What Happened to Laurie Walters, Joanie Bradford From Eight Is Enough

While Eight Is Enough should've made bonafide stars out of it's eight titular children, this sadly wasn't the case. Although some of the actors and actresses who portrayed the eight children that made up the show's Bradford family found success after the show's run, most faded into obscurity. Sadly, the latter was the case for the actress who played the Bradford's third-oldest daughter, Joanie Bradford. This actress was a young lady by the name of Laurie Walters, who had been born and raised in California.
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Laurie Walters showed interest in acting from an early age, and went on to get some notable film roles in her early 20s. These included roles amongst ensembles in The Harrad Experiment and it's sequel, Harrad Summer. These films, respectively released in 1973 and 1974, were inspired by the "free love" movement of the 1960s and followed the personal sexual revolution of a group of college students. After this pair of films, Laurie went on to receive the starring role in a low-budget horror film known as Warlock Moon. Besides this, she made some minor appearances in shows such as Happy Days and The Rookie before finally landing her role in Eight Is Enough.
Eight Is Enough was an American dramedy that ran for five seasons, starting in 1977 and ending in 1981. The show was based on the real-life story of newspaper columnist Tom Braden and his wife as they raised their eight children. However, only a couple of episodes into filming, the actress who was hired to play the wife died of breast cancer. The character was written off of the show, and the show went on to continue with the father as a widower. He was eventually given a new love interest during the show's second season, and they got married in a made-for-television movie event.
It may seem like Laurie being cast in the successful show was a dream come true. However, the young actress wasn't always satisfied with what was going on behind the scenes. It became apparent to her that her character wasn't being given nearly as much time on the screen as some of her siblings. As well, the actress soon became aware that there was a pretty large pay gap occurring between the male and female stars of the production. The actress considered rallying her fellow television actresses together to ask for more money but eventually relented out of fear that her character might be written off of the show.
After Eight Is Enough came to an end, the cast returned to reprise their roles in two made-for-television movies that functioned as reunions. One of these films was released in 1987, and another one followed in 1989. Besides these two reprisals, as well as some guest spots on shows such as Cheers and Columbo, Laurie's career largely fizzled out. However, she found a new passion in the form of environmentalism and got married to a fellow actor named John Slade in 1999. Together, the two started a family. Join Facts Verse as we attempt to uncover what happened to Laurie Walters, Joanie Bradford from Eight Is Enough.
What Happened to Laurie Walters, Joanie Bradford From Eight Is Enough

[@FactsVerse]

*Do you love the TV show, Eight is Enough? You have to see this playlist: **kzbin.info/aero/PLkXAntdjbcSKLsUL4MGLZtFrxDKjmEDb*

[@voozoo1606]

The girl on HAPPY DAYS is NOT Ms.Walters!!!!!!!!

[@scottbrandon6244]

I am old enough to remember watching the show in its original rum back in the 70s. Those were the golden days of television.

[@ilovegoddoyou7003]

Whoever reading this, I pray for you that God visits your home today with Healings, Blessings, and Miracles. Amen.💕

[@darlenemillergarris5545]

Amen

[@graciesaccardo9363]

Amen

[@8ch-Ivy]

666 ☠️☠️☠️☠️💀💀💀💀🤮🤮🤮

[@timfart9414]

Thank you!

[@suestabile1262]

And you as well.🙏

[@jennylovesjoe1224]

*0.44 is a pic of Melanie Griffith (not Laurie Walters.) Then Melanie's mother, (actress Tippi Hedren), is ironically mentioned immediately after, when talking about the movie, The Harrad Experiment. Also ironically, clips of the movie are then shown showing Laurie Walters with Don Johnson (who of course, was Melanie's longtime love.) Idk...I notice weird things sometimes.* 💁

[@isabellind1292]

You've got a good eye...how uncanny Tippi Hedren was in a film w/Don Johnson! I wonder if that had anything to do w/Melanie meeting him?

