Connie Needham — Bio Site

Connie Needham - A Look At Her Acting And Dance Life

Connie Needham — Bio Site

Many folks remember Connie Needham, or Connie Newton as some knew her, for a very specific role that truly captured the hearts of television watchers across the country. She was the person who brought Elizabeth Bradford to life on the popular show "Eight is Enough," a family program that, you know, really connected with a lot of people for quite a few years. It was a big part of her public presence, and it's what most people think of when her name comes up, actually.

Beyond that well-known acting part, Connie Needham has a story that includes a background in dance, which is something many might not realize, more or less. She was born in Anaheim, California, in December of 1959, and her path in life, it seems, has had these two distinct threads running through it: performing on screen and teaching movement. So, there's quite a bit more to her than just that one famous character, you see.

This discussion will explore different aspects of Connie Needham's life, from her beginnings and her most recognized acting work to her other pursuits and, you know, a few personal bits of information. We'll take a look at where she came from and some of the other places her career took her, offering a fuller picture of this performer who, arguably, left a noticeable mark on television for a time.

Table of Contents

The Life Story of Connie Needham

Connie Marie Bowen, who many came to know as Connie Needham, came into the world on December 5, 1959, in the sunny surroundings of Anaheim, California. Her early years, you know, set the stage for a career that would eventually see her stepping into the bright lights of television. It's interesting how some people find their calling relatively early on, and her path seems to have had that kind of clarity, more or less, from a certain point.

Early Days and Beginnings for Connie Needham

Born in a place known for its entertainment attractions, it's perhaps not too surprising that Connie Needham, as a young person, found herself drawn to the performing arts. She took up ballet, which, as a matter of fact, requires a lot of discipline and grace, skills that can be quite helpful for any kind of performance. This early training, in a way, laid some important groundwork for what was to come later in her professional life, giving her a solid foundation in movement and expression.

Personal Details and Life Data

For those curious about the facts and figures of her background, here's a quick look at some of the key details concerning Connie Needham. It helps to, you know, put a few pieces of the puzzle together when you're thinking about someone's public life and what they've done. These bits of information give a clearer picture of her journey, really.

Full NameConnie Marie Bowen Needham
BornDecember 5, 1959
BirthplaceAnaheim, California, USA
Known ForPlaying Elizabeth Bradford on "Eight is Enough"
OccupationsActress, Dance Instructor
Previous MarriageYes

How Did Connie Needham Gain Recognition?

So, how did a young woman from Anaheim, California, become a familiar face on television screens across the nation? It often comes down to one particular part, a role that, you know, just clicks with the audience and becomes something truly memorable. For Connie Needham, there was definitely a specific program that launched her into the public eye and kept her there for quite a while, actually.

The Part That Defined Connie Needham

The role that truly put Connie Needham on the map was her portrayal of Elizabeth Bradford in the television series "Eight is Enough." This show, which first aired in 1977, followed the lively happenings of the Bradford family, with Elizabeth being one of the eight children of Tom Bradford and his late wife, Joan. She, you know, really made that character her own, and it was a part that she continued to play until 1981. This was, in a way, the central piece of her acting career, the one that most people connect her name with, and it's fair to say it left a lasting impression on viewers, you know, for years to come.

The show itself was quite popular, giving viewers a look into a big, busy family, and Connie Needham’s character was a key part of that dynamic. She was, you know, one of those figures that people welcomed into their homes each week, and her presence on the program helped make it a widely watched series. It’s pretty clear that this specific role was a significant point in her professional life, shaping how many people remember her, even today, in some respects.

What Other Talents Did Connie Needham Have?

While many people might only think of her as an actress, particularly for her time on "Eight is Enough," Connie Needham actually possesses another significant skill set. It’s not uncommon for performers to have multiple areas of expertise, and she certainly falls into that category, you know, having more than one way to express herself artistically. This other talent, you might say, is just as important to her identity, really.

Connie Needham's Dance Path

Beyond the acting world, Connie Needham is also known as a dance instructor. This isn't just a casual interest; it's something she has trained in, specifically ballet, which, as I was saying, is a very demanding art form. So, she didn't just stumble into it; she put in the work. This side of her professional life shows a different kind of dedication, a commitment to movement and teaching others, which, you know, is quite a wonderful thing to be able to do. It means she’s been able to share her passion with others, helping them to develop their own abilities, too.

Her experience in dance, it could be argued, likely helped her in her acting roles, giving her a certain grace or physical awareness that can be beneficial on screen. It’s not always obvious how different skills connect, but for a performer, having a background in something like dance can add a lot to their overall presence. So, her work as a dance instructor isn't just a separate job; it's, you know, part of who she is as a performer and a person, actually.

Where Did Connie Needham Appear After "Eight Is Enough"?

After her time playing Elizabeth Bradford, a lot of people might wonder what happened next for Connie Needham. It’s a common question when an actor is so closely tied to one well-known character; you know, did they continue acting, or did they move on to other things? She certainly didn't disappear from the public eye immediately, but her career did take a slightly different shape, you might say, after that big role.

Other Roles for Connie Needham

While "Eight is Enough" was certainly her most prominent acting part, Connie Needham did make appearances in other television shows and even a film. For example, she was seen in "Fame" in 1982, and later in "Ellen" in 1994. She actually showed up in about nine other television programs besides her main series, which, you know, tells you she kept busy for a while. These other roles, though perhaps not as widely recognized as her time as Elizabeth, show that she continued to work in the acting field, exploring different characters and stories, too. It’s pretty common for actors to have a variety of parts, even if only one really stands out, basically.

What About Connie Needham's Personal Connections?

Beyond her professional life, people are often curious about the personal side of public figures, like their relationships and family. While the provided information is somewhat limited in this area, there is one piece of information that gives a little insight into Connie Needham's personal life. It's, you know, a part of her story that often comes up when discussing her background, actually.

The information available does mention that Connie Needham was previously married. The details about who she was married to are not included here, but the fact itself is noted. This, you know, gives a brief glimpse into her life outside of her acting and dance instruction, reminding us that public figures have personal lives just like anyone else, with their own relationships and experiences, too. It’s a small piece of the puzzle, but an important one for a complete picture, really.

This discussion has looked at Connie Needham's beginnings in Anaheim, California, her well-known part as Elizabeth Bradford on "Eight is Enough," her work as a dance instructor, and a few other acting appearances. It also touched upon some personal details, giving a broader view of her life and career. The aim was to share her story in a way that feels approachable and, you know, easy to connect with, highlighting the different facets of her public and personal journey.

Connie Needham — Bio Site
Connie Needham — Bio Site

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Connie Needham's feet

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Pictures of Connie Needham
Pictures of Connie Needham

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