with his father). Though at the end he says he takes responsibilities for most of his poor decisions, he really doesn't get that message across in the book - it's just the opposite. Everyone (from his dad, to Coleman, to the LAPD) was 'out to get him', and he plays the victim rather well. Some of his 'memories' don't add up, which makes me question the validity of his statements.

It's too bad, because I have always liked Bridges. I really was interested in his life story, and was looking forward to this book. I liked him the best on DS, and always thought he was one of the most talented child actors of my childhood (he's just a couple of years younger than I). I've often wondered how far his career would have gone if he made some better decisions....but we'll never know since everyone conspired against him (so he says).

Larenz09 · 08-22-2010, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OOliver

I just finished this book (took one day to read), which I borrowed from my library. Not an interesting book in any respect.

Sorry folks, but Bridges comes off as the professional victim - everyone was out to get him from 'day one' (starting with his father). Though at the end he says he takes responsibilities for most of his poor decisions, he really doesn't get that message across in the book - it's just the opposite. Everyone (from his dad, to Coleman, to the LAPD) was 'out to get him', and he plays the victim rather well. Some of his 'memories' don't add up, which makes me question the validity of his statements.

It's too bad, because I have always liked Bridges. I really was interested in his life story, and was looking forward to this book. I liked him the best on DS, and always thought he was one of the most talented child actors of my childhood (he's just a couple of years younger than I). I've often wondered how far his career would have gone if he made some better decisions....but we'll never know since everyone conspired against him (so he says).

People are supposed to be able to forgive and forget, so they say.

I didn't really condone what Todd did in the past.

But since he has decided to clean himself up, get off drugs, turn his life around and began trying to help others do the same, I congratulate and condone him wholeheartedly for sharing his past experiences with others and for him trying to help others to stay away from the very controversial lifestyle that HE once lived.

Mr. Television · 08-22-2010, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larenz09

People are supposed to be able to forgive and forget, as they say.

I didn't really condone what Todd did in the past.

But since he has decided to clean himself up, get off drugs, turn his life around and began trying to help others do the same, I congratulate and condone him wholeheartedly for sharing his past experiences with others and for him trying to help others to stay away from the very controversial lifestyle that HE once lived.

That's pretty much how I feel. I just hope he can continue with it. He's the only one of the main kids left.

Larenz09 · 08-22-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

That's pretty much how I feel. I just hope he can continue with it. He's the only one of the main kids left.

There is still the one who played Danny, or whatever the character name was after Mr Drummond got married.

Mr. Television · 08-22-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larenz09

There is still the one who played Danny, or whatever the character name was after Mr Drummond got married.

Yea but that's when the show jumped the shark. lol I know and Dudley, Robbie and Lisa are still around.

Larenz09 · 08-22-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

Yea but that's when the show jumped the shark. lol I know and Dudley, Robbie and Lisa are still around.

Yes they are. Forgot about them.

Shavar (Dudley) Ross has his own production co, has a son and daughter, is married and is doing well. He also became a priest or minister at one time. HE ALSO, began appearing on Strokes when HE was a little boy as well.

He later went on to to do guest appearances in such sitcoms as Amen, Fresh Prince of BelAire and others. He also appeared in one of the Friday the 13th sequels - the 5th one.

He was later asked by the producers to do another sequel to the film in which his character was going to be killed off, but he respectfully decined it. I'm so glad that he chose not to do it, because I didn't want to see him get "killed" off!

Miraculously, he was able to successfully avoid the pitfalls, trials and tribulations that Dana, Todd and Gary went through with their turbulent lives. I commend HIM as well and wish him continued success in what he does!!

Larenz09 · 08-22-2010, 11:27 AM

Here are some pics of Shavar Ross, some of them are from when he was a little boy. The first one is of Shawn Harrison, who looks almost like his son, Seven.

Larenz09 · 08-22-2010, 11:33 AM

Some more.

Retro4Life · 08-22-2010, 02:12 PM

I guess I'd respect Bridges more if he hadn't included all that stuff about Plato.

