Posted by David Tanny on 9/26/2001, 7:52 pm
Board Administrator
|
Friends, here's what I compiled from some news reports and websites so far. I'll have a more complete story at http://www.davesfunstuff.com/ today VALENCIA - Lani O'Grady the 46-year-old actress who played the oldest daughter "Mary" on that favorite 70's show "Eight Is Enough" has been found dead. A neighbor found O'Grady dead in her Valencia home on Tuesday. O'Grady reportedly had a history of alcohol abuse. She had just finished a detox and rehab treatment. The coroner's office will complete an autopsy to determine a cause of death. "Entertainment Tonight" last night also reported about Lani's untimely death. The police are investigating, but there is no speculation of foul play. "ET" reported that Lani had a history of drug and alcohol abuse, and that she also had a history of panic attacks, which led to the drug and alcohol abuse.
Ingrid (Jochems) Holzman e-mailed me the following: Longtime eightisenough board friend Christine posts the following:\ From Jon: Mark on an Eight is Enough mailing list: Karen on the same mailing list says:
|
Re: Story on Lani's Death....so far
Posted by Stephanie on 9/26/2001, 8:00 pm , in reply to "Story on Lani's Death....so far"
As a sufferer of panic attacks, my heart goes out to her family and friends. She was my favorite character on EiE and I am sad to see she has passed. Lani, the presence you brought to the character Mary could not have been done without you. Rest in Peace.
We'll miss you, Lani
Posted by John on 9/27/2001, 8:22 am
I feel so bad that this poor lady had to die so young,and the circumstances of her death are very sad and haunting to me. I mean, for this lovely woman to die alone, in her trailer home....I wonder if her poor broken heart just gave up? I think Lani put up a major fight to conquer her demons and in my opinion, she succeeded. She certainly succeeded as a human being...I remember seeing her on a TV talk show several years ago with Jay North and a few others and the "real" Lani was just as warm, decent and kind as Mary Bradford. I remember that Dick Van Patten made a "surprise visit" on the show (via a satellite feed), and the way Lani reacted to seeing him for the first time in years was just beautiful...she cried as he told her how much he loved her and how proud he was of her...It was really very touching.
I wish Hollywood would make more of an effort to find a place for its former stars. I say, get rid of those obnoxious reality TV shows and bring back episodic TV, and then use more of our endearing favorites as guest stars (you know, sort of the way "Murder, She Wrote" used to do). Its heartbreaking to see SO many of our familiar and beloved celebrities just tossed aside and forgotten the way they are. It must just destroy their spirits. No wonder Lani's struggles proved so daunting through the years...I hope, though, that she always knew she had the love and respect of her fans. She was a talented, beautiful woman, and I'll miss her.
Re: We'll miss you, Lani
Posted by Christine on 9/27/2001, 2:22 pm , in reply to "We'll miss you, Lani"
I feel the same way. The industry uses these child actors, and when they are done with them, they just throw them away. I had spoke with Lani over the phone many times, and I can tell you that she had the biggest heart. I often wonder about the next child star tragedy. Paul Peterson works his hind end off to help as many of these former child stars as possible. Thank God for Paul and his organization A Minor Consideration. I know Paul cannot help everyone, but he has helped so many already. I think we need to stand up and applaud Paul peterson for his great work. I also believe that we need to get back to television the way it used to be. Enough of these reality shows, shows with blood and guns. What ever happened to shows LIKE the Waltons. Maybe our country, our children would be better off with family oriented shows. I will miss Lani, and I know the will rest in Peace.
very sad
Posted by Franny on 9/27/2001, 4:52 pm
Im very shocked by Lani's death. I grew up on Eight is Enough it was my fav show. At least she will be immortalized in this great show. My kids watch the reruns now and its cool pointing out some of the silly fashions and if you remember the show was pretty close to realty back then. I think that was the last generation of young people who didnt have all the concerns that are so prevalent in todays society. Clothes were simplier, attitudes where more laid back, drugs have always been around but hey could your kid explain to you what and eight ball is back then? And for anybody stuck in that era its a drug term not a pool term I am refering to. And back to the fashions of the show I explain to my daughter that when I was growing up if someone wore what a typical girl in a mtv video wears now it would be considered hooker wear. Literally remember the corny comedy scits where they would show a supposed hooker looking for business and it was alway a girl in a half shirt and low cut pants or short shorts with lots of make up kind of like Christina Aguilera. What the next generation has to offer will definitely be shocking Im sure. Im just pointing all this out cause its wild to watch something that seems so dated now, like Eight is Enough.
Re: very sad
Posted by d.t. on 9/27/2001, 8:21 pm , in reply to "Re: very sad"
Dick Van Patten was quoted in an article:
Dick Van Patten, O'Grady's television dad on "Eight Is Enough," told The Signal on Wednesday from Lexington, Ky., that he was saddened by the news of her death.
