Wrote book "Eight is Enough" based on real-life adventures of himself,
his wife, Joan Vermillion Braden and their eight children, David, Mary,
Joannie, Susan, Nancy, Elizabeth, Tommy, and Nicholas. Was inspiration
for television show.
Not realizing the show would be a hit, sold the rights of his book "Eight Is Enough" to ABC-TV for only $1,000.
His children are David Braden of Taipei, Taiwan; Mary Poole of Alexandria, VA; Susan Braden of Takoma Park, MD.; Joannie Braden, Nancy Basta and Elizabeth Braden, all of Denver, CO; and Nicholas Braden of Washington, D.C. Son Tommy, the seventh of his eight children, died in 1994. He has 12 grandchildren.
Worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), 1950-1954.
CIA operative from 1950 to 1954.
Former CIA agent.
Graduated from Dartmouth College.
Served with the British army during World War II then joined the CIA.
After leaving the CIA, he bought a newspaper in Oceanside, CA. He became a popular columnist which led to jobs on television and radio as political commentator.
Owned the Oceanside, California "Blade-Tribune" newspaper, 1954-1956.