Laurie Walters, a brunette born on January 8, 1947, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, embarked on a journey that would shape her future. Initially, she enrolled in Humboldt State College with the intention of majoring in wildlife conservation. However, her interests shifted towards the world of theater, and she briefly attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. Walters then relocated to Berkeley, California, where she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Berkeley Repertory Theater.
Her professional acting career took off in the early 1970s, with notable appearances in films and television shows. Her portrayal of Sheila Grove in "The Harrad Experiment" and "The Harrad Summer" showcased her versatility and likability as a shy, awkward, and virginal character. Walters also impressed audiences with her solid and sympathetic performance as Jenny Macallister, a spunky college student, in the horror film "Warlock Moon."
However, it was her role as Joannie Bradford, the endearing screwball, on the hit sitcom "Eight Is Enough" that brought her the greatest enduring popularity. Following the cancellation of the show, Walters continued to act in episodic television and appeared in a few "Eight Is Enough" reunion TV specials. She also explored her passion for theater, touring in dinner theater productions and performing in stage plays such as "Richard III" and "Playboy of the Western World."
After quitting acting in the late 1990s, Walters dedicated herself to environmental causes, coordinating the volunteer program for the Los Angeles organization Tree People. More recently, she has resumed acting on stage in the southern California area and has even directed theater productions in Ojai, California, under her married name of Laurie Walters Slade.
