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Brady Bunch Cast Then & Now
The Brady Bunch was an iconic television show in the 1970s that featured the story of a lovely lady, a three-by-three grid, and the famous phrase “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.” Despite not receiving critical acclaim or high ratings during its original run, the show became popular with children and teenagers in syndication. This led to numerous reunion shows and spin-off movies, making the show a cultural icon that remains relevant even after almost 50 years. However, fans often wonder where the cast of The Brady Bunch is now…
To satisfy fans’ curiosity, we’ve conducted research and provided updates on the current whereabouts and appearance of the cast members. Scroll through our photos to see what they look like now.
Robert Reed studied acting at Northwestern University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. After returning to the United States, he joined an off-Broadway theater group called “The Summer Shakespearewrights.” In 1961, he made his on-screen acting debut as Kenneth Prestson in The Defenders. This role paved the way for his eventual success as an actor, including his iconic role as Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch.
After his first on-screen acting debut, it took seven years for Robert Reed to secure the role he is best known for today – that of the loving family man Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch. He played the character several times and also acted in smaller films before eventually becoming a drama teacher at the University of California in Los Angeles. Tragically, Reed passed away at the age of 59 in 1992.
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1934, Florence Henderson is known as America’s sweetheart for her role as matriarch Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch. Prior to her role on the show, she appeared in popular Broadway musicals such as Wish You Were Here and Fanny. Henderson had a passion for singing and dancing from a young age, with her mother teaching her to sing at just two years old. By age 12, she was regularly performing at her local grocery store.
Florence Henderson continued to make a name for herself after The Brady Bunch, becoming the first woman to co-host The Tonight Show. Although her role as Carol Brady brought her fame, she went on to make appearances on various TV shows, including The King of Queens, 30 Rock, and The Cleveland Show, and even had her own show, The Florence Henderson Show, in 2008. Entertainment Weekly recognized her as one of the 100 greatest TV icons, ranking her at number 54. Sadly, Henderson passed away on Thanksgiving in 2016 at the age of 82.
Ann B. Davis is famously recognized for portraying Alice, the offbeat and wise housekeeper in The Brady Bunch. Before her breakthrough role in 1969, she had already appeared on popular television shows such as The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford. Although acting wasn’t initially her chosen career path, Davis had a change of heart after being inspired by her brother’s theater performance, prompting her to switch her pre-medical major to theater drama.
After becoming a fan favorite, Davis appeared in every episode of The Brady Bunch as Alice, the lovable housekeeper, along with two other actors. She reprised her role as Alice Nelson in six different spin-off series following the show’s end. Davis surprised everyone in 1974 when she announced that she would be leaving show business. She became a born-again Christian, joined an Episcopalian religious community, and moved to Denver, Colorado. She lived a quiet life until her passing in 2014 at the age of 88.
Eve Plumb, an American actress, singer, and painter, rose to fame for her portrayal of Jan Brady, the middle sister down on her luck, in The Brady Bunch in 1969. Despite her breakthrough role, Plumb was no stranger to the screen, having begun her acting career at a young age. She got her start in TV commercials in 1966 and later appeared on popular TV shows such as The Virginian and It Takes a Thief.
Despite being asked to sign a five-year contract for reunion attempts, Eve Plumb declined the offer in order to pursue more diverse roles, including playing a teenage prostitute in Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway. Since then, Plumb has continued to appear in occasional TV shows and films, but has also become a highly regarded painter. She currently operates a studio in Laguna Beach, California where she works with oils, watercolors, and acrylics, creating paintings that range in price from $65 to $2,450.
Mike Lookinland, born in 1960 in Mount Pleasant, Utah, started working on The Brady Bunch set at just 9 years old. As the youngest son, Bobby Brady, he quickly became a star. After the show, he appeared on several Brady Bunch reunion specials, and he was even ranked as the 42nd greatest kid star in VH1’s list of “100 Greatest Kid Stars.”
Once The Brady Bunch ended, Lookinland reprised his role as Bobby Brady in six different spin-off series. However, he eventually transitioned to working behind the camera, serving as a production assistant on several films. He credits Robert Reed, who played his on-screen father, for sparking his interest in cameras by gifting each cast member with Super 8 cameras. Currently, Lookinland resides in Salt Lake City, where he runs a decorative concrete business.
Barry Williams had a passion for acting since he was young. He sought advice from his neighbor, actor Peter Graves, to help him achieve his dream. He changed his last name to Williams at the age of 11 and started taking acting classes. In 1969, he landed the role of Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, which catapulted him to fame. Williams continued to act after the show, appearing in other TV shows and films.
Barry Williams, famous for his role as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, pursued a career in music after the show ended. He released several albums and went on tour with fellow Brady Bunch co-stars. Later, he transitioned to musical theater and landed leading roles in productions like West Side Story, Grease, The Music Man, and The Sound of Music. Williams also made appearances in popular TV shows like General Hospital, Three’s Company, and That ’70s Show. Recently, he has worked as a DJ on Sirius Satellite Radio, playing hits from the 70s, and continues to perform in musical theater and public speaking engagements.
