Remembering Ann B. Davis: The Heart Of The Brady Bunch

When you think of The Brady Bunch, who's the first cast member that pops into your mind? Is it Maureen McCormick, the ever-iconic Marcia, Marcia, Marcia? Maybe it's Barry Williams, the suave Greg Brady who fancied himself as Johnny Bravo. Or perhaps Robert Reed, the always-perplexed Mike Brady, wondering why he was on the show in the first place. But what about Ann B. Davis? Her character, Alice Nelson, was the glue that held the Brady family together. Alice wasn’t just the housekeeper; she was the heart of the household, the one everyone turned to when they needed advice, comfort, or just a friendly ear.

A Legacy Beyond the Brady Bunch

While it's true that the Brady Bunch cast often found themselves typecast after the show and its numerous reunion movies and spin-offs (including HGTV's A Very Brady Renovation), Ann B. Davis had a thriving career long before she ever set foot in the Brady household. In fact, she was already an award-winning actress by the time she donned her apron as Alice. Davis won two Emmy Awards for her role as Schultzy on the 1955 to 1959 sitcom The Bob Cummings Show. Her talent didn't stop there. Before joining the Brady family, she appeared in a variety of films and television shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

A Snapshot of Ann B. Davis' Legacy

A Close-Knit Connection

Lloyd J. Schwartz, the son of Brady Bunch creator Sherwood Schwartz, worked on the original series and played a key role in its follow-ups. He shared heartfelt memories of Ann B. Davis, saying, “One of my favorite people in the world was Ann B. Davis. We were incredibly close. One thing that always stood out to me was that her birthday was May 3, and mine is May 2. Even after The Brady Bunch ended, we stayed in touch. She moved around a bit, but we always kept in contact. She would call me on my birthday, and the next day, it was hers. Eventually, I decided it wasn’t fair that she always called me, so I started calling her on May 1. She caught on to that and began calling me on April 30. It was just one of those beautiful little traditions that showed how much she cared. When she came to town, she stayed with us a couple of times and even attended my wedding and my kids’ bar mitzvahs. She truly became an extended part of my family. In fact, I had the honor of delivering her eulogy in San Antonio.”

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As we reflect on the life and career of Ann B. Davis, it's clear that her legacy extends far beyond the Brady household. She was a remarkable actress, a beloved friend, and a cherished member of the entertainment community. So, the next time you think of The Brady Bunch, take a moment to remember Alice Nelson, the woman who made the Brady family feel like home.

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