Television

The Lesser-Known Lives of ‘Eight Is Enough’ Actors

Chuvic - July 26, 2023

The Incredible Hollywood Journey of Diana Hyland

Diana Hyland had already made quite a splash in Hollywood even before she took on the role of Tom Bradford’s wife in Eight Is Enough. By the time she joined the 70s sitcom, she had been captivating audiences with her talent for nearly two decades. You might recognize her from acclaimed shows like The Fugitive, Gunsmoke, and The Chase. Diana’s career was adorned with success, much like her fellow cast members, including her romance with a young heartthrob, John Travolta. However, her stint on the show turned out to be shorter than expected, leaving fans disheartened.

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Remembering Diana Hyland

Diana Hyland’s time on Eight Is Enough was tragically brief due to her battle with breast cancer. After appearing in only four episodes, she was diagnosed with the illness, and her health rapidly declined. Despite undergoing surgery to combat the cancer, it had already spread, leading to her passing in 1977, at the young age of 41. In a poignant tribute, the show acknowledged her passing by stating her character had also passed away in the following season. They handled her death with sensitivity, incorporating scenes that addressed the profound impact of losing a parent, especially a mother, on a family. Diana Hyland’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the preciousness of every moment in life.

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Dick Van Patten and the Show’s Cancellation

Working in Hollywood can be tough, and show cancellations are an all-too-common reality. Eight Is Enough, once a hit, eventually faced declining ratings, leading to its cancellation. However, what made it even harder to swallow was the way it was handled. Dick Van Patten, the show’s lead actor, wasn’t informed about the decision; he discovered it through the newspaper. It’s disheartening to see such a lack of communication between the network and a valued cast member. The show’s end marked the closing of a chapter, leaving fans and actors alike with mixed feelings about how things concluded.

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From Bradford Family to Galactic Hero

We all know Mark Hamill as the legendary Luke Skywalker, a character that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. But did you know that before he became a Jedi, he was part of the Bradford family? That’s right! Hamill was initially cast in Eight Is Enough, even appearing in the pilot episode. However, fate had other plans. A serious car accident and the opportunity to portray Skywalker changed his trajectory. While many may not remember his early TV stint, his iconic role as Luke Skywalker made him a household name worldwide, ensuring his place in 20th-century pop culture history.

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Remembering a Beloved Actor

It’s always sad to hear about the passing of beloved actors from our favorite shows. Michael Thoma, known for his role as Dr. Greg Maxwell on Eight Is Enough, unfortunately, doesn’t have a “where are they now” as he passed away from cancer in 1982. His character, Tom Bradford’s best friend, was memorable to many. Larry Gelman, who portrayed Officer Bernstein on Eight Is Enough and was a familiar face in Hollywood, also passed away in 2021. Another actor from the show, Dennis Patrick, who was part of Dark Shadows as well, left us in 2002. Their contributions to the entertainment world will always be remembered and cherished by fans.

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The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Eight Is Enough

Like many beloved shows, Eight Is Enough drew inspiration from real-life events. The series was actually based on the autobiography “Eight Is Enough: A Father’s Memoir of Life with His Extra-Large Family,” written by Tom Braden. After serving in World War II, Braden became a columnist and even worked for the CIA in Europe for a period. When he passed away, the New York Times paid tribute with an obituary titled, “Tom Braden, Who Fathered ‘Eight Is Enough,’ Dies at 92.” The show’s storyline resonated with viewers as it mirrored the ups and downs of a large, loving family – a reflection of Braden’s own experiences.

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