Christopher Knight’s career in show business started at a young age when he began appearing in television commercials for popular brands like Toyota, Tide, and Cheerios at just 7 years old. Although he had a few minor roles on television shows like Gunsmoke in 1955, it wasn’t until he was cast as the middle brother, Peter Brady, on The Brady Bunch in 1969 that he gained fame. His good looks and charming personality quickly made him a beloved teen icon.
Christopher Knight, like Ann B. Davis, made a drastic career change after The Brady Bunch. In 1988, he left the entertainment industry to work in the computer industry, starting as a sales representative at Martec. Over time, he rose through the ranks and became a vice president at various computer companies before founding his own company, Eskape Labs, in 1998. Despite his new career, he returned to television in 2003 as a reality star, appearing in My Fair Brady and The Surreal Life.
Born on August 14, 1961, in Santa Monica, California, Susan Olsen began her acting career with appearances in shows like Gunsmoke and Ironside. At the age of eight, she landed the role of Cindy Brady, the youngest and sweetest daughter of the Brady family, on the popular show The Brady Bunch. Olsen became famous for her portrayal of the character, who was known for her innocent personality and signature curly pigtails.
Susan Olsen, who played Cindy Brady, took a different path after her time on The Brady Bunch. She became a graphic designer and worked at a clothing store in Malibu, California. Later, she started her own company, Man in Space, which created glow-in-the-dark Converse sneakers. She then transitioned to radio and became a radio personality on LA Talk Radio. However, she was let go from her show, Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics, after making a homophobic remark about gay actor Leon Acord-Whiting. Nowadays, Olsen is an advocate for Migraine Awareness Month.
Born on August 5, 1956, in Woodland Hills, California, Maureen McCormick gained fame as Marcia Brady, the popular eldest daughter of The Brady Bunch family. At the age of 13, McCormick landed the role of Marcia in the hit TV sitcom, portraying a character who was smart, kind, and noble. Her role quickly made her America’s sweetheart after the first season aired. Despite facing challenges in her personal life, McCormick continued to be known for her iconic portrayal of Marcia Brady.
Following her role as Marcia Brady, Maureen McCormick faced difficulties in maintaining her good-girl image and had trouble securing new acting roles. She later married actor Michael Cummings and released a country music album in 1995 while still figuring out her next steps. Her return to acting remained uncertain as she focused on finding herself.
Maureen McCormick’s return to the spotlight came after a long and difficult battle with drug addiction and body dysmorphia. In 2007, she participated in VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club as a contestant, eventually emerging as the winner after putting in a lot of hard work and dedication. This experience helped her understand the connection between her weight gain and unhappiness. Nine years later, in 2016, McCormick landed a spot on the 23rd season of Dancing With The Stars.
Born on April 4, 1964, in La Mirada, California, Robbie Rist gained recognition for his portrayal in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. His acting career commenced at an early age, with one of his earliest roles being that of Cousin Oliver in The Brady Bunch. Rist was approximately 9 years old when he joined the cast of The Brady Bunch as the directors decided to introduce a younger Cousin Oliver to boost ratings as the original Brady children grew older.
While Cousin Oliver was a character who was either adored or found grating, depending on one’s perspective, Robbie Rist discovered his niche in the entertainment industry through his work as a music producer and voice-over artist. He collaborated with director Anthony C. Ferrante to compose music for the Sharknado film series and has lent his voice to various anime and video game characters in English-language adaptations. Rist’s more recent acting appearances include roles in the TV series Buried in the Backyard and the TV movie Olde News.
Born on February 18, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri, Allan Melvin was a renowned actor recognized for his appearances in several shows, such as Flash Gordon, The Phil Silvers Show (depicted in the picture), and The Brady Bunch. In 1969, Melvin was selected to portray Alice Nelson’s beau in The Brady Bunch, and his recurring character, Sam the butcher, quickly developed a close bond with the Bradys. On the show, Sam owned the local butcher shop and was frequently seen delivering meat to the family.
Although many of the Brady Bunch actors are widely recognized for their roles in other 1970s sitcoms and All in the Family, Allan Melvin is an exception. He had a background in Broadway and first gained recognition in television as Corporal Steve Henshaw on The Phil Silvers Show. Following his stint on The Brady Bunch, Melvin focused primarily on providing voiceovers for cartoons. Sadly, he passed away from cancer at the age of 84 in 2008.
Hope Juber was born on March 30, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, and is primarily recognized for her writing contributions to The Munsters Today. However, Juber also made occasional appearances on The Brady Bunch, a popular show created by her father, Sherwood Schwartz. She appeared on the show four times, twice as Greg’s girlfriend named Rachel and twice as a friend of the Brady girls.
