Connie Needham, also known as Connie Newton is an American actress and dance instructor who was married to David Needham for 26 years. They had two daughters before their divorce in 2005.
Connie is famed for her roles in Eight is Enough (1977-1981) and Police Squad! (1982). Similarly, her ex-husband is famed for being a celebrity husband and a celebrity offspring of Hal Needham – a stuntman, director, and producer. Connie’s ex is also a producer, and cameraman known for The Half of It (2015), Mike & Molly (2010-2015), and Mad About You (1992-1999).
How Connie Met Her Husband and Married
Connie and David Needham met on the set of Eight Is Enough. At the time, Connie was an actress while her ex was a set designer on the series.
The former couple became married on April 7, 1979. She was 19 at the time while David was 24.
They mostly lived in Newport Beach and Yorba Linda. The former couple also became parents of 2 girls Kimberly and Taylor Needham.
At the time they were married and while raising their children, Connie mostly stayed out of acting. According to her, her family is of topmost priority.
She however had small roles in a number of series. Her last work was as a Waiteress in Ellen in 1995. She appeared in episode 19 (Gladiators) of season 2 of the series which also features David Anthony Higgins, Ellen DeGeneres, Joely Fisher, Clea Lewis, Jeremy Piven, Arye Gross, and Alice Hirson.
After being married for 25 years, Connie and David Needham divorced in 2005. The exact reason for the divorce remains unknown. Yet, to the best of the public’s knowledge, she is not remarried at the time of this report.
Other Details About the Life of David Needham, Connie’s Ex-Husband
David Needham was born on November 4, 1954, in Santa Ana, California, USA. His father was Hal Needham – a famous stuntman, actor, director, and producer.
Connie’s ex-husband has worked on the set of numerous movies and series as a leadman, set designer, and electrician.
Some of these movies and series include The Half of It (2015), Mike & Milly (2010-2015), Romantically Challenged (2010-2011), Gary Unmarried (2008-2010), According to Jim (2001-2009), Less Than Perfect (2002-2006), Mad About You (1992-1990), Major Dad (1989-1993), Eight Is Enough (1977-1981), and The Villain (1979).
Connie Needham’s Life Away From Marriage, Children, and Divorce
The actress was born Connie Marie Bowen on December 5, 1959, in Anaheim, California. She led an early life away from the public but nurtured her talent in acting.
As a teenager at the age of 18 and while attending Canyon High in Anaheim, she made her career debut on TV in 1977 when she was featured as Elizabeth Bradford alongside actors such as Grant Goodeve, Dick Van Patten, Lani O’Grady, and Laurie Walters in Eight Is Enough. In the series, she appeared in 112 episodes.
As a young actress at the beginning of her career, she was known as Connie Newton before she later adopted her ex’s last name and became Connie Needham.
Her Films and Series
- Ellen (1995)
- An Eight Is Enough Wedding (1989)
- L.A. Law (1987)
- Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion (1987)
- An Uncommon Love (1983)
- Fame (1982-1983)
- Police Squad! (1982)
- The Love Boat (1982)
- Eight Is Enough (1977-1981)
- CHiPs (1979)
See Also: MorningStar Angeline Is A Queer Actress: Facts About Her And Her Love Life
Where is Connie Needham Now?
David Needham’s ex-wife became a dance instructor after her big role as an actress. Even at that, she was also in a number of TV commercials.
Years later, she had health challenges. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer.
She spoke publicly for the first time about being diagnosed with cancer in 2010. She told RadarOnline.com that she lost her hair in the course of the treatment but was lucky that the cancer was gone.
As part of the treatment, she had a hysterectomy which helped. She has been creating awareness for early cancer detection and treatment.
While battling health issues, the former actress also joined other cast members of Eight Is Enough for a reunion.
She is in a Relationship and Made a Public Appearance in 2019
Connie revealed that she was in a relationship. Even though she did not give details about the man, she spoke highly of him when she spoke about her cancer journey and how she thought that a hysterectomy would affect her relationship with him.
Instead, he stood by her till the end.
Away from her relationship, the former actress made a public appearance in 2019 when she attended Hello Dolly!‘s, Los Angeles premiere at Pantages Theater.
