The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
There’s no place like home for the ‘The Brady Bunch’
There’s no place like home for “The Brady Bunch,” even if was just a facade.
An HGTV renovation of the Los Angeles house that was used for exterior shots of the TV sitcom reunited six cast members and rekindled the show’s spirit.
“We enjoy being together, doing other projects, but this is the first time the magic is back,” said Susan Olsen, who played Cindy on “The Brady Bunch.”
Maureen McCormick (Marcia) and Eve Plumb ( Jan) agreed. They and the other actors who played blendedfamily siblings took part in a Q&A with TV critics Thursday to promote “A Very Brady Renovation.” The fourpart series debuts Sept. 9.
Interior house scenes for the 196974 comedy were shot on a soundstage, with sets that bore no resemblance to the private home destined to become a photoop magnet for “Brady” fans.
When the house went on the market in 2018, HGTV won a bidding war that drove the price up to $3.5 million — or $1.6 million over the listing price for the then2,400squarefoot residence.
“They paid way too much, I mean WAY too much for this house,” said Barry Williams, who played Greg.
“That was the crazy part,” agreed Christopher Knight, who costarred as Peter.
The house was expanded, remodeled and redecorated to give it trademark elements of the set version, including the woodpaneled living room with a floating staircase, orangeandgreen kitchen and Greg’s attic digs.
“The Brady Bunch” cast said they were called on to put their demolition muscle and design skills into the renovation, aided by HGTV hosts including Jonathan and Drew Scott of “Property Brothers.” The actors reminisce in the series about making the show and the costars they have lost.
“We can feel the presence of Robert Reed and Florence Henderson and Ann B. Davis in these rooms that are being created, through the memories and the shows,” said Williams. “We can share their presence and what a significant part of our show they are and were.”