Susan Olsen wasn’t exactly thrilled about playing the role of Cindy Brady on “The Brady Bunch.” The 63-year-old actress recently appeared on the “Real Brady Bros” podcast hosted by her TV brothers, Barry Williams and Christopher Knight. The trio delved into the impact of Olsen’s portrayal of the ditzy Cindy Brady.
During the podcast, Williams showered Olsen with compliments, calling her “the cutest person in the world” while playing Cindy. However, he also acknowledged that Olsen felt a bit uneasy with the nature of her character. Williams and Knight, 67, recognized that Olsen’s intelligence and personality didn’t quite match up with Cindy’s ditzy persona.
In a trip down memory lane, the group discussed a scene from the show’s pilot episode where Cindy famously asks her mother if she’s sleeping with her mouth open. Williams couldn’t help but poke fun at Olsen’s character, calling her “stupid” in a lighthearted manner.
Olsen shared how her son, Michael, pointed out that she always seemed to play the “stupid child” in her roles. Reflecting on this, she humorously recounted a moment when her son questioned her about always portraying dim-witted characters. Despite these observations, Olsen’s mother always found her performances “cute.”
Throughout the podcast, Olsen opened up about the challenges she faced playing Cindy on the show. She revealed that returning to public school after filming was always nerve-wracking. Olsen often worried about being judged by her peers for Cindy’s silly antics on TV. Fortunately, her friends provided a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
In a surprising turn of events, Olsen disclosed a near-death experience while filming the show’s first episode. She recounted a mishap where a piece of equipment fell and struck her in the face during a makeup session. Olsen humorously joked about potentially suing the production company for the incident, hinting at the financial windfall she could have received.
Despite the ups and downs of playing Cindy Brady, Olsen embraced the role throughout the show’s run from 1969 to 1974. The experience of embodying Cindy left a lasting impact on Olsen, both personally and professionally.
As the podcast came to a close, Olsen reflected on the challenges and triumphs of her time on “The Brady Bunch.” From navigating the complexities of playing a character at odds with her true self to surviving on-set mishaps, Olsen’s journey as Cindy Brady was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.
In the end, Susan Olsen’s portrayal of Cindy Brady may have been filled with ups and downs, but it remains a cherished part of television history. Despite the challenges she faced, Olsen’s wit and resilience shone through, making her a beloved figure in the hearts of fans everywhere.
