“The Brady Bunch” aired for five seasons from 1969 to 1974. The series revolved around the gender rivalries and trivial dysfunctions of a suburban blended family of breadwinner dad, stay at home mom, three brown-haired sons, trio of blond daughters, one frumpy housekeeper, and Tiger the dog.
The seminal series was never a ratings juggernaut or a critical success during its original run, but in the decades since its cancellation, it has become a cultural treasure, especially among children and teenage viewers. Ironic, since boomers like me, who grew up watching the Brady kids, thought the show was corny.
The sit-com may have been cheesy, but Marcia Brady was hot, and she was my first TV crush.
After all these years Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady, still has a warm spot in my heart. At 68 she still turns heads, and I keep up with her social media activity. She has worked to promote the achievements of those with disabilities, and in 2020, she was named a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International.
McCormick, whose brother Denny has intellectual disabilities, advised her followers on Instagram not to use the R word as “a joke, for a laugh, or to bully or hurt someone.” Marcia may have been mean to Jan, but she does not want anyone to be mean to people with special needs.
If you love the Brady Bunch as much as I do, and if you are especially fond of McCormick, please heed her advice and treat people with mental disabilities with respect.
