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Timothy Busfield is facing serious child abuse allegations, but his Hollywood co-stars are rallying to defend him. Letters submitted to the court from actors who have worked closely with the West Wing star reveal a deep trust in his character, painting a picture of a devoted father, supportive colleague, and compassionate friend.
Timothy Busfield’s Co-Stars Speak Out in Support
According to the Daily Mail, several of Busfield’s co-stars, including Peter Horton, Patricia Wettig, and Mackenzie Astin, shared personal accounts in court filings. Horton reflected on their time together on Thirtysomething: “Tim is not only a great actor and a really good director, more than all of that Tim is a good man. I offer this perspective to you from not only a fellow artist and friend, but as a fellow father of two girls who knows the power and necessity of having a good dad.”
Wettig, who played his wife on Thirtysomething, praised his professionalism during intimate scenes:
“He is a wonderful man and I trust him completely.”
She also highlighted Busfield’s dedication to the well-being of children on set, emphasizing that he always ensured they “felt comfortable and safe.”
Astin, who worked with Busfield on First Years, credited him with helping him regain his footing as an actor after battling alcoholism. He recalled: “That job made a significant impact on my recovery. I was reminded that I was capable as an actor, and that the new life I had begun, the sober life, would be rewarded.”
Support from Family and Legal Defense
Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, also weighed in, describing him as “compassionate and honorable” and urging the judge to protect him. His attorneys argued that the allegations arose after the boys lost their roles on The Cleaning Lady, suggesting a potential financial or retaliatory motive.
The legal filings further pointed to a Warner Bros. investigation, which reportedly found the claims against Busfield to be unsubstantiated. Busfield himself denied the allegations in a statement, according to TMZ: “They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and lies.”
Busfield remains in custody pending a January 20 hearing, as the court weighs whether to grant the prosecution’s motion to keep him detained until trial.
