'Eight Is Enough' Cast Then and Now: What Happened to the Stars of the Iconic Series

One of TV's first comedy-drama series, "Eight Is Enough," gained widespread recognition in the late 70s. After going off the air in 1981, many of its cast members underwent massive life changes. Here's a look at what your beloved actors have been up to since then!

The American sitcom "Eight is Enough" centered around the lives of the Bradford family, offering the best of both worlds—humor and drama. Written and produced by William Blinn, the show was adapted from Tom Braden's non-fiction book of the same name.

The storyline was based on the many challenges the family of eight children faced, led by their father, Tom Bradford. "Eight Is Enough" received critical praise for bringing realism to television as the Bradford siblings entered adulthood, fell in love, settled down, and embraced parenthood.

Despite garnering mixed views, the show ran for five seasons, won numerous accolades, and inspired TV films, including "An Eight is Enough Wedding" and "Eight is Enough: A Family Reunion." Please join us to find out what became of your favorite actors from the iconic series over the years!

Betty Buckley as Abby Bradford

After the actress who played the original mother on the show, Diana Hyland, died from cancer, Betty Buckley joined the cast of "Eight Is Enough." Instead of replacing the late actress' role as Joan Bradford, Buckley's character made a grand entry as Abby Bradford, and the decision proved worthwhile in the longer run.

Other than acting, Buckley had a beautiful voice and demonstrated her singing prowess multiple times, including at a Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. She also performed on stage and appeared in movies such as "Carrie," "Tender Mercies," and "Frantic."

Buckley earned guest spots in "Law and Order," "Pretty Little Liars," and "Without a Trace," and also appeared in three seasons of the HBO series, "Oz." She bagged a Tony Award in 1983 for her performance in the musical "Cats."

Her only marriage was to Peter Flood in 1972, which lasted until 1979. Having established herself as a successful actress, theater artist, singer, and TV star, Buckley will celebrate her 76th birthday in July 2023.

2. Dianne Kay as Nancy Bradford

Before playing the fourth Bradford daughter, Dianne Kay starred in a few other roles, including the cop TV show, "Starsky & Hutch," and the pilot episode of "Dog and Cat." In 1977, she found herself on the "Eight Is Enough" set and became an integral part of the iconic show's cast.

She also starred in Steven Spielberg's 1979 movie, "1941," a WWII comedy that amassed mixed views from the public. Later, she was seen in "The Nashville Grab" and "Fantasy Island" and also gained a regular spot on the 1985 show "Glitter," which only lasted for 13 episodes.

Kay's final movie credits included "Falling Sky" in 1998 and an episode of "Dick Van Dyke's Diagnosis Murder" in 1999. After that, the actress retired, with "Eight Is Enough" as one of her most notable roles. She will be turning 69 in March 2023.

Willie Aames as Tommy Bradford

Willie Aames played another of the Bradford children and had several gigs before landing the role in the 1977 show. Previously, he starred in a few episodes of TV shows such as "Adam-12," "Gunsmoke," and "Medical Center."

He also gained a regular spot in the 1975 series, "We'll Get By," appeared as Fred Robinson in "The Swiss Family Robinson," and did six episodes of "Family." Post "Eight Is Enough," his notable TV performances included "Dungeons & Dragons," "Charles in Charge," and "Bibleman."

Aames also appeared in movies, including "Paradise" in 1982, "Cut and Run" in 1985, and "The Missy Files," in 2003. Sadly, his life spiraled out of control, and for several years, he battled with depression and alcoholism before finally finding his way back and dabbling in writing and direction.

The actor-screenwriter was married thrice and wed his third wife, Winnie Hung, in 2014. The couple continues to go strong even today. Aames, a father of two children, will celebrate his 63rd birthday in July 2023.

Grant Goodeve as David Bradford

Grant Goodeve starred as the eldest son on the ABC situation comedy, although three of the women who played his on-screen sisters were actually older than him. Before his role as the teen icon, Goodeve starred in "Emergency," which ran from 1972 to 1977, the same year "Eight Is Enough" went on air.

Another of his credits included singing the theme song of "Eight Is Enough," although the previous episodes lacked lyrics and only featured music. That helped pave the pathway for his 1996 album, "The Wonder of It All."

Goodeve starred in a few movies, including "Law of the Land" and "Something to Sing About." He also had guest appearances in seven episodes of "Dynasty" and starred as a regular cast member on the 1985 show, "One Life to Live."

He was last seen in the 2017 film, "The Case for Christ," and two episodes of the series "Twin Peaks." Goodeve admitted that he struggled to win jobs early on and wasn't sure if he would land David's role in "Eight Is Enough."

He's been married to Debbie Ketchum since 1978 and will turn 71 in July 2023. After waving goodbye to acting, Goodeve became a television anchor and hosted several programs, such as "Evening Magazine" and "If Walls Could Talk."

Connie Newton as Elizabeth Bradford

Connie Newton got her big break with her portrayal of Elizabeth Bradford in over 110 episodes of the 1977 ABC sitcom. She went on to star in the series' movie spin-offs, including 1987's "Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion" and 1989's "An Eight Is Enough Wedding."

Although she didn't have any major film or television roles since, Newton had some guest appearances on "Police Squad!," "The Love Boat," and "Fame." In addition to acting, she was also passionate about dancing and went on to become a dance instructor.

Newton was married to David Needham from 1979 to 2005. She also shared positive feedback about starring in "Eight Is Enough" reunion movies, stating they gave her the closure she needed. She will celebrate her 64th birthday in December 2023.

