Todd Bridges and his wife, Bettijo B. Hirschi, have decided to end their marriage after three years together.
The Different strokes actor, 59, confirmed the split in a statement shared with People on Wednesday. Bridges said the decision followed “much prayer and reflection,” calling it difficult but necessary.
“This was not an easy choice, and it comes with a heavy heart,” Bridges told the magazine. He added that the separation is rooted in gratitude for the relationship they shared.
He then expressed his appreciation for their time together, the lessons learned and the family they built during their marriage. Bridges also said he is relying on his faith as both he and Hirschi progress individually.
Noting that he trusts them to be led to healing and peace, he asked for privacy during the transition and said he continues to wish his former partner happiness and fulfillment in the future.
No further details about the reasons for the split have been shared.
Bridges and Hirschi’s relationship progressed quickly after they first hooked up in early 2022. Hirschi previously explained that they met in January of that year when a friend created a dating profile for her and showed it to Bridges for what was initially intended as “market research.” The introduction quickly turned into a romantic relationship.
Six months after the meeting, Bridges made a proposal. The couple married just nine months after their first connection, exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony in September 2022.
The marriage marked Bridges’ second. He was previously married to his first wife, Dori, from 1998 to 2012. The former couple has two children, including son Spencir, 28, and daughter Bo, 29. Hirschi also tied the knot with four children of his own.
