Today, “The Brady Bunch” is considered one of the television staples of the 1970s. The series ran from 1969 through 1974, spanning five seasons and 117 episodes. Barry Williams played Greg Brady, the oldest sibling, on the series.
Though the series ended decades ago, it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Barry Williams recalls being launched into the pop culture zeitgeist and what a strange experience it was for a teenager.
‘Brady Bunch’ Star Barry Williams Remembers Becoming a Pop Culture Icon
GettyBarry Williams enjoyed plenty of smaller roles as a child star. But he truly made his mark on the entertainment world when he landed the role of Greg Brady. He celebrated his 15th birthday just as the “Brady Bunch” series premiere debuted.
While speaking with The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan, the 71-year-old reflected on the experience of teen stardom.
“We went from being who we were in our lives and then doing something that we all enjoyed doing — but was professional and … focused and concentrated — and then went out into public,” Williams shared on the show. “And our lives were changed dramatically by that … and that’s a very profound experience to assimilate with growing up and being a teenager and going through some of that awkwardness and being kind of observed and scrutinized.”
GettyEven though the situation was strange and new for the rising actor, he felt tremendously grateful for the other young actors who played his onscreen siblings. He acknowledged actors Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, Maureen McCormick, Eve Plumb, and Susan Olsen.
“To have these people, these same people, familiar people all through our lives, and the major signpost marriages, sometimes going through divorces, the birth of children and family. So I’m really grateful to have that with a group that I have shared virtually,” Williams added.
Christopher Knight Fondly Remembers the ‘Brady Bunch’ Set
Barry Williams isn’t the only former “Brady Bunch” star to speak on the actors’ dynamic. According to Christopher Knight, they all truly were united as a family.
“I mean, we were a big cast that very much, even today, acts like family. It was a special group of people,” Knight shared with PEOPLE in a recent interview.
“For the six of us who are still on this planet, um, [we’re] lifelong friends,” he continued. “I don’t know, other than my own brothers and sisters and my own blood, there’s nobody whom I’m friends with that is from a deeper [moment], in time.”
In an Instagram video, Christopher Knight took a look around the recreated kitchen set. He detailed some of his favorite memories, including the “pork chops and applesauce” bit. The former child star also noted that the iconic orange and green decor really worked.
“It was right here I learned that I didn’t need to put on airs and that I’d be stuck with pork chops for the rest of my life. Thank God I like them,” the 68-year-old joked. “But yes, this is where pork chops and applesauce happen.”
Barry Williams and Christopher Knight host “The Real Brady Bros” podcast together. Fans love hearing them discuss their experiences on the legendary “Brady Bunch” set.