Laurie Walters as Joanie Bradford

Laurie Walters appeared in a few movies, including "The Harrad Experiment," in 1973 and its 1974 sequel, "The Harrad Summer." She also had guest spots in "Cannon" and "Happy Days" before playing Joanie Bradford in "Eight Is Enough."

Her association with the Bradford family earned her sheer popularity, and she also starred in the two reunion movies. Other than her role in the American sitcom, she was also seen on "Duet," "Highway to Heaven," "Cheers," and "Columbo."

Walers retired after appearing in an episode of Burth Reynolds' "Evening Shade" in 1993. She wed John Slade in 1999 and remained his partner until his death in 2017. She also became a devoted environmentalist following her exit from acting. Walters turned 77 in January 2023.

Although Diana Hyland played Walter's original mom in "Eight Is Enough," the latter was only four years younger than the former actress in real life—an interesting fact that many audience members might not have known!

Lani O'Grady as Mary Bradford

Lani O'Grady was only a teenager when she first starred in an episode of "Western The High Chaparral" in 1969. After a few guest appearances in the 70s, including "The Hazing," she became the eldest Bradford sister in "Eight Is Enough."

After the popular dramedy concluded, O'Grady appeared in the TV film, "The Kid with the Broken Halo," in 1982. Her last acting credit included the 1990 soap opera, "Days of Our Lives."

Looking back on her role in "Eight Is Enough," O'Grady said she loved playing someone with a balanced personality and getting a chance to express her feminist side. Sadly, her career came to an end after the 1977 sitcom, and she suffered from various health complications, including panic attacks and agoraphobia.

O'Grady also battled alcoholism and drug addiction and passed away from an overdose in September 2001 at age 46.

Adam Rich as Nicholas Bradford

Adam Rich started his career as a child star, having starred in an episode of "The Six Million Dollar Man" and the film "The City" before becoming the youngest Bradford sibling. And undoubtedly, he was the most adorable kid people had ever seen in those days!

After "Eight Is Enough," he did a few guest roles and theatrical movies, earning a regular spot in the series, "Code Red." He called it quits after making a cameo as himself in the 2003 film, "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star." Earlier, he also starred in an episode of "Baywatch."

As was sadly the norm with many child artists, Rich suffered from drug addiction, was reportedly charged with a burglary in a pharmacy, and was arrested for driving under the influence in 2002. He was said to have gone into rehabilitation later. In January 2023, Rich passed away at age 54.

Dick Van Patten as Tom Bradford

Dick Van Patten played the father of the Bradford brood and happened to be the most experienced actor compared to the others. He started acting in the 1930s as a child artist and starred in numerous movies, leading to his TV debut in "Mama" in 1949.

He became a regular member of "Young Doctor Malone" in 1961, appeared in season one of "Arnie" in 1970, and "The Partners" in 1971, among many others. Patten was last seen on the TV screens in an episode of 2011's "Hot in Cleveland."

Patten wed Pat Van Patten in 1954, and the couple had three kids, who also dabbled in acting. They stayed married until June 2015, when Patten died from diabetes complications.

In his later years, Patten, who always spoke with pride about his role as daddy Bradford and was astonished by its success, co-authored his memoir, "Eighty is Not Enough!" and became the co-founder of "Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Food."

According to sources, Patten was never told about the show's cancellation and found out about it in the newspapers.

Diana Hyland as Joan Bradford

Diana Hyland first graced the small screen in 1955 in the series, "Robert Montgomery Presents." She also worked in several TV series in the 60s and 70s and even appeared on "Young Doctor Malone" alongside Dick Van Patten. Her other notable performance was in "Peyton Place" in 1968.

Hyland landed the role of Joan Bradford, the brood's original mom, in 1977. Sadly, she fell seriously ill after only four episodes and died from breast cancer in March 1977 at age 41. At the time, she was dating actor John Travolta, 18 years her junior. The duo was reportedly in a serious relationship.

According to Hyland's "Eight Is Enough" co-star, Van Patten, she continued to work hard for the series, despite her dwindling health. One day, she was on set when she suddenly complained of a backache and was hurried to the hospital by Travolta.

Her contribution to the famous sitcom was considered so enormous that the producers didn't replace her character. Instead, Patten, aka Tom Bradford, was shown reeling from his on-screen wife's loss before finding love again with Betty Buckley, aka Abby Bradford, the brood's second mom.

Susan Richardson as Susan Bradford Stockwell

Susan Richardson had minor roles in 1973's "American Graffiti," the 1976 movie, "A Star Is Born," "Happy Days," and "The Streets of San Francisco." Afterward, she joined the "Eight Is Enough" cast in 1977, which prompted her rise to fame.

Since her divorce from Michael Virden in 1985, she dabbled in music, owing to her creative spirit and the desire to try something new. She was last seen in the 1989 spin-off movie, "An Eight is Enough Wedding," after which she stopped acting.

Once the much-sought-after dream girl, Richardson hit an all-time low in 2013 when she suffered mini-strokes and became diabetic. She lost almost 60 pounds and her teeth due to a digestive issue.

The former idol also lost her loved ones, including her parents and younger sister. It was reported in 2017 that she lived in an unheated trailer without television, computer, or internet access and occasionally rummaged through her neighbors' trash.

Richardson reportedly developed a condition that made eating difficult, and she had to use a feeding tube to sustain herself. She will turn 71 in March 2023.

Which one of these iconic stars was your favorite? Please share your comments on Facebook. Click here to read how the stars from "The Partridge Family" have changed through the years!