logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Shavar Ross AKA Dudley from 'Diff'rent Strokes' Once Went Broke & Mike Bivins Came to His Rescue

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Aug 07, 2021
07:40 A.M.

"Diff'rent Strokes" star Shavar Ross found fame and fortune at 8, but he went broke later in life. Thankfully, rapper Mike Bivins came to his aid. Scroll down for the details of this heartwarming story.

Advertisement

Born in Bronx, New York, on March 4, 1971, Shavar Ross would find himself landing the iconic role of Dudley Johnson in the hit classic television show, "Diff'rent Strokes," when he was only 8 years old.

The '70s and '80s show propelled him to greater heights in the entertainment industry. Among his other projects were "Friday the 13th: A New Beginning" in 1985 and "A Taste of Us" in 2004.

Shavar Ross attends Anchor Bay Entertainment's Jason Voorhees reunion at Emerald Knights comics and games store on February 3, 2009 in Burbank, California. | Photo: Getty Images

Shavar Ross attends Anchor Bay Entertainment's Jason Voorhees reunion at Emerald Knights comics and games store on February 3, 2009 in Burbank, California. | Photo: Getty Images

Over the span of three decades, Ross accumulated 30 acting credits. Unlike many other child stars, Ross managed to stay centered and did not lose his way growing up. He said in a 2013 interview:

"I think there are a lot of issues for former child actors making a transition into the real world."

Advertisement

He also credited his spiritual discipline to overcome the pressures that surrounded him as a child star back in the day. He said he stayed morally grounded because of his close relationship with God.

Advertisement

Besides acting, the renowned actor also worked behind the camera. He had written, directed, and edited three films, including "Lord Help Us" in 2007. The film became an official selection of The American Black Film Festival.

After his father died of a heart attack at the age of 38, Ross worked as an emergency medical technician.

But Ross soon decided to leave the entertainment industry to pursue another endeavor. During the 2013 interview, he revealed that he was working toward a degree in Psychology. He was in his 40s at that time.

Advertisement

His ultimate goal was to obtain a doctorate in psychology. During this time of his life, he encountered financial problems and found unexpected help from another famous person.

In an Instagram post on December 31, 2016, Ross shared about when he ended up broke after selling his BMW and giving the money to his mother. He recalled being at the bus stop waiting for a ride to school.

He prayed not to be late for his finals. God seemed to answer his prayer when singer and rapper Mike Bivins saw him and offered him a ride. The New Edition member dropped him off at his school for his test.

Advertisement

At the time, he said he was working toward degrees in Psychology and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Ross expressed his deep gratitude and said he would never forget Bivins' kind gesture.

Speaking about why he decided to go back to school and get a doctorate in Psychology, he said that he had always been curious about how the mind works, especially the spiritual aspects.

"I believe there is a synergy between the mind and the spirit," the former actor said. His interest in the intersection of spirituality and psychology was no surprise considering he spent four years as a non-denominational pastor at a church in Hollywood.

Advertisement

His interest in health issues also drove his passion for how the mind and spirit work together. After his father died of a heart attack at 38, Ross worked as an emergency medical technician.

Ross's son was also born with autism, prompting him to become deeply involved in caregiving and counseling for people with developmental disabilities. Ultimately, he returned to his passion for show business.

He founded Tri-Seven Entertainment, a film, television, and online retail company. On LinkedIn, he stated that the company produces, develops, acquires, and distributes "inspirational products for a global audience."

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Katharine Ross Seemingly Made Peace at 83 with Only Daughter with Sam Elliott after Litigation

February 02, 2024

5 Celebrity Couples Whose Marriages Have Lasted for 40 Years and More

January 24, 2024

Gloria Mills Chapman a.k.a. Millie Is Amy Grant's Daughter Who Donated Her Kidney to Her Friend

December 25, 2023

Nurse Gives Woman the Wrong Baby, Then New Mother Turns Pale — Story of the Day

February 09, 2024

This Walmart Employee Is Child Star’s Spouse - She Died Homeless in His Arms

February 05, 2024

Olympic Star Sanya Richards-Ross, 38, Gives Birth After 'Scary' Miscarriage & Thanks Fans for Prayers

December 21, 2023

Did I Cross a Line with My Actions When I Encouraged My Daughter to Divorce Her Husband?

February 05, 2024

Matthew Perry Was Devastated as 'Friends' Cast Confronted Him in His Battle with 'Hideous Disease'

November 08, 2023

Did I Cross a Line with My Actions When I Encouraged My Daughter to Divorce Her Husband?

January 08, 2024

Matthew Perry's On-Screen Wife Courteney Cox Speaks Out More than 2 Weeks after His Tragic Death

November 15, 2023

Charlie Kirk's Wife Erika Frantzve Is 'A Beautiful Soul' & the Mother of His Child

December 06, 2023

This Actress, Who Gave Elvis His First On-Screen Kiss, Left Hollywood for Life in Monastery When ‘God Called’

November 30, 2023

Diana Ross Begged Son to Protect her Estate – His Life Changed Following Wedding

December 06, 2023

WWE Legend 'Virgil' Michael Jones Dies at 61: Details

February 29, 2024