Susan Olsen Dyed Her Hair ‘Every 3 Weeks’ to Play Cindy Brady at 10 Years Old, Leading to Serious Damage

Susan Olsen Reveals the Lengths She Went to for Her Role as Cindy Brady

Susan Olsen, known for her role as Cindy Brady in the iconic series The Brady Bunch, recently shared some interesting insights about the extent she went to in order to portray her character faithfully. The actress, who played Cindy Brady from 1969 to 1974, revealed during a panel at The Chocolate Expo at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, some of the challenges she faced in maintaining Cindy’s signature look.

Olsen disclosed that in order to achieve Cindy’s perfect blonde curls, she had to dye her hair every three weeks throughout the filming of the series. She mentioned that the show’s hairstylists experimented with different shades of blonde, leading to her hair suffering damage and starting to fall out. Eventually, Olsen’s mother took over the task of dyeing her hair every Friday night to prevent further damage.

The actress also shared that getting the curls seen on Cindy was not a simple task. Due to Olsen’s naturally straight hair, she had to use rollers to create the desired ringlets. Olsen humorously mentioned that her mother was the one responsible for maintaining those distinctive curls that Cindy was known for.

During the panel, Olsen was joined by her former Brady Bunch costars Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, and Barry Williams. The group reminisced about their time on the show and the strong bond they formed as a cast. Olsen highlighted that the success of The Brady Bunch was partly due to the genuine love and respect shared among the cast members, which translated on screen.

Reflecting on their on-set dynamics, Knight mentioned the influence of the onscreen parents, Robert Reed and Florence Henderson, in fostering a familial atmosphere among the cast. The actors expressed a deep respect for Reed and Henderson, which motivated them to perform their best on set and maintain a sense of mutual respect and admiration.

In addition to discussing their time on The Brady Bunch, the cast members have recently made public appearances together, further solidifying their enduring bond. Knight and Williams, along with Eve Plumb, who portrayed Jan Brady, appeared on NBC’s Today show to promote a Brady Bunch-themed sweepstakes for the charity No Kid Hungry.

The story of Susan Olsen’s dedication to her role as Cindy Brady serves as a testament to the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating beloved characters on television. Olsen’s revelations shed light on the commitment and hard work required to bring iconic characters to life and the lasting impact of a show like The Brady Bunch on its audience.

As fans continue to cherish the memories of The Brady Bunch, the cast’s reunion and public appearances serve as a heartwarming reminder of the enduring legacy of the beloved series. The tales shared by Olsen and her costars offer fans a glimpse into the magic and camaraderie that made The Brady Bunch a timeless classic.