Who’s Still Alive From ‘Eight Is Enough’?
When Eight Is Enough premiered on ABC on March 15, 1977, audiences were welcomed into the lively world of the Bradfords, a Sacramento family headed by newspaper columnist Tom Bradford and his eight spirited children — inspired by real-life journalist Tom Braden’s memoir of the same name. Families tuned in each week for five seasons to watch the Bradfords tackle everything from sibling rivalries and first loves to the challenges of growing up without their mother, after the early passing of actress Diana Hyland, who played Joan Bradford in the first season.
More than four decades later, the show still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of fans who grew up with it — and many of the show’s beloved cast members are still with us, some still acting.
Betty Buckley (78)
Abby Bradford
Everett Collection; Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images
Buckley joined in Season 2 as Abby, the tutor who later married Tom Bradford and became stepmother to his large brood. Her role helped stabilize the series after the loss of Diana Hyland, who had played the original mother. After Eight Is Enough, Buckley became one of Broadway’s most respected stars. She won a Tony Award for her performance in Cats and later appeared in major stage productions like Sunset Boulevard and Hello, Dolly!.
On television, she had a recurring role on Oz and guest appearances on shows like Law & Order: SVU. She also worked in film, with notable credits including Tender Mercies and M. Night Shyamalan’s Split and Glass. Buckley continues to tour as a singer, record albums and teach master classes in performance.
Grant Goodeve (73)
David Bradford
Everett Collection; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Goodeve played David, the eldest Bradford child, who often tried to balance his own independence with helping his family. Following the series, Goodeve appeared in primetime dramas like Dynasty and guested on a variety of shows through the 1980s and 1990s. He became a familiar TV host on programs like This Old House and the Travel Channel’s If Walls Could Talk. He also carved out a long career as a voice actor, lending his voice to video games like Star Fox 64. In recent years, he has continued acting, appearing in Hallmark Channel films, and remains a regular at fan reunions and nostalgic TV events.
Willie Aames (65)
Tommy Bradford
Everett Collection; Trae Patton/Endemol Entertainment/Everett Collection
As Tommy, Aames brought a mischievous energy to the Bradford household. He was one of the most recognized young actors of his generation and kept working steadily after the show ended.
In the 1980s, Aames found success as Buddy Lembeck on Charles in Charge and voiced the character Hank in the animated series Dungeons & Dragons. He later created and starred in the Christian children’s program Bibleman, which became a hit in the 1990s. Despite personal struggles with bankruptcy and addiction, he reinvented himself as a cruise director and later as a director for television movies. Today, Aames continues to act and direct, most recently appearing in a short called The Guardians in 2022.
Laurie Walters (78)
Joanie Bradford
Everett Collection; Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Walters played Joanie, the second-oldest daughter. After Eight Is Enough, Walters made guest appearances on shows like Cheers and Highway to Heaven. She eventually shifted away from screen acting and became active in regional theater, both as an actress and director. Walters also pursued environmental work and has focused on her passions away from Hollywood in recent years.
Dianne Kay (71)
Nancy Bradford
Everett Collection; Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Kay’s Nancy was portrayed as the glamorous sister, often chasing dreams of modeling and enjoying the ups and downs of young adulthood. After the series, Kay appeared in Steven Spielberg’s World War II comedy 1941 and in television projects such as Glitter and Hotel. She worked steadily through the 1980s before gradually stepping away from Hollywood. Kay has lived a more private life since then.
Susan Richardson (73)
Susan Bradford Stockwell
Everett Collection
Richardson played Susan, the practical and grounded fourth child, who married Merle Stockwell in one of the show’s biggest storylines. Her acting career continued after Eight Is Enough, including appearances in made-for-TV movies like The Suicide’s Wife and guest spots on other series. However, by the 1990s, Richardson largely retired from Hollywood. In later years, she unfortunately faced health and financial difficulties.
Connie Needham (65)
Elizabeth Bradford
Dorothy Tanous/TV Guide/Everett Collection; Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
As Elizabeth, Needham played one of the younger Bradford daughters. After the series, Needham appeared on Fame and continued working in television before transitioning into a new career as a dance teacher. She taught for years and inspired many young dancers. In 2009, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and shared her story of recovery.
In Memoriam
Diana Hyland (Joan Bradford) died on March 27, 1977, at age 41, from breast cancer.
Dick Van Patten (Tom Bradford Sr.) died on June 23, 2015, at age 86, due to complications from diabetes.
Lani O’Grady (Mary Bradford) died on September 25, 2001, at age 46, from multiple drug intoxication.
Adam Rich (Nicholas Bradford) died on January 7, 2023, at age 54, from an accidental fentanyl overdose.
Where to Watch Eight Is Enough
For fans wanting to revisit the Bradford family, Eight Is Enough is currently available to stream for free with ads on Tubi and The Roku Channel. Season 1 of the show can also be borrowed through Hoopla Digital with a participating library card. For those who prefer to own the episodes, seasons are available for purchase through Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Remind 
1970s Fall TV
September 2023
Take a trip back to the ’70s by looking at the TV Guide Magazine Fall Preview primetime lineups.
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