The Brady Bunch’s Surprising Second Acts

Maureen McCormick/Facebook – Marcia Brady/Facebook

The Brady Bunch was a beloved sitcom from 1969 to 1974 that introduced audiences to a blended family navigating the ins and outs of suburban life. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and decades later, it remains a fond memory in the hearts of many fans. Here is a comparison of how they looked then and how they do now.

Maureen McCormick as Marcia Brady (Then)

Marcia Brady/Facebook

America’s sweetheart Marcia Brady Maureen McCormick charmed viewers as the ever-popular Marcia Brady. With her iconic “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” moments and storylines about boys and teen angst, she became the quintessential ’70s TV teen despite grappling with the pressures of fame.

Maureen McCormick (Now)

Maureen McCormick/Facebook

Today, McCormick is the author of the memoir “Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice.” In the Memoir, she bravely shares her post-Brady battles with substance abuse and depression. She also found a second wind in reality TV on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Celebrity Fit Club.”

Barry Williams as Greg Brady (Then)

Greg Brady/Facebook

As the oldest Brady kid, Barry Williams’ Greg defined cool. Williams, however, harbored a secret crush on his TV mom, Florence Henderson, adding some behind-the-scenes drama to the wholesome show. His iconic “Keep On” performance remains a fan favorite.

Barry Williams (Now)

Barry Williams/Facebook

Williams took his Brady fame to Branson, Missouri, where he headlined music and comedy shows. He’s embraced his Greg Brady past, penning “Growing Up Brady” and participating in Brady-themed projects. Recently, he’s been actively reconnecting with fans on social media.

Eve Plumb as Jan Brady (Then)

NBC Television Network/Wikipedia

Jan Brady’s infamous “Marcia” lament gave voice to middle children everywhere. Viewers resonated with her struggles with braces, glasses, and living in her older sister’s shadow. Behind the scenes, Eve Plumb was a dedicated up-and-coming actress.

Eve Plumb as Jan Brady (Now)

Eve Plumb/Facebook

Fortunately, Plumb has forged a path that’s distinctly hers, becoming an accomplished painter with gallery showings across the US. She’s selective about acting roles, appearing in grittier fare like “Blue Ruin” and “Crashing.”

Christopher Knight as Peter Brady (Then)

ABC Television/Wikipedia

The middle Brady boy with a knack for trouble Christopher Knight’s Peter Brady was known for his nasally “Pork chops and applesauce” imitation and penchant for misadventures. Knight was a tech-savvy kid off-screen, foreshadowing his future career.

Christopher Knight (Now)

Luigi Novi/Wikipedia

Unlike his fellow cast members, Knight found success in the computer industry. In the ’90s, he became a tech entrepreneur. He returned to the spotlight with reality shows like “My Fair Brady,” which chronicled his relationship with model Adrianne Curry.

Susan Olsen as Cindy Brady (Then)

ABC Television/Wikipedia

The precocious pigtailed youngest Susan Olsen’s Cindy Brady captured hearts with her lisp and pigtails. Her “Kitty Karry-All” doll and tattletale tendencies led to memorable storylines. Off-screen, Olsen was a spunky kid who once got in trouble for selling photos of the cast at school.

Susan Olsen (Now)

Sharon Graphics/Openverse

Believe it or not, Olsen pursued a career in graphic design and became a passionate animal rights activist. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, occasionally stirring controversy with her outspoken views. Olsen has reunited with her TV siblings for various Brady projects.

Mike Lookinland as Bobby Brady (Then)

ABC Television/Wikipedia

Back then, Mike Lookinland’s Bobby Brady was often partner-in-crime to Christopher Knight’s Peter. Off-camera, Lookinland’s natural blonde hair had to be dyed dark to match his TV siblings, which used to annoy the young actor.

Mike Lookinland (Now)

Nightscream/Openverse

Lookinland stepped behind the camera as a camera operator on TV shows like “Everwood.” Surprisingly, he now co-owns a company that makes decorative concrete in Utah. He’s also ventured into microbrewing with substantial business success.

Florence Henderson as Carol Brady (Then)

Municipal Archives of Trondheim from Trondheim, Norway/Openverse

America’s favorite TV mom, Carol Brady, set the standard for TV moms with her wisdom, patience, and perfectly coiffed hair. Her romance with Mike Brady gave hope to blended families. Off camera, Florence Henderson was a consummate professional who mentored her young co-stars.

Florence Henderson (Now)

Eva Rinaldi/Wikipedia

Broadway stages and hosting cooking shows became Florence Henderson’s new calling. At 76, she competed in “Dancing with the Stars,” thus proving Carol Brady’s vivacity was all Florence. Sadly, she passed in 2016, but her legacy as America’s mom lives on, with fans still quoting her sage Brady advice.

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