Although many may primarily remember Hope Juber as Greg’s girlfriend, Rachel, she actually played a significant role in The Brady Bunch’s success. Juber revealed that her personal life often served as inspiration for her father’s episodes, which she didn’t always appreciate. Following the show’s conclusion, Juber established herself as a writer and contributed to various Brady spin-off movies. Currently, she devotes most of her time to writing screenplays and music.
Rita Wilson, an American actress and producer hailing from Los Angeles, California, is primarily recognized for her roles in popular films such as Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Jingle All the Way (1996), and Runaway Bride (1999). While Wilson is not typically associated with The Brady Bunch, her appearance on the show in 1972 played a small but significant role in her overall success.
Following her role as a cheerleader rival to Marcia on The Brady Bunch, Wilson’s career skyrocketed, leading to her eventual rise to fame. In 1988, she married her current husband, Tom Hanks, and together they have two children. Over the course of 47 years, Wilson has starred in over 70 TV shows and movies, including notable titles like My Big Fat Greek Life, The Good Wife, The Glass House, and The Wild Thornberrys.
The Brady Bunch episode featuring football star Joe Namath, where Bobby meets his hero, remains a memorable moment for fans. Namath, famous for leading the AFL’s New York Jets to an upset victory over the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, made a guest appearance in the 1973 episode titled “Mail Order Hero.” Following his appearance on the show, Namath continued to pursue acting and appeared in various TV shows and movies, including The A-Team, The Love Boat, and most recently, Underdogs.
Vincent Price, born in 1911, had a notable career in Hollywood and was recognized for his unique voice and appearances in classic horror movies, such as his memorable role as the villain in House of Wax. In 1973, Price played the character of Professor Hubert Whitehead on The Brady Bunch for two episodes. His final role was in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands in 1990 before he passed away in 1993.
In 1995, The Brady Bunch Movie hit the big screen, bringing the beloved family back together. The film featured a new cast of actors, some of whom went on to become major stars in Hollywood. Take a look at the photos of the characters and the actors who played them in the following slides. Do you think they measure up to the original cast?
Christine Taylor, who played one of the beloved Brady girls, has since become a major Hollywood star. Her breakout role in The Brady Bunch Movie helped propel her career forward. Taylor is also known for her work in popular TV shows such as Arrested Development and for her roles in blockbuster hits like Zoolander and Tropic Thunder. She is married to actor and director Ben Stiller.
Shelley Long played the matriarchal role of Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie. Long was already a well-known actress at the time, having had success on both the big and small screens. She is perhaps best known for her role as Diane Chambers on Cheers, but she has also had memorable roles in shows like Murphy Brown, Frasier, and, more recently, Modern Family.
After her breakout role as Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie, Jennifer Elise Cox struggled to replicate her success in Hollywood. Despite her continued efforts in acting, she has been mostly limited to minor parts and brief appearances in both film and television.
Gary Cole may have been unrecognizable as Mike Brady in the 1995 movie, but he has since become a renowned comedic star. His iconic portrayal of Bill Lumbergh in Office Space in 1999 propelled him to meme status, and he has since starred in numerous timeless classics such as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Pineapple Express, as well as the television show Chuck. In addition, he has taken on several weighty roles in dramas like Desperate Housewives, The Good Wife, and Suits.
Before his role as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie, Christopher Daniel Barnes was a prominent child actor, but his career failed to take off thereafter. While he has had limited on-screen opportunities in film and TV, Barnes has found success as a frequent voice actor. He is perhaps best known for lending his voice to Peter Parker (also known as Spider-Man) in several cartoon and video game adaptations.
Jesse Lee Soffer portrayed Bobby Brady in the 1995 film adaptation, but has since moved away from movies and towards television. He had a recurring role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2014 and 2015, and his character, Jay Halstead, was later featured on the drama series Chicago Fire. Currently, Soffer continues to play the role of Halstead, who is now one of the main characters on the television show Chicago P.D.
Olivia Hack portrayed the spirited Cindy Brady in the 1995 film adaptation and later took on various television roles. However, her recent success has come from her work as a voice actor. She has lent her voice to popular animated series such as Hey Arnold!, Family Guy, and Bratz. In addition to her voice work, Hack played the character Tana Schrick in the popular television series Gilmore Girls.
Paul Sutera had built up an extensive list of acting credits prior to his portrayal of Peter Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie. However, his career did not take off following that significant role. Instead, Sutera transitioned to working behind the scenes as a producer. He has produced several successful shows including Shark Tank, Ax Men, Ice Road Truckers, and Redneck Island.
Although The Brady Bunch explicitly stated that Mike Brady’s first wife had passed away, the fate of Carol’s first husband remained somewhat ambiguous throughout the series. Creator Sherwood Schwartz later revealed that he had intended for Carol to have been divorced from her first husband. However, since the topic of divorce was still a sensitive issue for television at the time, the details of Carol’s past marriage were never openly discussed on the show.