"I feel awful," Van Patten said. "She was a very good actress, a natural."
Van Patten reminisced about the trip trip he, his wife, Pat, O'Grady and her mother went on together. They took a three-week cruise through the Panama Canal and around the West Indies.
"It was such a great time," he said.
Re: Lani's Death
Posted by Daniel on 9/28/2001, 2:54 pm , in reply to "Lani's Death"
It's such a shock and a very sad thing, since she was just getting back into enjoying life again. I've had panic disorders as well, and can sure understand what she dealt with. We need to pray for her family. She was a very unique individual and I'll miss her!
Re: Lani's Death
Posted by Shannon on 9/30/2001, 2:08 pm , in reply to "Re: Lani's Death"
I have been doing a lot of that- I remember her brother Don being a great actor on "My Three Sons" in the 60's! Panic disorders are pretty scary, and can make your life full of fear and tension. It's just a shame that she died alone.
Lani O'Grady
Posted by Julie on 9/28/2001, 3:41 pm
Wow, what sad news.
I feel as though a part of my childhood has been lost. During the original airing of the show, I watched "Eight Is Enough" every week and enjoyed it so much. Lani's character, Mary, was always my favorite and she made a very big impression on me as a child. Now I feel like I've lost my big sister.
Of course, she was only playing a part, but I think that anytime you lose someone who meant a lot to you as a child, even if it's just somone you know through television, it hits you extra hard emotionally.
I have the series taped from PAX TV and have shared it with my neice who is now 16. She really has enjoyed the show and was also saddened by the news. We spent last night having an "EIE" marathon and specifically watched episodes that focused on "Mary" as a sort of tribute to Lani.
I sure wish I would've had the chance to meet Lani and tell her how much I enjoyed her work but unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity. I hope Lani knew that she meant a lot to many and through her work on EIE, touched many hearts with her portrayal of Mary Bradford.
We'll miss you, Lani.
Your fans/friends, Julie and Lindsey
Better News Coverage Would Be Nice
Posted by John on 9/28/2001, 5:15 pm , in reply to "Lani O'Grady"
I think it's really pretty rotten that Lani's passing didn't "rate" more than just a small blurb or two in the NYC area newspapers I happened to see. She was a highly-visible performer in the mid 70s to early 80s in a VERY popular TV show...and she still has a POTENT fan base (as witnessed by the outpouring of emotion here). Here in NJ, I've combed at least 6 "tri-state" newspapers over the last three days and have found very little notice given to Lani's death. I think that stinks! To us, she's a star and always will be, but more than that, she seemed to be a warm, kind person...I feel really bad about her passing. 46 is too young to leave this earth. I was hoping to see her have another 40 or 50 years where she could enjoy her life, panic-free and at peace. Well, she's at peace now, and we'll all miss her.
Lani O'Grady 1954-2001
Posted by H. R. Hudson on 9/28/2001, 3:41 pm
I'm shocked and saddened by Lani's passing. First, the attack of the World Trade Center, now this. I send my sympathies and condolences to the "Eight is Enough" cast and the O'Grady Family.
To Lani: Thank you so much for being here.
Lani O'grady
Posted by Kay on 9/28/2001, 3:51 pm
I am deeply saddened by the death of Lani. As a young teen in the late seventies, she was one of my idols. I tuned in to "Eight is Enough" every week just to watch her. She was a gifted actress, and left the business way too soon. I have tried to follow her various achievements, etc. from time to time since "Eight" ended. My heart goes out to her family. We all lost a special person the day we lost Lani O'grady. May she rest in peace.
My Friend Lani O'Grady
Posted by Daniel on 10/1/2001, 10:16 pm
i can't begin to tell you how sad i am. Lani was a close friend. i recall how excited she was when she first moved into her trailer. it's hard to believe she's gone, though i always feared this day would come. i was with her through some tough times. she so wanted to get her life together. she thought moving to the trailer would give her time to be alone and reflect. i had a very bad feeling about it. her being alone in a trailer park away from her family and friends. in previous posts, i wanted to share my frustrations and worries with you regarding lani, but out of respect to her privacy i held back. i tried to only post positive things about her. i apolgize for not being more candid with you. i'm crying as i write this, because i just wonder if there was something i could have done. her mom told me once that lani must have nine lives, i just wish she had another nine. perhaps at a later time i'll share some letters or greeting cards i received from lani. my love goes out to all who are mourning lani's passing. if anyone wishes to email me, you may at carsdane@aol.com
God Bless,
Daniel aka: carsten dane
Lani in the Tabloids
Posted by d.t. on 10/5/2001, 8:43 pm
The Globe, Star, and Enquirer has Lani articles in their rags dated October 15 or 16 at some newsstands at the grocers already. Not much news except from what I remember (from reading them for free then putting them back), Lani recently appearred on the synidcated Hollywood Squares with Whoopi Goldberg who liked her performance so much she was looking forward to doing another week with her. Dianne was within driving distance of Lani and I guess they were still friends.
