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Eight is Enough
Eight is Enough is a television series that was based on the book of the same name by Thomas Braden, who in real life raised eight children and was a syndicated newspaper columnist. The show revolves around the Bradford family, consisting of father Tom (a columnist for a Sacramento, California newspaper), mother Joan, and their eight children: Mary, David, Joanie, Nancy, Elizabeth, Susan, Tommy, and Nicholas.
After the death of Joan, Tom meets teacher Abby, and they get married to bring a sense of completeness back to the family. The show portrays the sometimes comical and sometimes dramatic adventures of the Bradford family, as well as their relationships and connections with friends and extended family members. The series also had two spinoff TV movies titled “Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion” (1987) and “An Eight is Enough Wedding” (1989).
Eight is Enough Where Are They Now?
Let’s take a look at the current whereabouts of the cast of Eight is Enough:
Adam Rich (Nicholas Bradford): Adam gained popularity for his role as Nicholas Bradford and even influenced a hairstyle trend among kids at the time. Following the show, he made some guest appearances but mostly remained out of the spotlight. Sadly, Adam passed away on January 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a kind and generous individual and an advocate for mental health.
Laurie Walters (Joanie Bradford): In real life, Laurie is actually six months older than Betty Buckley, who played her older sister on the show. After “Eight Is Enough,” Laurie made a few guest appearances on different shows but hasn’t been on television since 1993. She has pursued her passion for environmentalism, and she has been involved in acting, directing, and theater plays.
Dianne Kay (Nancy Bradford): During the airing of “Eight Is Enough,” Dianne also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s comedy film “1941.” She made a few more appearances after the series but hasn’t acted since 1999.
Connie Needham (Elizabeth Bradford): Apart from her role in “Eight Is Enough,” Connie appeared on other TV shows like “Fame,” “Police Squad,” “L.A. Law,” and “Ellen.” Currently, she works as a dance instructor in Orange County, California.
James Van Patten (Merle in the ‘An Eight Is Enough Wedding’ TV Movie): James is indirectly connected to Eight is Enough as his father, Dick Van Patten, played the role of Tom Bradford. James portrayed the character of Merle in the second TV reunion movie, “An Eight Is Enough Wedding.”
Grant Goodeve (David Bradford): Grant continued his acting career after Eight is Enough and appeared in various shows like “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “Northern Exposure.” He also had roles in films and provided his voice for video games. In addition to his acting work, Grant has contributed to television programs and hosted shows like “Home & Garden Television’s If Walls Could Talk” and “Homes of Our Heritage.”
Lani O’Grady (Mary Bradford): Lani’s acting career was mostly limited to “Eight Is Enough.” After the show, she faced personal challenges, including health issues, struggles with alcohol and drugs, and retirement from acting. Tragically, she passed away in 2001 at the age of 46.
Susan Richardson (Susan Bradford Stockwell): Following “Eight Is Enough,” Susan made appearances in shows like “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” and “One Day at a Time.” She faced personal difficulties, including weight gain, health problems, and financial struggles.
Eight is Enough Cast and Characters
|
Actor |
Character |
|
Dick Van Patten |
Thomas “Tom” Bradford, Sr. |
|
Diana Hyland |
Joan Wells Bradford (season 1) |
|
Betty Buckley |
Sandra Sue “Abby” Mitchell Abbott Bradford (seasons 2–5) |
|
Grant Goodeve |
David Bradford |
|
Lani O’Grady |
Mary Bradford |
|
Laurie Walters |
Joan “Joanie” Bradford |
|
Susan Richardson |
Susan Bradford Stockwell |
|
Dianne Kay |
Nancy Bradford |
|
Connie Newton/Needham |
Elizabeth Bradford (switched to new married name, Needham, at start of season 4) |
|
Willie Aames |
Thomas “Tommy” Bradford, Jr. |
|
Adam Rich |
Nicholas Bradford |
Eight is Enough Synopsis
The show Eight is Enough revolves around the Bradford family, residing in Sacramento, California. The family consists of eight children, listed from oldest to youngest: David, Mary, Joanie, Susan, Nancy, Elizabeth, Tommy, and Nicholas. The father, Tom Bradford, portrayed by Dick Van Patten, works as a newspaper columnist for the fictional Sacramento Register, while his wife Joan, played by Diana Hyland, takes care of their children as a homemaker.
Unfortunately, during the early stages of the show in 1977, Diana Hyland was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing a mastectomy, her health rapidly declined, and she passed away on March 27, 1977, having filmed only four episodes. Consequently, her character’s death was incorporated into the second season of the series.
The second season begins with Tom as a widower in the fall of 1977. He later meets and falls in love with Sandra Sue “Abby” Abbott, portrayed by Betty Buckley, a widowed schoolteacher who visits the Bradford house to tutor Tommy after he sustains a football injury. Tom and Abby’s marriage takes place in one of the series’ TV movie broadcasts on November 9, 1977. The casting decision for Abby was influenced by network chief Brandon Tartikoff, who believed that Betty Buckley’s portrayal of Miss Collins, a sympathetic high school gym teacher in the film “Carrie” (1976), would seamlessly transition to the series.
In the fourth season, another TV movie broadcast in September 1979 features double weddings for both David and Susan. As the series progresses, Abby obtains her Ph.D. in education and begins working as a student counselor at the local high school. The eldest son, David, establishes his own construction company, while Mary, the oldest daughter, becomes a medical doctor. Tommy, the second-youngest son, pursues a career as a singer in a rock-and-roll band.
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