Where is 'Eight is Enough' cast now? From Adam Rich to Virginia Vincent, tragedy struck many of the cast
Adam Rich, who played the youngest of the Bradford family’s eight children Nicholas Bradford in the popular comedy-drama series ‘Eight is Enough', died on January 7 at his Los Angeles area home at 54. The news of his demise brought many back to that time of sitting in front of the TV to watch the series, which ran from 1977-1981, becoming a favorite among fans. The star of the show was Dick Van Patten, a father of eight children and a newspaper columnist who played the role of real-life journalist Tom Braden. His children were Grant Goodeve, who essayed the role of the eldest son David; Willie Aames as Tommy; Laurie Walters as Joanie, Dianne Kay as Nancy; Connie Needham as Elizabeth; Lani O'Grady as Mary; Susan Richardson as Susan and Adam, the youngest one.
The series telecasted a total of 112 episodes before falling to declining ratings with its last episode in 1981. Though two reunion TV movies followed -- 'Eight is Enough: A Family Reunion' in 1987 and 'An Eight is Enough Wedding' in 1989. Many of the cast remain active today, however, there are some who left a lasting legacy behind.
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Dick Van Patten
Patten’s character Tom Bradford was named number 33 in TV Guide‘s list of the '50 Greatest Dads of All Time' in 2004, states Hollywood Reporter. Apart from the series, he appeared in 'High Anxiety' in 1977, 'Spaceballs' in 1987, and 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights' in 1993, among others. Patten in 1989 helped launch a pet food line, Natural Balance Pet Foods, and also founded National Guide Dog Month in 2008 to raise awareness and monetary funds for nonprofit guide dog schools in the US. He died of complications from Type 2 diabetes at age 86 in June 2015.
Diana Hyland
She was the wife of Tom and the mother of the Bradford clan. It was a brief role, which got followed by her starring in 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', 'The Twilight Zone', and 'The Fugitive'. She died at the age of 41 in 1977 due to breast cancer.
Grant Goodeve
Born on July 6, 1952, in Middlebury, Connecticut, after his debut in 'Eight is Enough,' he worked in 'Dynasty' from 1982 to 1983 and then 'Northern Exposure' from 1990 to 1992. He got married to Deborah Lynn Ketcham on May 20, 1978, and they have three children and six grandchildren, states IMDb.
Willie Aames
He is now an award-winning, platinum-selling writer, producer/director. Born in Newport Beach, California, in 1960, as per Wikipedia, apart from making a stint at 'Eigh is Enough', he also portrayed the role of Buddy Lembeck in 'Charles in Charge' in 1984, played Robbie Hamlin on the ABC soap opera 'The Edge of Night'. He married three times and also battled alcohol addiction.
Laurie Walters
Born on January 8, 1947, in San Francisco, California, as Laurie Jean Walters Slade, she quit acting in the late 90s and became a dedicated environmentalist, as per IMDb.
Connie Needham
Born on December 5 1959 in Anaheim, California, she is also known for 1982 'Fame', 'Ellen in 1994'. Needham was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2009 but she fully recovered, states Wikipedia.
Lani O'Grady
She was born Lanita Rose Agrati on October 2, 1954, but changed her name for the series 'Eight is Enough'. After her brief acting career, she became a talent agent and on September 25, 2001, she died at her home in Valencia, California, at age of 47, reports IMDb.
Susan Richardson
Born on 11 March 1952 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Richardson graduated from Coatesville Area Senior High School, as per Wikipedia. Following her role in 'Eight is Enough', she also featured in films like 'American Graffiti' (1973) and 'A Star Is Born' (1976). Richardson said in an interview that she had developed diabetes, suffered three mini-strokes, lost 60 lb (27 kg), and lost her teeth as the result of a digestive condition.
Michael Thoma
He played Tom Bradford's best friend. He also has played a role in 'Fame' as drama teacher Mr Crandall. He died because of cancer at the age of 55 on September 3, 1982, according to Looper.
Virginia Vincent
Born on May 3, 1918, in Goshen, New York, she played the role of Greg Maxwell's wife Daisy in Season 1. She also appeared in the 1984 TV movie 'Invitation to Hell,' as per Looper. She died of undisclosed causes at the age of 95 on October 3, 2013.
Larry Gelman
Born on November 3, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, he played the role of Officer Bernstein in six episodes of 'Eight is Enough.' He also starred in 'Superdad,' and 'Tunnel Vision,' among others. He died at age of 90 on June 7, 2021.