Two Tragedies In September
Posted by Nancy B. on 10/7/2001, 7:15 pm
D.T and EIE Friends,
I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of Lani O'Grady. My prayers and thoughts are with her family and friends. I am sorry for not posting sooner but, I just found out by checking the messageboard.
I loved her in EIE and it just doesn't seem fair that she was taken in the prime of her life, But then again life isn't fair and there has been so much heartache and suffering since our Country was attacked on Sept 11th. Will we ever recover? and who knows what the future holds for those of us on earth. At least, Lani is in a better place.
Nancy B.
what possibly happened to Lani....
Posted by Sunflowr on 10/8/2001, 5:15 pm
Well, according to the tabloids.. and who knows what to believe but it does make possible sense.. Lani may have died from a seizure. She apparently was left with a seizure condition brought on by one of the meds she was addicted to.. even long since being off of it, it left her with recurring seizures.
In other news, I found 3 videos about Lani, in my collection. One from Inside Edition last year (the one where she talks about the sexual assault at Cedars.. and the one where she seemed like there was something wrong with her..) and then the other 2 tapes were tapes I recorded back in 93'. One is Entertainment Tonight and the other is of an appearance on Sally Jessy Raphael. I watched them all this morning. Sigh...
To Family of Lani O'Grady
Posted by Bernice Sanders on 10/10/2001, 8:31 pm
I have watched the show when it first came on and I tried to watch it every week. I was raising my family and it was a pleasure to watch all those years.
Especially the reunion shows. Don, I grew up on your show - My Three Sons. I
watched that show every week. I have always liked good family shows. O'Grady's, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your fan always.
Re: Lani O'Grady
Posted by Phil on 10/20/2001, 6:43 pm
I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Lani O'Grady. I have been battling panic attacks/anxiety disorder for some 15 years now. In October 1996, I visited Dr. Martin Jensen for the first time, having learned of his techniques for curing this awful condition. I was stunned to see Lani there, working for Dr. Jensen. She was very friendly & supportive, and so beautiful -I swear she had not aged a day since she was on Eight Is Enough! She gave me her autograph & I met with her on several doctor visits since. Dr Jensen helped me greatly - while my anxiety level remains somewhat high, he prescribed Remeron for me, which is non-addictive, I sleep the whole night through. All my life I was a scrawny guy - 5'8", 115 pounds - the Remeron changed my metabolism & my weight rose to 140 in just four months & has remained at 140 to this day (I work out daily). While life is not perfect, I can function better than I have in years. I am stunned to learn of Lani's passing - when I met her she told me she was on no medications at all. I moved to Arizona from CA in 1997 & did not see her again.
Lani, rest in peace - you changed my life & I'll never forget you for it.
where was i?
Posted by greg on 12/26/2001, 7:16 pm
I don't know where I was, but somehow I missed the news of Lani O'Grady's passing. I only read it today, December 26, for the first time. This news saddens me, as I am sure it does all who have heard of it. I am certain that the character Lani played on "Eight is Enough" touched hearts and affected futures of many teenagers and young adults in the late 70s and early 80s. For me, "Eight is Enough" was the show I watched religiously-even in reruns. I loved the Bradford Family and all their adventures. The episodes and characters are very clear in my mind. The warmth written into each episode and the goodness portrayed by each actor helped me through many lonely times in junior high school. I offer condolences to the family of Lani O'Grady and hope they know how she and the others involved in that great series impacted so many lives.
Best wishes to all who read this for a happy and healthy 2002, filled with good times and peace.
No Big Shock
Posted by Christine Lewis on 1/19/2002, 4:20 pm
I was saddened to hear that Lani had left us so early. I was however not shocked at the fact it was drugs that ended her life. I think we all knew what the report would say. I pray for Lani's family and friends. This is a tragic death. How many more child stars have to die like this. Anyone remember Dana Plato.....?
Lani
Posted by Denise on 1/20/2002, 3:05 am
I am very late in finding out that Lani had died, but very saddened by this news. I loved the show and will miss knowing she is not walking around with us, but watching from above.
Re: Cause of Lani's death
Posted by Claudia McCall on 1/17/2002, 1:43 pm , in reply to "Re: Cause of Lani's death"
Deep in my heart, when I heard that Lani had died, I feared that overdose would be revealed to be the cause. I cannot express the depth of my sadness. To Lani's friends, family, and fans:
God be with you. Know that He is with Lani, and she, with him.
Claudia McCall
Back to Forum Archives
Back to Main Eight is Enough Page