Bridgette Andersen

BornMarriah Bridget AnderseninInglewood, Californiato Frank Glass and Teresa Andersen, Bridgette Andersen (as she was known professionally) was raised inMalibu, California, and from an early age, she showed exceptional intelligence. By age two, she decided she wanted to be an actress and eventually began a career as achild modelbefore breaking into acting at age seven in the 1982TV movie,Washington Mistress. Later that year, Andersen appeared in her most memorable role as the title character inSavannah Smiles, followed by roles inFamily Ties,Remington Steele, and as a youngMae Westin the TVbiopic of the actress' life. In 1983, Andersen appeared as Celia in the short lived sitcomGun Shy, and was also nominated for aYoung Artist Awardfor her role inSavannah Smiles. She followed up with a role in thehorror film,Nightmares. She was nominated for a second time for a Young Artist Award for her role inGun Shythe following year. Throughout the mid-1980s, Andersen continued to appear in episodic television, TV movies and features films, including:A Summer to Rememberin 1985,Hotel,Fever PitchwithRyan O'Neal,The Golden Girls, andThe Parent Trap IIwithHayley Mills. By 1987, Andersen's roles were infrequent with her only appearances being in an episode ofCBS Summer Playhouseand anindependent filmentitledToo Much. One of Andersen's last roles was a small part in a Pepsicommercial that aired duringSuper Bowl XXXon January 28, 1996. Shortly before her death, she performed in the independent featureLocker 28. To date, the film remains unreleased. Andersen was reportedly not close to her family and had little contact with them. During her teen years, she struggled with an addiction toheroin, and at the time of her death, was attempting to staycleanwhile working at Erewhon Health Food Store inLos Angeles, California.On May 18, 1997, Andersen died of anaccidental overdose of alcohol and drugs. She was 21 years old. On May 25, 1997, funeral services were held at Malibu United Methodist Church and Andersen's ashes were scattered at Zuma Beach inMalibu, California.