[@jennylovesjoe1224]

@@isabellind1292 Thanks! Yes, they met on the set while filming that movie. Melanie was 14 and Don was 22. Tippi Hedren had quite an interesting perspective on her daughter's relationship, allowing Don Johnson to move into their house shortly after they met...(yup, Melanie was only 14.) 😳 Meanwhile, I wasn't even allowed to date or wear makeup until I was 17. 😉

[@isabellind1292]

@@jennylovesjoe1224 Oh wow, yes what was Tippi thinking?! I'm surprised Melanie didn't wind up like Lucy & Desi's son who had a child when he was 15 yrs old!😐

[@jennylovesjoe1224]

@@isabellind1292 Wow, I had totally forgotten about that. 😬

[@tq2769]

I think everyone noticed that. I did. It was weird.

[@cindeed4422]

Why isn’t this show rerun on TV? You never see it at all. I loved it as a kid.

[@kallen868]

Tubi has the full series.

[@powerdriller4124]

I had a crush on Laurie Walters in 1980, I´m surprised that she was 29 when she started the series in 1977. Eleven years older than me. I thought at that time that she was just 17 !!

[@Goldenowl66]

In my opinion, Joanie was the heart of the show and the sibling who most enjoyed being part of a big family.

[@user-ir8mf7km6w]

Nah she was such an overactor and way too old for the show.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

She was fantastic.

[@TrulygreenSolution]

When I first saw Laurie Walters, in The Harrad Experiment, I loved her character & her sweetness- She reminded me of my first girlfriend as a teen. I never forgot that first impression of her, on screen, I thought she was adorable-

[@claudiarobinson587]

I loved this show! I wanted to be in the family.

[@evancortez2]

at 0:39 that's Melanie Griffith not Laurie Walters

[@frankreight5049]

Eight is enough i remember Eight is enough what a great show.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheodoreStAmant]

Eight is enough ran for 5 seasons from 1977 to 1981 on ABC

[@musicfan300]

I used to watch the show quite frequently as a kid, was very sad to find out Adam Rich, who played Nicholas, had already passed. Also very surprised to find out Laurie Walters was 30-33 while on the show, the same age as Betty Buckley, who was playing her stepmom. Having recently rewatched some of the show, it seems to me the whole cast did a very good job with the various scripts, which called for a lot of subtle emotional nuances...best wishes to everyone with Eight is Enough❤

[@sureshmukhi2316]

I didn't know that until I read your comment. Last year in Jan apparently according to Wikipedia.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Having actors play the same age as their parents is normal. Bea Arthur was actually older than Estelle Getty, who played her mom, in The Golden Girls.

[@RoseGma]

I loved right is enough. Could you please profile the other actors that played the kids? Awesome video! Thanks for sharing this!

[@mylovesongs2429]

Adam Rich, who played Nicholas, passed away today at age 54. May he RIP. 💔😢🙏

[@isabellind1292]

Thanks Facts Verse ✔

[@joswanell9672]

I was in high school when Eight is Enough otiginally aired in Prime Time and I watvhed it bvb every chance I could. Laurie Walters was my favorite actor as far as the 8 children went. I liked Laurie Walters & Betty Buckley (the step mom ) equally the same.

[@evancortez2]

When I was a kid I wanted to be a Bradford kid so bad

[@scottbrandon6244]

The actress who played the mother on the first season died of cancer. She was the partner of John Travolta.

[@edub3030]

Had such a crush on her growing up. Joanie and Elizabeth were my favorites

[@debrawhitney7748]

One of my favorite episode

[@Supertzar999]

Elizabeth was cute... in a bratty teenager sort of way.

[@otismurphy4428]

Awesome show but, I loved Elizabeth..!

[@alison2649]

If anyone has Tubi (streaming) Eight Is Enough is on there. All 5 seasons.

[@antonyfrancis7357]

One of my favourite TV shows those days ❤

[@FactsVerse]

We're happy to know that you're a fan of the show. In your opinion, what is its best episode?

[@riccali3519]

I was surprised only three of Adam Rich's costars from Eight is Enough came out to comment on his death. Willie Ames and Betty Buckley gave moving tributes to Adam.