During the duration of the show, Florence Henderson advocated for her character Carol Brady to pursue a career instead of being portrayed as a stay-at-home mother. Despite the actress’s appeals, the show’s creators never permitted Carol to enter the workforce during the original series. However, she was often depicted doing volunteer work. In The Bradys, a short-lived spinoff series, Henderson’s wish was granted, and Carol was portrayed as a real estate agent.
Robert Reed lived his life as a closeted gay man and revealed this fact to only a select few people. One of those individuals was his co-star Florence Henderson, who noticed his discomfort during their romantic scenes and questioned him about it. Upon confirming the truth, Henderson accepted Reed and even practiced romantic scenes with him in private to ensure their comfort on set. Henderson and the rest of the cast kept Reed’s secret until he passed away from AIDS in the early 1990s.
During the early episodes of The Brady Bunch, the family had a dog named Tiger. Unfortunately, the dog portraying Tiger passed away during the production of the first season. A replacement dog was brought in to continue the role of Tiger, but the new animal proved to be less than capable in his role. Ultimately, the character of Tiger was phased out entirely. However, the doghouse that belonged to Tiger was still featured in the family’s backyard throughout the duration of the series. This was allegedly because the prop was covering a burn mark left by a broken spotlight.
In later years, Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of the legendary Brady Bunch, revealed a unique audition technique he used to select child actors for the show. He would place several toys on his desk just before the audition and observe whether the child actors were more interested in playing with the toys or interacting with him. All the young actors who ultimately became the Brady kids passed this “toy test.”
The backyard of The Brady Bunch was the epitome of suburban life in the 60s, featuring a sliding glass door that was missing the glass itself. In order to prevent camera glare and allow for ease of movement, the “screen door” was simply a track, giving the impression that the Bradys were able to walk through their door with ease.
According to reports, Robert Reed wasn’t entirely satisfied with his time on The Brady Bunch set, despite his close relationships with his co-stars. Apparently, show creator Sherwood Schwartz had promised Reed that the series would be a progressive portrayal of a modern family, which never quite came to fruition. Reed, who wasn’t happy with the direction of his character, was reportedly being considered for recasting or writing off the show had it continued for a sixth season. Despite this, Reed did participate in later spin-offs and reunions out of loyalty to his child co-stars.
During the run of The Brady Bunch, viewers saw various bathrooms in the Brady house. However, none of them had a toilet, which became a running joke among fans. This was not due to the Brady family’s supposed cleanliness, but rather network censors who did not permit a toilet to be shown on screen. Interestingly, many other shows before The Brady Bunch had no issue with showing a toilet.
Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, impressed the producers with his surfing skills when they filmed on location in Hawaii. Williams performed his own surfing stunts for the show, but during one scene, he crashed into some rocks and was injured. The accident caused a delay in filming while Williams recovered. The producers considered using the footage of the wipeout as a cliffhanger, suggesting that Greg might have drowned. However, the network censors intervened and insisted on a less dramatic ending to the episode, with Mike rescuing Greg and confirming his survival.
Although The Brady Bunch has become a cultural icon, it was never a ratings juggernaut during its original run. The show never climbed higher than the 34th spot in the ratings, and ABC only renewed it in small increments of 13 episodes at a time. Despite this, the show’s popularity with children helped keep it on the air for five seasons and over 100 episodes.
During the filming of The Brady Bunch, Bobby Brady played by Mike Lookinland, had naturally strawberry blonde hair, unlike the other male Bradys who had brown hair. In order to match his on-screen family, Lookinland had to dye his hair brown for the entire series. However, he decided to keep his natural hair color for all spinoffs and reunions.
After the premiere of The Brady Bunch, the producers of the 1968 film Yours, Mine, and Ours accused Sherwood Schwartz of plagiarism, claiming similarities between their film and the series. To prove his innocence, Schwartz presented them with a plot outline for the show that was written before the film.
To satisfy fans’ curiosity, we’ve conducted research and provided updates on the current whereabouts and appearance of the cast members. Scroll through our photos to see what they look like now.
Mike Brady (Robert Reed) – Before
Robert Reed studied acting at Northwestern University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. After returning to the United States, he joined an off-Broadway theater group called “The Summer Shakespearewrights.” In 1961, he made his on-screen acting debut as Kenneth Prestson in The Defenders. This role paved the way for his eventual success as an actor, including his iconic role as Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch.
Mike Brady (Robert Reed) – After
After his first on-screen acting debut, it took seven years for Robert Reed to secure the role he is best known for today – that of the loving family man Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch. He played the character several times and also acted in smaller films before eventually becoming a drama teacher at the University of California in Los Angeles. Tragically, Reed passed away at the age of 59 in 1992.
