Eight Is Enough: A Look Back at the Bradford Family

0:00This is entertainment and celebrity news today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. It's been almost 50 years since 8 is enough first aired on ABC in March 1977. The sitcom follows Sacramento columnist Tom Bradford raising his 8 kids after losing his wife. Inspired by a real journalist memoir, it ran for five seasons until May 1981 and led to two TV movies in the late 80s. The show faced tragedy early on when actress Diana Highland, who played Tom's wife Joan, died of breast cancer just months into filming at age. 41. Her death was woven into the storyline, making Tom a widower. Patriarch Dick Van Patten starred through all seasons, but passed away in June 2015 at 86 from diabetes complications. Several cast members built lasting careers after the series. Grant Goodevee, who played eldest son David and sang the theme, hosted game shows and appeared in Dynasty. Betty Buckley, stepping in a stepmom abbey, continues acting in shows like Law and Order and Recent Films.

1:04Willie Ames, the teen hard-throb Tommy, worked as a cruise director before returning to hallmark movies. Others chose quieter paths. Laurie Walters, who was Joni, retired to environmental activism in California, founding nature groups. Susan Richardson lived simply off the grid in Pennsylvania, illustrating books. Diane K. and Connie Needham, now Needham, both left acting, Needham beat Ovarian Cancer and supports charity. Sadly, not everyone made it. Lani O'Grady, the eldest daughter Mary, died at 46 in 2001 from a drug overdose. Youngest Nicholas Adam Rich, passed in January 2023 at 54 due to fentanyl effects. Fans and co-stars still remember the Bradfords fondly. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor. See the description. No need to switch positions. The sound is already where your head is. S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com. Made in AI.