Willie Aames

Willie Aames (born Albert William Upton; July 15, 1960) is an American actor, film and television director, television producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for playing Tommy Bradford on the 1970s television series Eight Is Enough, Buddy Lembeck on the 1980s series Charles in Charge and the title character in the direct-to-video series Bibleman (1995-2003).

Aames was born in Newport Beach, California. He attended Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California, and was in both the choir and the Madrigal Ensemble.

Aames began acting in the late 1960s as a child actor and appeared in shows such as Gunsmoke, The Wonderful World of Disney, Adam-12, and The Courtship of Eddie's Father. In 1971, he originated the role of Leonard Unger, the son of Felix Unger (Tony Randall), on the ABC-TV series The Odd Couple, a part that was later played by Leif Garrett. The following year, he voiced the character of Jamie Boyle in the animated series Wait Till Your Father Gets Home.

He guest-starred on various television series, including The Waltons. In 1974, he portrayed a 12-year-old Benjamin Franklin in the miniseries Benjamin Franklin. The next year, he co-starred in the series Swiss Family Robinson.

In 1977, he landed the role of Tommy Bradford in the comedy-drama Eight Is Enough. During this period, he played in a band called "Willie Aames & Paradise", in which he was lead singer/guitarist. Formed while Aames was in junior high school, the group eventually landed a recording contract with CBS Custom Label. During this time, Aames appeared in his first movie role in Scavenger Hunt. After the series ended in 1981, Aames appeared in more film roles, including Zapped! opposite Scott Baio, and Paradise with Phoebe Cates.

Before portraying the role of Buddy Lembeck in Charles in Charge in 1984, Aames played the character of Robbie Hamlin on the ABC soap opera The Edge of Night. From 1983 to 1985, he was the voice of Hank on the cartoon Dungeons & Dragons. After the end of Charles in Charge in 1990, Aames hosted the game show The Krypton Factor.

Aames began the role of Miles Peterson / Bibleman in the direct-to-video Christian superhero series from 1995 to 2003, before being succeeded by Robert T. Schlipp.

Aames has been married three times. Aames married Vicki Weatherman in 1979 producing one child, Christopher. Aames married Maylo McCaslin in 1986, producing one child, Harleigh Jean. Aames is currently married to Winnie Hung.

For some years, Aames has been fighting his alcohol addiction. In 2008, he faced private bankruptcy and working construction jobs after investing in a failed TV show and ongoing drug abuse. He successfully managed to get clean and continue working successfully as a director, screenwriter and cruise ship director.