“Killing Willis” is a new memoir by Todd Bridges, the guy best known for playing Willis on the popular sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes.” This isn’t the type of book I usually read (which I haven’t) and definitely not blog about, but there are some bigger societal issues that this book tackles. It’s common knowledge that Bridges battled drug abuse for most of his teen and adult years and subsequently has been to Hell and back. This new book seems to suggest that his downward spiral started as youngster when he was molested by a trusted adult, his own publicist. Like many youngsters who have faced this egregious breach of trust, he details how he had to confront all types of problems: trust issues, sexuality confusion, pain, hurt, and even ambivalence. Instead of the usual Hollywood sex-rock-n-roll-drugs fare, this seems like a piece that might be relatable to others who have been in the same position. With the recent Ireland Catholic church debauchery scandal, this book may serve as a comfort to a lot of folks out there.
To be honest though, when I first heard of this book I thought this was another ghost written book by an irrelevant celebrity trying to get back in the limelight with some sympathy. I figured he wanted to make some excuses about why he was a drug addict and ex-con. I know that I, for one, am sick of people using excuses for everything and never accepting responsibility for their own problems and downfall. It seems to be America’s new pastime: blame-everyone-but-myself. It seems that people are making millions and gaining fame by shoving the blame to everyone else but themselves. In fact, lots of people lie just to get a quick buck which is what I thought might be the case about this book and am still kind of on the fence about. I’m really trying to be an optimist and hope this isn’t the case for this book. Instead, I hope this piece can do what a novel is supposed to do: guide, inspire and connect.