[@candi6284]

Maybe the ones who didn't comment aren't on social media.

[@L-xj2xs]

Same as with the death of Lani O'Grady who played the eldest daughter, Mary. She had horrible anxiety disorders and similar problems as Adam. Unknown if her overdose death was accidental or suicide. RIP, Mary and Adam! ❤🙏

[@Supertzar999]

@@L-xj2xs they were both Libras.

[@nu9833]

Mabey they did privately. Like someone else said, not everyone is on social media.

[@candi6284]

​@@L-xj2xsProbably accidental. Sounds like she ended up addicted to the medication she was taking. High levels were found during autopsy.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

She was marvelous--as was the whole program. It is so well written and has good life lessons that transcend any decade.

[@FactsVerse]

Well said, we strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@timothyflanigan1777]

growing up, watching eight is enough as an adolescent, she was my favorite of all the girls. having rewatched the show on DVD, it was a very underappreciated show. it tackled some very tough topics of the day. what traditional family shows never tackled.

[@alison2649]

Who the heck was that when he talked about her being on an episode of Happy Days? That definitely wasn’t Laurie Walters.

[@julieblanke943]

I used to watch it all the time My fav was David and Nicolas Was really sad when the original mom had to leave the show

[@FactsVerse]

What's your favorite memory of the show, Julie?

[@julieblanke943]

It’s been so long since I’ve watched it that it’s hard to say but what sticks in my mind is how close the family seemed to be, kinda reminds me of the waltons.

[@isabellind1292]

Diane Hyland. Yes, it was very sad when she died of cancer (and John Travolta's gf at the time).

[@frankhughes161]

It's on Tubi

[@bookerjones8123]

I hadn't thought about Laurie Walters in forever, then last night I went to a play ("Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike") at the Ojai Art Center and it wasn't till I sat down and looked at the program that I found out she was in the cast. She played Sonia and was incredibly good, very funny and touching. And looks amazing at 75.

[@davemacpherson4752]

On Happy Days, the Actor shown is Kim Lankford ( Knots Landing and one half of Kenny & Ginger, in the Cul De Sac )

[@joemendoza2292]

That wasn't Laurie in the Happy Days clips.

[@joswanell5792]

Laurie Walters character 'Jpni' was always my favorite. Of course I felt she needed more credit & air time! She was the best! So sad about her husband's death. Also about her son's on losing their Dad. God Bless them all

[@candi6284]

I think they're her stepsons. If I'm not mistaken she doesn't have any biological children.

[@juliemcarthur3004]

Good show

[@FactsVerse]

What's your favorite episode of the show, Julie?

[@evancortez2]

The episode I remember the most with Joanie was the one where she was in a stage play and she had to be naked and her father dissaproved but she did it anyway

[@williamwingo4740]

The nude scene in "Eight is Enough" was off-camera. After all, it was network television. They don't mention it here, but Ms. Walters did get completely nude--on camera--in "Harrad Experiment." In fact, practically the entire cast did except for James Whitmore, Tippi Hedren, and some of the other adults; and even Ms. Hedren got down to her undies. Later versions on TV and VCR tape were usually cut.

[@emo..rat..alex..8786]

Omg I'm early can I pls get a shout-out?!?!! I'm a big big big big fan!!!!

[@sandy-ke1kr]

The Happy Days scene does not show Laurie Walters. That is a totally different actress.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

I know. There are a few errors here.

[@tomp8094]

Outside of Abby, Joanie was my favorite character. She was always so vibrant, had a upbeat personality - she was perfectly cast as an aspiring actress.

[@organizedchaos4867]

Is it just me or are the clips from happy days not Laurie Walters?

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Joanie, Abby and Tom and most of them had real substance!

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

I can always depend on Facts Verse screwing up the facts of all things. That Happy Days clip you keep showing IS NOT LAURIE WALTERS.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

She was very sweet with her siblings. She seemed the most outwardly loving of the daughters, who were all likable.

