Susan Olsen debunked Brady Bunch affair rumours about Barry Williams & Florence Henderson
Susan Olsen, star of The Brady Bunch, set the record straight about the rumoured affair between Barry Williams and Florence Henderson, revealing a story of innocent admiration.
Florence Henderson, Susan Olsen and Barry Williams (Source: People)
Reflecting on a story from May 22, 2023, The Brady Bunch star Susan Olsen revisited an old Hollywood tale, shedding light on the rumoured affair between her co-star Barry Williams and TV mother, Florence Henderson. This nostalgic look back offers a clearer picture of the dynamics within one of television's most beloved families. Olsen, known for her role as Cindy Brady, emphatically clarified in her interview with Fox News that the relationship between Williams (Greg Brady) and Henderson (Carol Brady) was purely platonic, rooted in mutual respect and admiration. “I disliked the rumours that Florence Henderson and Barry Williams had an affair,” Olsen stated, dispelling a long-standing Hollywood myth. Her words echo a sentiment of innocence often lost in the sensationalism of show business.
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This innocent connection was further elaborated by both Williams and Henderson in their respective interviews and memoirs. In a 1991 interview with People magazine, Henderson recalled how Williams, smitten at the time, respectfully asked her on a date, a gesture she fondly remembered for its sweetness and sincerity. "It was so sweet because Barry made sure we had a good table," Henderson reminisced, highlighting the innocence of Williams' crush. Williams, in his 1992 memoir Growing Up Brady, candidly shared his youthful admiration for Henderson. “It wasn’t that I sought to bed her. I just wanted to spend time with her,” he wrote, revealing a heartwarming story of a young actor's admiration for his co-star.
Dispelling other rumours: Olsen's perspective
Olsen, during her talk with Fox News, also addressed another bizarre rumour about her alleged demise. This mix-up, which confused her with another Susan Olsen involved in a tragic accident, was a surreal aspect of her early fame. “There were always rumours that I was dead. ... It made me feel like Paul McCartney because it was at the same time that there were rumours that Paul McCartney was dead,” she reflected, providing insight into the strange world of celebrity gossip. Further, Olsen shared her experiences with fame during her childhood, crediting her parents' support and grounding influence for her ability to maintain normalcy. Unlike many child stars, Olsen's journey in the spotlight was tempered by her father's desire for her to have a regular childhood, a rarity in the industry.
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Looking back with clarity and fondness
Today, years after the curtain fell on The Brady Bunch, Olsen's reflections offer a poignant look at the relationships behind one of America's most cherished sitcoms. Her candidness not only dispels long-held rumours but also paints a picture of a cast that shared genuine affection and respect, a far cry from the scandalous tales often spun by the media. In revisiting these memories, Olsen and her co-stars' stories serve as a reminder of the enduring bonds and innocent connections that can form in the world of television, standing as a testament to the true spirit of The Brady Bunch.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)