Introduction

Dori Bridges, formerly known as Dori Smith, is best recognized as the first wife of actor Todd Bridges. However, her story extends far beyond her connection to the Diff’rent Strokes star. Dori is an educated, private, and quietly accomplished woman who once explored acting and later chose a life away from constant public attention.

With Todd Bridges trending again following his January 2026 announcement that he and Bettijo B. Hirschi are separating, renewed curiosity has naturally turned toward his earlier marriage to Dori. Their relationship, which lasted over a decade, shaped an important chapter in both their lives and resulted in their son, Spencir Bridges.

While the current trend centers on Todd’s latest split, Dori Bridges remains a central figure in his personal history and an individual whose life reflects strength, discretion, and independence.

Early Life & Childhood

Dori Bridges was born as Dori Smith and raised in Dalton, Georgia. She spent most of her formative years away from Hollywood, growing up in a close-knit Southern environment.

Her early life was grounded in education and personal development rather than celebrity culture. This upbringing played a key role in her reserved nature and preference for privacy later in life.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Dori comes from a modest family background. Her mother is Jan Lenderman Ledbetter, and she has two siblings:

• Casey Smith

• Brandy Smith

Unlike many celebrity families, Dori’s relatives have remained outside the entertainment spotlight. Their low public profile reflects the grounded and private life Dori has always maintained.

Education

Dori Smith placed a strong emphasis on academics. Her educational journey includes:

• Trion High School

• Jacksonville State University, where she majored in English

• Kennesaw State University, where she studied psychology

Her academic background shows her deep interest in communication, human behavior, and personal growth.

Career or Profession

Although Dori never pursued a long-term career in Hollywood, she had a brief and notable period as an actress. She appeared in five productions, including:

• Building Bridges (2000) – a short film centered on Todd Bridges’ life

• After Diff’rent Strokes: When the Laughter Stopped – a TV movie

• Black Ball (2003) – played the role of Karen

• Big Ball’n

• Foster Babies – her final screen appearance

Despite these roles, Dori chose not to continue in entertainment, preferring a quieter and more private life.

Connection to the Celebrity

Dori Bridges is the first wife of actor Todd Bridges, best known for his role as Willis Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes.

They reportedly married in 1998 in a private ceremony, despite having a ten-year age gap. Their marriage lasted for approximately 14 years, significantly longer than Todd’s later marriage to Bettijo B. Hirschi.

Recently, Todd Bridges made headlines when he announced his separation from Bettijo in January 2026. This news has brought renewed attention to his past relationships, including his marriage to Dori, which remains one of the most stable periods of his personal life.

Personal Life / Relationships

Dori and Todd welcomed a son together:

• Spencir Bridges

Spencir has followed in his father’s footsteps and built a career in acting. His credits include:

• The Reading Room

• Foster Babies

• iCarly

• House

Dori played a major role in raising Spencir and was consistently praised by Todd as a devoted and responsible mother. Even after their separation, Todd publicly described her as “a great mother” and expressed gratitude for their shared parenting journey.

Separation and Divorce From Todd Bridges

In 2012, Todd Bridges announced his separation from Dori, stating it was the best decision for their “collective futures.” The divorce was finalized in 2014.

Court documents later revealed financial challenges during that period. Todd reportedly stated his annual income was around $22,500, while Dori earned about $1,750 per month, which influenced child support discussions.

Despite these difficulties, Todd remained respectful of Dori, praising her parenting and acknowledging her role in their son’s life.

Net Worth

Dori Bridges’ net worth is not publicly available. However, her income sources historically included:

• Acting roles

• Personal professional work outside Hollywood

She has never publicly sought fame or financial attention, choosing stability over spotlight.

Interesting Facts

1. Dori holds academic qualifications in both English and psychology.

2. She appeared in a film centered on Todd Bridges’ life (Building Bridges).

3. She has deliberately avoided media exposure for over a decade.

4. She raised a son who successfully entered the entertainment industry.

5. Todd Bridges has consistently described her as an exceptional mother.

 

Recent News or Updates

On January 14, 2026, Todd Bridges announced his separation from his second wife, Bettijo B. Hirschi, after more than three years of marriage.

He said in a statement:

“After much prayer and reflection, my spouse and I have made the difficult decision to separate… with love and gratitude for the life we shared.”

This announcement has revived public interest in Todd’s personal life, including his earlier marriage to Dori Bridges, which remains an important chapter in his story.

Conclusion

Dori Bridges is a woman of quiet strength, intelligence, and dignity. Though she was once married to a famous actor, she never relied on that identity to define her life. Instead, she chose privacy, education, and motherhood as her guiding values.

While Todd Bridges’ recent separation has brought renewed attention to his past, Dori stands as a reminder that some stories don’t need constant spotlight to carry meaning. Her legacy is written in the stability she provided, the son she raised, and the grace with which she stepped away from fame.

FAQ

Who is Dori Bridges?
Dori Bridges, formerly Dori Smith, is the first wife of actor Todd Bridges and the mother of their son, Spencir Bridges.

When did Dori Bridges and Todd Bridges marry?
They married in 1998 in a private ceremony.

When did they divorce?
They separated in 2012, and the divorce was finalized in 2014.

Does Dori Bridges have children?
Yes, she has one son, Spencir Bridges, an actor.

Why is Dori Bridges trending now?
Interest in her life has resurfaced after Todd Bridges announced his separation from Bettijo B. Hirschi in January 2026.