[@FactsVerse]

So true! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@HerAeolianHarp]

@@FactsVerseAnything “Eight is Enough”, also GenX nostalgia.

[@craig1974]

As a very young child during the late 70s i remember watching Eight Is Enough, but never really took the show in until it was offered for free to watch on the Roku Channel. As for the girl characters they were all very cute, but my favorite EIE girl is Joanie hands down. She is cute, fun ,down to earth, and has a great heart. Abby is a close second. Mary was too much of a social justice warrior which was very annoying. Susan is too stubborn, and tough for me even though she was ok. Nancy was kind of weird in a fun way, but ok. Elizabeth i found very selfish.

[@FactsVerse]

Very interesting, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. What other types of video would you like to see on our channel?

[@ckrtom2]

It really doesn’t even look like her recognizable self from EIE on Happy Days...It’s fine, but the first half of the video was much more just about Eight is Enough than Laurie Walters. It’s always tricky risky business asking for more money!

[@rpkietur]

she was on happy days but i. dont think that is her in that clip.

[@cybeledalmas-lewis2120]

Interesting

[@LB-gz3ke]

Multiple sons? That is very vague. You are Facts Verse. Couldn’t you come up with an actual fact there? Four? Seven? Twelve?

[@8ch-Ivy]

Wasn’t it Tom Bradford??? Not Braden

[@Kisa01]

Tom Braden wrote the book that gave them the idea for the series. Tom Bradford was the father in the series

[@8ch-Ivy]

@@Kisa01 - oh, I see said the blind man.

[@julieblanke943]

Yes

[@eugeneformickella708]

She is still a pretty woman!!!

[@mattjones7560]

I love you Beverly Snyder Cleveland Tennessee

[@FactsVerse]

What's your favorite memory of her, Matt?

[@mattjones7560]

My favorite memory would be every second but if I had to pick her beautiful loving smile 😬 She would make me feel like I was her world and there has been nothing ever to come close to making me feel like this

[@davemacpherson4752]

Joanie Bradford & Jeffery Trout.

[@andrinagrynberg6966]

Ok

[@carlyedwards47]

Who else doesn’t know who that is

[@julieblanke943]

She played Joanie on the eight is enough show. Did you not watch it as a kid? Oh you may have been too young or not born yet.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

:41 does not look like her

[@hawaii5-0bloopers6]

Walters was comely. She was too old for her role on EIE to begin with but her good looks made her superb in the role anyway.

[@ilovegoddoyou7003]

Good news: God is getting you back on your feet for the greatest comeback of your life. Tell! God, "Thank you"🙏💕

[@a.philv.3017]

God had NOTHING to do with it

[@thetruthalwayswins340]

Thank you God, Glory to God. God bless you

[@joeymorvant161]

@@a.philv.3017 Did, too.

[@annettemalaski1967]

It was ridiculous that Ms Walters played a twenty year old when she was almost thirty!

[@Supertzar999]

She pulled it off well.

[@jasonirelan4487]

Waurie Lalters

[@tuvous4990]

This girl always reminded me of Cloris Leach by the way she sounded, moved and of course her stupid name. Eight is Enough was. boring, common except for Grant and Nicholas a painful cast. I truly always hated Betty Buckley I hate Lani. O'Grady ways just awful really.

[@chadf2789]

Betty Buckley was okay in Carrie as the coach, but on this show she was insufferable. And Lani O'Grady was diarrhea.

[@evanechoes253]

Laurie Walters was probably my least favorite on the show. She always seemed much older than her character. I found out later, she is actually older than Betty Buckley. I thought the rest of the cast was all better than Laurie.

[@FactsVerse]

How about your favorite cast member?

[@Supertzar999]

They were both around 30 - 34 when the show aired. Though to me Joanie seemed more like she was in her 20s and Betty more 40-ish.

[@candi6284]

Yeah she was much older than her character. Ten years I think.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Joanie was my mom's fave, and I loved her as a kid when the show aired because she was free spirited and empathetic.

[@yurdyurd2902]

👁 👁 👄