Television

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

Chuvic - July 26, 2023

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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