Carol Brady (Florence Henderson) – Before
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1934, Florence Henderson is known as America’s sweetheart for her role as matriarch Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch. Prior to her role on the show, she appeared in popular Broadway musicals such as Wish You Were Here and Fanny. Henderson had a passion for singing and dancing from a young age, with her mother teaching her to sing at just two years old. By age 12, she was regularly performing at her local grocery store.
Carol Brady (Florence Henderson) – After
Florence Henderson continued to make a name for herself after The Brady Bunch, becoming the first woman to co-host The Tonight Show. Although her role as Carol Brady brought her fame, she went on to make appearances on various TV shows, including The King of Queens, 30 Rock, and The Cleveland Show, and even had her own show, The Florence Henderson Show, in 2008. Entertainment Weekly recognized her as one of the 100 greatest TV icons, ranking her at number 54. Sadly, Henderson passed away on Thanksgiving in 2016 at the age of 82.
Alice Nelson (Ann B. Davis) – Before
Ann B. Davis is famously recognized for portraying Alice, the offbeat and wise housekeeper in The Brady Bunch. Before her breakthrough role in 1969, she had already appeared on popular television shows such as The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford. Although acting wasn’t initially her chosen career path, Davis had a change of heart after being inspired by her brother’s theater performance, prompting her to switch her pre-medical major to theater drama.
Alice Nelson (Ann B. Davis) – After
After becoming a fan favorite, Davis appeared in every episode of The Brady Bunch as Alice, the lovable housekeeper, along with two other actors. She reprised her role as Alice Nelson in six different spin-off series following the show’s end. Davis surprised everyone in 1974 when she announced that she would be leaving show business. She became a born-again Christian, joined an Episcopalian religious community, and moved to Denver, Colorado. She lived a quiet life until her passing in 2014 at the age of 88.
Jan Brady (Eve Plumb) – Before
Eve Plumb, an American actress, singer, and painter, rose to fame for her portrayal of Jan Brady, the middle sister down on her luck, in The Brady Bunch in 1969. Despite her breakthrough role, Plumb was no stranger to the screen, having begun her acting career at a young age. She got her start in TV commercials in 1966 and later appeared on popular TV shows such as The Virginian and It Takes a Thief.
Jan Brady (Eve Plumb) – After
Despite being asked to sign a five-year contract for reunion attempts, Eve Plumb declined the offer in order to pursue more diverse roles, including playing a teenage prostitute in Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway. Since then, Plumb has continued to appear in occasional TV shows and films, but has also become a highly regarded painter. She currently operates a studio in Laguna Beach, California where she works with oils, watercolors, and acrylics, creating paintings that range in price from $65 to $2,450.
Bobby Brady (Mike Lookinland) – Before
Mike Lookinland, born in 1960 in Mount Pleasant, Utah, started working on The Brady Bunch set at just 9 years old. As the youngest son, Bobby Brady, he quickly became a star. After the show, he appeared on several Brady Bunch reunion specials, and he was even ranked as the 42nd greatest kid star in VH1’s list of “100 Greatest Kid Stars.”
Bobby Brady (Mike Lookinland) – After
Once The Brady Bunch ended, Lookinland reprised his role as Bobby Brady in six different spin-off series. However, he eventually transitioned to working behind the camera, serving as a production assistant on several films. He credits Robert Reed, who played his on-screen father, for sparking his interest in cameras by gifting each cast member with Super 8 cameras. Currently, Lookinland resides in Salt Lake City, where he runs a decorative concrete business.
Greg Brady (Barry Williams) – Before
Barry Williams had a passion for acting since he was young. He sought advice from his neighbor, actor Peter Graves, to help him achieve his dream. He changed his last name to Williams at the age of 11 and started taking acting classes. In 1969, he landed the role of Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, which catapulted him to fame. Williams continued to act after the show, appearing in other TV shows and films.
Greg Brady (Barry Williams) – After
Barry Williams, famous for his role as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, pursued a career in music after the show ended. He released several albums and went on tour with fellow Brady Bunch co-stars. Later, he transitioned to musical theater and landed leading roles in productions like West Side Story, Grease, The Music Man, and The Sound of Music. Williams also made appearances in popular TV shows like General Hospital, Three’s Company, and That ’70s Show. Recently, he has worked as a DJ on Sirius Satellite Radio, playing hits from the 70s, and continues to perform in musical theater and public speaking engagements.
Peter Brady (Christopher Knight) – Before
Christopher Knight’s career in show business started at a young age when he began appearing in television commercials for popular brands like Toyota, Tide, and Cheerios at just 7 years old. Although he had a few minor roles on television shows like Gunsmoke in 1955, it wasn’t until he was cast as the middle brother, Peter Brady, on The Brady Bunch in 1969 that he gained fame. His good looks and charming personality quickly made him a beloved teen icon.
