Florence Henderson, who played family matriarch Carol Brady, wore a wig during the first season of The Brady Bunch.
The Story Behind Carol Brady's Iconic Look
When The Brady Bunch first premiered in 1969, Florence Henderson's hair was noticeably shorter than the flowing locks her character Carol Brady would become known for. This wasn't a stylistic choice for the show, but rather a necessity stemming from her commitments outside of the series.
- The Reason: Henderson had her hair cropped short to star in an off-Broadway revival of the musical South Pacific.
- The Solution: To maintain continuity and the desired look for Carol Brady, producers decided she would wear a wig for the show's initial season. This allowed her to fulfill her stage obligations while simultaneously filming the beloved sitcom.
While the wig was primarily used in the first season, it helped establish the character's appearance, which viewers grew to love throughout the show's run.
Quick Facts About Brady Hair
| Character | Actor | Wig Worn? | Reason / Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Brady | Florence Henderson | Yes | Wore a wig in Season 1 due to her hair being short for a stage role in South Pacific. |
| Cindy Brady | Susan Olsen | No | Despite common speculation, Susan Olsen (Cindy) did not wear a wig. Her distinctive curls were natural. |
This practice was not uncommon in television productions, especially when actors had conflicting projects or desired a quick change for their character's appearance without altering their natural hair. Florence Henderson's wig became a subtle, often unnoticed, piece of Brady Bunch history.
For more details on the show's behind-the-scenes facts, you can explore resources like Mental Floss's "10 Quirky Facts About The Brady Bunch".
