3 months ago There’s no question that from almost out the gate in March 1977, ABC was going to have a hit on its hands with Eight is Enough, the comedy-drama based on the true story as chronicled in the book of the same name by Tom Braden. How could it miss, with Diana Hyland as parents Tom and Joan Bradford, with a cast that included a number of future teen idols? But what was completely unexpected was that Diana would lose a sudden and intense battle with cancer that would claim her life after only four episodes had been shot.