Peter Brady (Christopher Knight) – After
Christopher Knight, like Ann B. Davis, made a drastic career change after The Brady Bunch. In 1988, he left the entertainment industry to work in the computer industry, starting as a sales representative at Martec. Over time, he rose through the ranks and became a vice president at various computer companies before founding his own company, Eskape Labs, in 1998. Despite his new career, he returned to television in 2003 as a reality star, appearing in My Fair Brady and The Surreal Life.
Cindy Brady (Susan Olsen) – Before
Born on August 14, 1961, in Santa Monica, California, Susan Olsen began her acting career with appearances in shows like Gunsmoke and Ironside. At the age of eight, she landed the role of Cindy Brady, the youngest and sweetest daughter of the Brady family, on the popular show The Brady Bunch. Olsen became famous for her portrayal of the character, who was known for her innocent personality and signature curly pigtails.
Cindy Brady (Susan Olsen) – After
Susan Olsen, who played Cindy Brady, took a different path after her time on The Brady Bunch. She became a graphic designer and worked at a clothing store in Malibu, California. Later, she started her own company, Man in Space, which created glow-in-the-dark Converse sneakers. She then transitioned to radio and became a radio personality on LA Talk Radio. However, she was let go from her show, Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics, after making a homophobic remark about gay actor Leon Acord-Whiting. Nowadays, Olsen is an advocate for Migraine Awareness Month.
Marcia Brady (Maureen McCormick) – Before
Born on August 5, 1956, in Woodland Hills, California, Maureen McCormick gained fame as Marcia Brady, the popular eldest daughter of The Brady Bunch family. At the age of 13, McCormick landed the role of Marcia in the hit TV sitcom, portraying a character who was smart, kind, and noble. Her role quickly made her America’s sweetheart after the first season aired. Despite facing challenges in her personal life, McCormick continued to be known for her iconic portrayal of Marcia Brady.
Marcia Brady (Maureen McCormick) – After
Following her role as Marcia Brady, Maureen McCormick faced difficulties in maintaining her good-girl image and had trouble securing new acting roles. She later married actor Michael Cummings and released a country music album in 1995 while still figuring out her next steps. Her return to acting remained uncertain as she focused on finding herself.
Marcia Brady (Maureen McCormick) – Now
Maureen McCormick’s return to the spotlight came after a long and difficult battle with drug addiction and body dysmorphia. In 2007, she participated in VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club as a contestant, eventually emerging as the winner after putting in a lot of hard work and dedication. This experience helped her understand the connection between her weight gain and unhappiness. Nine years later, in 2016, McCormick landed a spot on the 23rd season of Dancing With The Stars.
Cousin Oliver (Robbie Rist) – Before
Born on April 4, 1964, in La Mirada, California, Robbie Rist gained recognition for his portrayal in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. His acting career commenced at an early age, with one of his earliest roles being that of Cousin Oliver in The Brady Bunch. Rist was approximately 9 years old when he joined the cast of The Brady Bunch as the directors decided to introduce a younger Cousin Oliver to boost ratings as the original Brady children grew older.
Cousin Oliver (Robbie Rist) – After
While Cousin Oliver was a character who was either adored or found grating, depending on one’s perspective, Robbie Rist discovered his niche in the entertainment industry through his work as a music producer and voice-over artist. He collaborated with director Anthony C. Ferrante to compose music for the Sharknado film series and has lent his voice to various anime and video game characters in English-language adaptations. Rist’s more recent acting appearances include roles in the TV series Buried in the Backyard and the TV movie Olde News.
Sam Franklin (Allan Melvin) – Before
Born on February 18, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri, Allan Melvin was a renowned actor recognized for his appearances in several shows, such as Flash Gordon, The Phil Silvers Show (depicted in the picture), and The Brady Bunch. In 1969, Melvin was selected to portray Alice Nelson’s beau in The Brady Bunch, and his recurring character, Sam the butcher, quickly developed a close bond with the Bradys. On the show, Sam owned the local butcher shop and was frequently seen delivering meat to the family.
Sam Franklin (Allan Melvin) – After
Although many of the Brady Bunch actors are widely recognized for their roles in other 1970s sitcoms and All in the Family, Allan Melvin is an exception. He had a background in Broadway and first gained recognition in television as Corporal Steve Henshaw on The Phil Silvers Show. Following his stint on The Brady Bunch, Melvin focused primarily on providing voiceovers for cartoons. Sadly, he passed away from cancer at the age of 84 in 2008.
Rachel (Hope Juber) – Before
Hope Juber was born on March 30, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, and is primarily recognized for her writing contributions to The Munsters Today. However, Juber also made occasional appearances on The Brady Bunch, a popular show created by her father, Sherwood Schwartz. She appeared on the show four times, twice as Greg’s girlfriend named Rachel and twice as a friend of the Brady girls.
