Gary Cole, who took on the role of Mike Brady in the modern reinterpretation of the beloved sitcom from the 1970s, has sparked interest among fans following a reunion of the original cast. The Brady Bunch, which originally aired from 1969 to 1974, has experienced various revivals over the years, including the 1995 film The Brady Bunch Movie, which offered a humorous perspective on how the iconic family would navigate the realities of the 1990s.
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In December 2019, the original cast members—Barry Williams, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, Maureen McCormick, Eve Plumb, and Susan Olsen—were invited to discuss their impressions of these satirical adaptations during an episode of Watch What Happens Live, hosted by Andy Cohen. Their insights and opinions on the project provided a fascinating glimpse into how they have embraced the legacy of the series.
Olsen, who portrayed Cindy Brady, expressed her enthusiasm for the first film, remarking, “The first one was awesome. The second one was meh. The third one went straight to TV.” This sentiment was echoed by Lookinland, who played Bobby Brady, who concurred that while the first film was enjoyable, the sequels did not measure up. Plumb, on the other hand, admitted she had not watched the films at all, leaving it to her former co-stars to share their thoughts.
Greg Brady actor Barry Williams shared his admiration for Christine Taylor’s portrayal of Marcia, noting how closely she resembled Maureen McCormick, the original Marcia Brady. McCormick recounted her experience at the premiere of the film, where she attended with her daughter. She revealed that there were moments during the screening when she momentarily forgot it was not her but Taylor on the screen. “The whole cast—they were amazing,” she remarked, highlighting the film’s impressive casting choices.
Olsen fondly remembered a close friendship she formed with Robert Reed’s daughter, Karen. She shared an anecdote that Karen had expressed how, while watching the film, there were instances where she felt her father was right there with them. “If she closed her eyes, she would swear that was her father,” Olsen shared of Reed’s memorable performance.
The legacy of Robert Reed, who originally portrayed patriarch Mike Brady, looms large over the franchise. After Reed passed away from colon cancer on May 12, 1992, at the age of 59, his death was compounded by the revelation of his HIV-positive status, a detail not widely known at the time. Just before his passing, he reached out to his on-screen wife, Florence Henderson, to inform her of his terminal illness, asking her to relay the message to the rest of the cast. Henderson later recalled the devastating effect of that news, saying, “We were all devastated. We cried. We are a family and we have lost our father.”
Florence Henderson, who portrayed Carol Brady, herself passed away later on November 24, 2016, at the age of 82, further marking the end of an era for the much-loved series. The interactions that took place during the Watch What Happens Live episode showcased not only the enduring connections among the cast but also their respect for the legacy of the show.
These heartfelt reflections reveal that, despite the passage of time and the evolution of television, the bond forged through their time on The Brady Bunch remains strong. As they reminisce about their experiences and the various portrayals that have emerged since the show’s original airing, it becomes evident that the Brady family will forever hold a cherished place in the hearts of audiences across generations.
The impact of The Brady Bunch continues to resonate, illustrated by the affection fans and cast members alike have for the series and its adaptations. Their conversations offer a reminder that while series may evolve, the influence of such iconic characters and the legacy of storytelling endures, connecting past and present. With professionals like Gary Cole stepping in to breathe new life into beloved roles, the franchise will likely remain relevant for years to come.