Diff'rent Strokes actor Todd Bridges has formally initiated divorce proceedings against his spouse, Bettijo B. Hirschi, in Maricopa County, Arizona. The 60-year-old star, renowned for his role as Willis Jackson on the classic television series, submitted legal documents marking the end of their marriage, which commenced in September 2022.
Irreparable Breakdown of the Marriage
In court filings reviewed by Us Weekly, Bridges stated that he and Hirschi attempted to reconcile their differences but ultimately concluded the marriage is broken beyond repair. The actor publicly announced their separation in January through a released statement, expressing that the decision was made after considerable prayer and reflection, accompanied by a heavy heart yet with love and gratitude for their shared life.
Legal and Financial Arrangements
Bridges detailed in his Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Without Minor Children that the couple no longer cohabitates and holds no communal property. He has requested the court to maintain the separation of assets owned prior to the marriage and has advocated that neither party should receive spousal support. Additionally, Bridges confirmed the existence of a written agreement between himself and Hirschi regarding the division of assets.
Family Backgrounds and Previous Relationships
The actor is father to two children, son Spencir and daughter Bo, from his previous marriage to Dori Smith, which lasted from 1998 to 2012. Hirschi, meanwhile, is mother to four children from a prior relationship. Their romance began less than a year before their wedding, with both expressing initial euphoria about their union.
Initial Romance and Spiritual Connection
In September 2022, Hirschi told People magazine that she and Bridges felt so blessed in their relationship, noting they had both given up on finding such a profound connection and believed divine intervention played a role in bringing them together. Bridges recounted how they met through a mutual friend named Mandy, initially intended as a setup for someone else, but he immediately desired Hirschi for himself.
Unconventional Meeting Story
Hirschi elaborated on The Tamron Hall Show that their introduction was facilitated by a friend who created a dating profile for her on an app, using Bridges as market research by sending him her pictures for feedback. The friend then prompted Hirschi to message Bridges, leading to their first contact. Hirschi emphasized their shared spiritual beliefs, stating they had a similar understanding of God and how divine communication operates, which deeply resonated with her faith.
Daily Mail has reached out to Hirschi and representatives for Bridges for further comment on the ongoing divorce proceedings. The split concludes a brief but publicly documented chapter in the lives of both individuals, highlighting the complexities of celebrity relationships and personal challenges.