Rachel (Hope Juber) –After
Although many may primarily remember Hope Juber as Greg’s girlfriend, Rachel, she actually played a significant role in The Brady Bunch’s success. Juber revealed that her personal life often served as inspiration for her father’s episodes, which she didn’t always appreciate. Following the show’s conclusion, Juber established herself as a writer and contributed to various Brady spin-off movies. Currently, she devotes most of her time to writing screenplays and music.
Pat Conway (Rita Wilson) – Before
Rita Wilson, an American actress and producer hailing from Los Angeles, California, is primarily recognized for her roles in popular films such as Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Jingle All the Way (1996), and Runaway Bride (1999). While Wilson is not typically associated with The Brady Bunch, her appearance on the show in 1972 played a small but significant role in her overall success.
Pat Conway (Rita Wilson) – After
Following her role as a cheerleader rival to Marcia on The Brady Bunch, Wilson’s career skyrocketed, leading to her eventual rise to fame. In 1988, she married her current husband, Tom Hanks, and together they have two children. Over the course of 47 years, Wilson has starred in over 70 TV shows and movies, including notable titles like My Big Fat Greek Life, The Good Wife, The Glass House, and The Wild Thornberrys.
Joe Namath
The Brady Bunch episode featuring football star Joe Namath, where Bobby meets his hero, remains a memorable moment for fans. Namath, famous for leading the AFL’s New York Jets to an upset victory over the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, made a guest appearance in the 1973 episode titled “Mail Order Hero.” Following his appearance on the show, Namath continued to pursue acting and appeared in various TV shows and movies, including The A-Team, The Love Boat, and most recently, Underdogs.
Professor Hubert Whitehead (Vincent Price)
Vincent Price, born in 1911, had a notable career in Hollywood and was recognized for his unique voice and appearances in classic horror movies, such as his memorable role as the villain in House of Wax. In 1973, Price played the character of Professor Hubert Whitehead on The Brady Bunch for two episodes. His final role was in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands in 1990 before he passed away in 1993.
‘The Brady Bunch Movie’
In 1995, The Brady Bunch Movie hit the big screen, bringing the beloved family back together. The film featured a new cast of actors, some of whom went on to become major stars in Hollywood. Take a look at the photos of the characters and the actors who played them in the following slides. Do you think they measure up to the original cast?
Marcia Brady (Christine Taylor)
Christine Taylor, who played one of the beloved Brady girls, has since become a major Hollywood star. Her breakout role in The Brady Bunch Movie helped propel her career forward. Taylor is also known for her work in popular TV shows such as Arrested Development and for her roles in blockbuster hits like Zoolander and Tropic Thunder. She is married to actor and director Ben Stiller.
Carol Brady (Shelley Long)
Shelley Long played the matriarchal role of Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie. Long was already a well-known actress at the time, having had success on both the big and small screens. She is perhaps best known for her role as Diane Chambers on Cheers, but she has also had memorable roles in shows like Murphy Brown, Frasier, and, more recently, Modern Family.
Jan Brady (Jennifer Elise Cox)
After her breakout role as Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie, Jennifer Elise Cox struggled to replicate her success in Hollywood. Despite her continued efforts in acting, she has been mostly limited to minor parts and brief appearances in both film and television.
Mike Brady (Gary Cole)
Gary Cole may have been unrecognizable as Mike Brady in the 1995 movie, but he has since become a renowned comedic star. His iconic portrayal of Bill Lumbergh in Office Space in 1999 propelled him to meme status, and he has since starred in numerous timeless classics such as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Pineapple Express, as well as the television show Chuck. In addition, he has taken on several weighty roles in dramas like Desperate Housewives, The Good Wife, and Suits.
Greg Brady (Christopher Daniel Barnes)
Before his role as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie, Christopher Daniel Barnes was a prominent child actor, but his career failed to take off thereafter. While he has had limited on-screen opportunities in film and TV, Barnes has found success as a frequent voice actor. He is perhaps best known for lending his voice to Peter Parker (also known as Spider-Man) in several cartoon and video game adaptations.
Bobby Brady (Jesse Lee Soffer)
Jesse Lee Soffer portrayed Bobby Brady in the 1995 film adaptation, but has since moved away from movies and towards television. He had a recurring role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2014 and 2015, and his character, Jay Halstead, was later featured on the drama series Chicago Fire. Currently, Soffer continues to play the role of Halstead, who is now one of the main characters on the television show Chicago P.D.
Cindy Brady (Olivia Hack)
Olivia Hack portrayed the spirited Cindy Brady in the 1995 film adaptation and later took on various television roles. However, her recent success has come from her work as a voice actor. She has lent her voice to popular animated series such as Hey Arnold!, Family Guy, and Bratz. In addition to her voice work, Hack played the character Tana Schrick in the popular television series Gilmore Girls.
