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