‘The Brady Bunch’ Mom Florence Henderson Dead At 82
This hits just keep on coming this year with Hollywood losing beloved names in entertainment. David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Gene Wilder, Anton Yelchin and many more have left this world, and sadly on this holiday weekend, we’re mourning the loss of a TV icon.
Florence Henderson, best known for playing the lovely lady with three girls of her own on the classic family sitcomThe Brady Bunch, has passed away at age 82.
News of Florence Henderson dead was first reported byThe Associated Press, who learned of her passing from the actress' manager. Details on the cause of death were not immediately available, but a statement from her manager indicated that she died surrounded by family and friend.
Florence Henderson hailed from my home state of Indiana as the youngest of 10 children. Her career started in Broadway and TV commercials before jumping to specialty appearances such as becoming the first female guest host ofThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
But it would be her role as Carol Brady onThe Brady Bunchthat would define her career. She appeared in 117 episodes of the show from 1969-1974, and would reprise her role several times inThe Brady Bunch Variety Hour, The Brady Brides, A Very Brady ChristmasandThe Bradys. She would also make a tongue-in-cheek cameo as the mother of Carol Brady inThe Brady Bunch Movie, a big screen spoof of the sitcom.
Beyond her time spent with her signature mullet as Carol Brady, Henderson also guest starred on dozens of shows such asPolice Squad!(and laterNaked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult),The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Murder She Wrote, Ellen, Hercules, Ally McBeal, The King of Queens, 30 Rockand more. She also lent her voice to some animated shows such asSofia the First, Handy Manny, The Cleveland Show, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporatedand others.
Other random appearances include “Weird” Al Yankovic’s music video for “Amish Paradise,” the original version ofHollywood Squares,Dancing with the Stars, the American version ofWhose Line Is It Anyway?,The Price Is Right, and also her own show on Retirement Living TV. Beyond that, it appears Henderson’s final role will be in some kind of feature calledGrandmothers Murder Club, alongside Judge Reinhold and Pam Grier.
My mother introduced my toThe Brady Bunchat a young age, and I know much more than any person my age should about the series from over 40 years ago. Therefore, Florence Henderson has always held a special place in my heart for her cheerful disposition and willingness to always poke fun at her most iconic role. She will be missed greatly and our thoughts go out to her family and friends.