Peter Brady (Paul Sutera)
Paul Sutera had built up an extensive list of acting credits prior to his portrayal of Peter Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie. However, his career did not take off following that significant role. Instead, Sutera transitioned to working behind the scenes as a producer. He has produced several successful shows including Shark Tank, Ax Men, Ice Road Truckers, and Redneck Island.
Broken Marriage?
Although The Brady Bunch explicitly stated that Mike Brady’s first wife had passed away, the fate of Carol’s first husband remained somewhat ambiguous throughout the series. Creator Sherwood Schwartz later revealed that he had intended for Carol to have been divorced from her first husband. However, since the topic of divorce was still a sensitive issue for television at the time, the details of Carol’s past marriage were never openly discussed on the show.
A Working Woman
During the duration of the show, Florence Henderson advocated for her character Carol Brady to pursue a career instead of being portrayed as a stay-at-home mother. Despite the actress’s appeals, the show’s creators never permitted Carol to enter the workforce during the original series. However, she was often depicted doing volunteer work. In The Bradys, a short-lived spinoff series, Henderson’s wish was granted, and Carol was portrayed as a real estate agent.
Robert Reed’s Secret
Robert Reed lived his life as a closeted gay man and revealed this fact to only a select few people. One of those individuals was his co-star Florence Henderson, who noticed his discomfort during their romantic scenes and questioned him about it. Upon confirming the truth, Henderson accepted Reed and even practiced romantic scenes with him in private to ensure their comfort on set. Henderson and the rest of the cast kept Reed’s secret until he passed away from AIDS in the early 1990s.
What Happened to Tiger?
During the early episodes of The Brady Bunch, the family had a dog named Tiger. Unfortunately, the dog portraying Tiger passed away during the production of the first season. A replacement dog was brought in to continue the role of Tiger, but the new animal proved to be less than capable in his role. Ultimately, the character of Tiger was phased out entirely. However, the doghouse that belonged to Tiger was still featured in the family’s backyard throughout the duration of the series. This was allegedly because the prop was covering a burn mark left by a broken spotlight.
The Toy Test
In later years, Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of the legendary Brady Bunch, revealed a unique audition technique he used to select child actors for the show. He would place several toys on his desk just before the audition and observe whether the child actors were more interested in playing with the toys or interacting with him. All the young actors who ultimately became the Brady kids passed this “toy test.”
Invisible Glass
The backyard of The Brady Bunch was the epitome of suburban life in the 60s, featuring a sliding glass door that was missing the glass itself. In order to prevent camera glare and allow for ease of movement, the “screen door” was simply a track, giving the impression that the Bradys were able to walk through their door with ease.
Mike Brady Was Almost Recast
According to reports, Robert Reed wasn’t entirely satisfied with his time on The Brady Bunch set, despite his close relationships with his co-stars. Apparently, show creator Sherwood Schwartz had promised Reed that the series would be a progressive portrayal of a modern family, which never quite came to fruition. Reed, who wasn’t happy with the direction of his character, was reportedly being considered for recasting or writing off the show had it continued for a sixth season. Despite this, Reed did participate in later spin-offs and reunions out of loyalty to his child co-stars.
The Odd Thing About the Brady Bathroom…
During the run of The Brady Bunch, viewers saw various bathrooms in the Brady house. However, none of them had a toilet, which became a running joke among fans. This was not due to the Brady family’s supposed cleanliness, but rather network censors who did not permit a toilet to be shown on screen. Interestingly, many other shows before The Brady Bunch had no issue with showing a toilet.
Catastrophic Cliffhanger
Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, impressed the producers with his surfing skills when they filmed on location in Hawaii. Williams performed his own surfing stunts for the show, but during one scene, he crashed into some rocks and was injured. The accident caused a delay in filming while Williams recovered. The producers considered using the footage of the wipeout as a cliffhanger, suggesting that Greg might have drowned. However, the network censors intervened and insisted on a less dramatic ending to the episode, with Mike rescuing Greg and confirming his survival.
Ratings
Although The Brady Bunch has become a cultural icon, it was never a ratings juggernaut during its original run. The show never climbed higher than the 34th spot in the ratings, and ABC only renewed it in small increments of 13 episodes at a time. Despite this, the show’s popularity with children helped keep it on the air for five seasons and over 100 episodes.
Blonde Bobby
During the filming of The Brady Bunch, Bobby Brady played by Mike Lookinland, had naturally strawberry blonde hair, unlike the other male Bradys who had brown hair. In order to match his on-screen family, Lookinland had to dye his hair brown for the entire series. However, he decided to keep his natural hair color for all spinoffs and reunions.
Plagiarized? Not So Fast…
After the premiere of The Brady Bunch, the producers of the 1968 film Yours, Mine, and Ours accused Sherwood Schwartz of plagiarism, claiming similarities between their film and the series. To prove his innocence, Schwartz presented them with a plot outline for the show that was written before the film.