I am totally against levelling charges against dead people, since they are no longer around to give their side of the story. It's indecent and unfair. And as others have said, it smacks of abrogating his own responsibility for what happened in his life.

Mr. Television · 08-22-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

I guess I'd respect Bridges more if he hadn't included all that stuff about Plato.

I am totally against levelling charges against dead people, since they are no longer around to give their side of the story. It's indecent and unfair. And as others have said, it smacks of abrogating his own responsibility for what happened in his life.

I can understand that. I like Dana. I always have. She was messed up though. All 3 of them were. If it happened then it happened. It doesn't really make me think less of her. I haven't read the book or anything so I don't know how hard he came down on her but if he's just being honest then I have no problem with it. If he's really going after her then I would. I think Dana's life was a real tagedy. DS gave a lot of happy moments to so many people. It's just too bad that the kids on that show didn't share that many.

DSfan · 08-22-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larenz09

Here are some pics of Shavar Ross. The first one is of his son, Seven.

That first picture looks exactly like Shawn Harrison (Waldo on Family Matters)!

Mr. Television · 08-22-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSfan

That first picture looks exactly like Shawn Harrison (Waldo on Family Matters)!

It really does. They could be twins. And Shavar did co-star with Shawn on Family Matters for a time too.

Larenz09 · 08-22-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSfan

That first picture looks exactly like Shawn Harrison (Waldo on Family Matters)!

Sorry, my bad.

It IS Shawn Harrison. He DOES in some way, look like Ross's son, Seven.

I just Googled his name and found that same pic there. Sorry about that.

03-15-2010, 09:44 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Todd Bridges Book Reveals Affair with Dana Plato & How She Introduced Him to Drugs Bridges claims Plato - who died from a prescription drug overdose in 1999 - introduced him to drugs, which led to his long battle with cocaine and crystal meth addiction. However, the actor - who has been sober for 17 years - insists he has taken responsibility for his actions. He writes in the prologue, "Seriously, I would not change a single thing about my life." Explaining why he's writing the book, he adds, "I really wanted to tell what really happened... They always want to make me blame Hollywood. That's just not the truth. You know how they say Hollywood throws childhood stars away? That wasn't true in my case." http://www.starpulse.com/news/index....out_troubled_c
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

03-15-2010, 11:22 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I put a request in for this book at the library - it sounds fascinating.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

08-22-2010, 11:27 AM	#9
Larenz09 Gary Coleman, we'll miss you! Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 12, 2008 Location: East Boston, MA. Posts: 659	Here are some pics of Shavar Ross, some of them are from when he was a little boy. The first one is of Shawn Harrison, who looks almost like his son, Seven. Attached Images
	Last edited by Larenz09; 11-13-2010 at 03:55 PM.

08-22-2010, 11:33 AM	#10
Larenz09 Gary Coleman, we'll miss you! Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 12, 2008 Location: East Boston, MA. Posts: 659	Some more. Attached Images

08-22-2010, 02:12 PM	#11
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	I guess I'd respect Bridges more if he hadn't included all that stuff about Plato. I am totally against levelling charges against dead people, since they are no longer around to give their side of the story. It's indecent and unfair. And as others have said, it smacks of abrogating his own responsibility for what happened in his life.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

08-20-2010, 04:06 PM	#3
OOliver Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 28, 2009 Location: Providence RI Posts: 569	I just finished this book (took one day to read), which I borrowed from my library. Not an interesting book in any respect. Sorry folks, but Bridges comes off as the professional victim - everyone was out to get him from 'day one' (starting with his father). Though at the end he says he takes responsibilities for most of his poor decisions, he really doesn't get that message across in the book - it's just the opposite. Everyone (from his dad, to Coleman, to the LAPD) was 'out to get him', and he plays the victim rather well. Some of his 'memories' don't add up, which makes me question the validity of his statements. It's too bad, because I have always liked Bridges. I really was interested in his life story, and was looking forward to this book. I liked him the best on DS, and always thought he was one of the most talented child actors of my childhood (he's just a couple of years younger than I). I've often wondered how far his career would have gone if he made some better decisions....but we'll never know since everyone conspired against him (so he says).