Maureen McCormick | Source: Getty Images
Maureen McCormick, famous for her role as Marcia Brady on the ABC sitcom “The Brady Bunch,” captivated viewers from 1969 to 1974. However, life after the show was no longer the same. Still, she has since bounced back and looks better than ever.
Maureen McCormick on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1969 | Source: Getty Images
During her time on the hit sitcom, the actress became a teen icon, winning the hearts of millions across the nation. When the Brady Kids branched into music, her vocal talent stood out, catching the attention of producers.
Maureen McCormick on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1971 | Source: Getty Images
After the series ended, McCormick was offered a recording contract but chose to decline the opportunity, opting instead for a more normal life. When asked about her decision in a 2008 interview, she admitted , “Actually, I’ve always regretted that. I think it would’ve been interesting to see where it would’ve gone. Could’ve, would’ve….”
(From top row): Ann B. Davis, Barry Williams, Robert Reed, Eve Plumb; (Middle row): Christopher Knight, Florence Henderson, Maureen McCormick; (Bottom row): Susan Olsen, and Mike Lookinland on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1973 | Source: Getty Images
As for her time on “The Brady Bunch,” alongside Florence Henderson , it was filled with difficulties off-screen. McCormick revealed that her role as Marcia continued to linger in her life, admitting she faced personal struggles while portraying the character.
Maureen McCormick on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1977 | Source: Getty Images
“For most of my life, I have been followed by Marcia Brady. Imagine always being shadowed by a younger, prettier, more popular you. I played Marcia for five years. She was perfect. I was anything but. So much was going on behind my fake smile,” the child star
disclosed in a candid interview.
Maureen McCormick pictured onstage at Comedy Central’s Roast of Larry the Cable Guy on March 1, 2009, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
McCormick struggled with narcotic addiction, including cocaine. At the Summer Spectacular in September 2017, an event supporting the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention, the celebrity shared why the cause is so personal to her.
Maureen McCormick at the annual Brent Shapiro Foundation For Alcohol and Drug Prevention Summer Spectacular on September 9, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
“I struggled with drug addiction for gosh, six, seven years and it was awful,” she reflected , adding that she had been sober for 35 years by then, and her life had never been better.
Maureen McCormick at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 48th Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards on September 23, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
McCormick believes her partying lifestyle affected her performance in some of her roles after “The Brady Bunch.” The actress admitted that she ruined certain opportunities, saying there were instances where she was under the influence, and it was a serious issue.
Maureen McCormick at the 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball on October 6, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
“I’m sure everyone in the industry at the time knew that I was flaking out,” McCormick stated in a September 2018 interview. When the Los Angeles native returned to Taft High for her senior year, she struggled to focus on academics.
Maureen McCormick attends the 6th Annual Ed Asner and Friends Poker Tournament Celebrity Night on September 8, 2018, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Friends introduced her to white crosses—pills that helped her stay awake and eased the anxiety she felt after leaving her role as a Brady. She also used them to lose weight, always chasing the idea of being just a few pounds away from happiness.
After graduation, the acting career she had hoped for didn’t take off, leading her to battle bulimia and later turn to cocaine for comfort. McCormick’s parents became were concerned and attempted to help her beat the addiction. However, their intervention almost led to her arrest.
The Hollywood star shared that her parents nearly reported her to the police, as they had been trying for years to help her and were aware something was wrong. Despite their efforts, she admitted to being very sneaky and able to hide her struggles effectively.
One more person in her life decided to step in. McCormick credits her husband of 39 years, Michael Cummings, for giving her the tough love that pushed her toward sobriety. She recalled that early in their relationship, he gave her an ultimatum,
saying , “It’s either me or that, take it or I’m out of here.” It was then that she realized she couldn’t afford to lose one of the best things in her life.
Her parents and husband’s intervention led to her successful. She even made a comeback in the entertainment industry in 2016 by participating in “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS). When speaking on the experience, McCormick said, “Being on ‘DWTS’ feels like it’s meant to be.”
She added being one of the contestants on the dance competition was her way to overcoming her fear and insecurity of dancing in public. After seeing her on the show, users were stunned by the then-60-year-old’s physical features and commented on her looks on YouTube.
“Good for her for not doing the botox thing! She’s smarter than that. LOVE your natural lines girl!” said one user.
Maureen McCormick and Artem Chigvintsev appear on “Dancing with the Stars” on August 24, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Another stated , “She looks very beautiful, natural and stylish.”
One added , “Still seems like a teen sweetheart.” Someone else observed,
“Maureen, you are still a looker and a [true] hearted woman.”
“[You’re] so beautiful, Maureen, inside and out,”
said another person. One echoed the same sentiments, writing, “You still look beautiful.”
Maureen McCormick and Artem Chigvintsev appear on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 12, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
At 68, McCormick has penned a memoir titled “Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice.” Reflecting on her decision to be open about her struggles with bulimia, cocaine addiction, and other personal battles, she explained that she had long been seen as the perfect, happy person but had hidden many secrets.
Maureen McCormick at the premiere of “Moving On,” 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Writing the book allowed her to finally reveal her true self, embracing her imperfections and mistakes. She hopes that by sharing her story, others will feel encouraged to open up about their own challenges.
Maureen McCormick attends the Second Annual All Ghouls Gala 2023 Benefiting Autism Care Today on October 28, 2023, in Woodland Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
On a lighter note, she has had some good times in her life, especially with the late pop star, Michael Jackson. McCormick once revealed that she went out on a few dates with the musician who loved watching “The Brady Bunch,” and even visited his home a few times.
While Jackson seemed to be a fan of the show, the same cannot be said about her husband. McCormick confirmed that her spouse has never watched an episode of “The Brady Bunch.” She found it surprising, saying , “I’ve never been anywhere where someone hadn’t seen it.”
However, she views it as a blessing, believing he fell in love with her for who she is, not her iconic role. She expressed feeling incredibly fortunate because of this. McCormick, who shares a “beautiful daughter who has a heart of gold” with Cummings,
admitted that marriage is difficult. But she believes that being with the actor has made both of them better people.
The family woman shared that, as a strong judge of character, she sensed his trustworthiness from the moment they met, feeling she could see into his soul. McCormick considers the couple’s union as one of her greatest achievements.
Maureen McCormick at the 12th Annual Ed Asner and Friends Celebrity Poker Night on June 15, 2024, in Studio City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Maureen McCormick’s journey through fame, personal struggles, and self-discovery serves as an inspiring example of resilience and growth. By embracing her imperfections and sharing her story, she continues to touch the lives of many, encouraging others to open up about their own challenges.