Connie Needham

Connie Needham
Born Connie Marie Bowen
(1959-12-05) December 5, 1959
Anaheim, California, USA
Occupation Actress
Years active 1977 – 1995
Spouse(s) David Needham (1979-2005)
2 children

Connie Needham (born December 5, 1959) is an American actress and dance instructor. As Connie Newton, she portrayed Elizabeth Bradford on the television series Eight is Enough from 1977 to 1981.

Early life

She was born Connie Marie Bowen in Anaheim, California.

Career

Although her most prominent role was as Elizabeth Bradford, she had other roles. She portrayed two different characters during the run of the television series Fame. Her first appearance was in the episode "To Soar and Never Falter" (1982) as a dancer in the initial stages of multiple sclerosis.[1] The episode won Harry Harris an Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series.[2] Her other appearances on Fame were as Kelly Hayden in three episodes the following year.

She made a guest appearance on the Leslie Nielsen comedy TV series Police Squad! as Jill, a dance teacher who attracts the line "When she leaves, put a tail on her".

Other acting work has included L.A. Law and Ellen[1] as well as television commercials such as for the supermarket Jewel-Osco.[3]

She now works as a dance instructor in Orange County, California, teaching junior jazz and lyrical classes and choreographing team competitions and annual recitals.

Personal life

While known as Connie Newton, she married David Needham, a set designer on Eight is Enough, on April 7, 1979.[3] David Needham's father was stuntman and film director/producer Hal Needham. Connie and David divorced in 2005.[3] They have two daughters, Kimberly and Taylor.[3]

In July 2009, it was announced that Needham was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.[4] She has since made a full recovery.

Filmography

Film and television
Year Title Role Notes
1977-1981 Eight Is Enough Elizabeth Bradford 112 episodes
1982 Love Boat, TheThe Love Boat Debbie Holton 1 episode
1982 Police Squad! Jill Episode: "Rendezvous at Big Gulch (Terror in the Neighborhood)"
1982 Fame Kathy Murphy Episode: "To Soar and Never Falter"
1983 Fame Kelly Hayden 3 episodes
1983 Uncommon Love, AnAn Uncommon Love TV movie
1987 Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion Elizabeth Bradford TV movie
1987 L.A. Law Denise Franklin Episode: "Brackman Vasektimized"
1989 Eight Is Enough Wedding, AnAn Eight Is Enough Wedding Elizabeth Bradford TV movie
1995 Ellen Waitress Episode: "Gladiators"

Notes

  1. 1 2 Connie Needham at the Internet Movie Database
  2. Awards for Fame (TV series) at the Internet Movie Database
  3. 1 2 3 4 Biography page at the Internet Movie Database
  4. "Connie Needham battling ovarian cancer", TV.com, August 5, 2009.

External links

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