‘Brady Bunch’ Star Susan Olsen, 65: Jaw-Dropping Then & Now
From Cindy Brady to Acting Coach: The Life of Susan Olsen
Quick Summary: Susan Olsen became famous as a little girl playing Cindy Brady on The Brady Bunch. She grew up on TV, took breaks from acting, came back for reunions, and now helps other actors learn their craft as a coach in California.
How It All Started: A Star Is Born (1968–1969)
Susan Marie Olsen was born on August 14, 1961. She started acting before she was even 10 years old!
- 1968: Her first TV job was on a show called Julia.
- 1969: She landed the role that made her famous — Cindy Brady, the youngest kid in The Brady Bunch.
Fun Fact: Cindy was known for her two braids and a cute lisp. She was also the family tattletale — she loved finding out secrets and telling everyone!
The Brady Years: Growing Up on Screen (1969–1977)
The Brady Bunch ran for 5 seasons (1969–1974). But the Brady family didn’t disappear after that!
| Year | Project | What It Was |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | The Brady Kids | A cartoon spin-off |
| 1976–1977 | The Brady Bunch Hour | A variety show with singing and dancing (9 episodes) |
| 1981 | The Brady Girls Get Married | A TV movie about the Brady sisters’ weddings |
Life After the Spotlight (1980s–1990s)
After the Brady shows ended, Susan stepped away from acting for a while.
- 1980s: Only one appearance — on Divorce Court.
- 1990: Came back for The Bradys (6 episodes) — a show about the next Brady generation.
- 1993: Showed up at the MTV Movie Awards.
- 1999: Guest-starred on Pacific Blue.
Personal Life:
- Married Steve Ventimiglia (separated in 1990)
- Married Mitch Markwell in 1995 → had a son, Michael → divorced in 2004
Reunions & Comebacks (2000s–2020s)
Susan kept returning for Brady reunions and special events.
- 2004: The Brady Bunch 35th Anniversary Reunion Special — all grown up on stage!
- 2010–2011: Returned to TV with roles in:
- The Young and the Restless
- Child of the ’70s
- Holiday Road Trip
- 2017: Joined her TV brothers on the TODAY Show to honor Florence Henderson (their TV mom, who passed away in 2016).
- 2019: Appeared in a music video for John 5: Zoinks!
- 2020: Supported her old producers Sid and Marty Krofft at their Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony.
- 2021: Last acting role (so far) — Valerie in the movie Blending Christmas.
- 2023: Attended the Thalians Winter Gala honoring Gary Sinise.
Present Day: Teaching the Next Generation
Today, Susan Olsen is not acting much anymore. Instead, she’s an acting coach in California — helping young performers learn how to act, audition, and shine.
She still pops up at:
- Fan conventions (like The Hollywood Show)
- Podcasts (like The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan)
What She’s Doing Now:
“I love helping kids find their voice and confidence — just like I had to learn when I was little.”
Summary: Susan Olsen’s Journey in a Nutshell
- Born 1961 → Started acting at age 7.
- 1969–1974 → Played Cindy Brady (braids, lisp, tattletale!).
- 1970s–1980s → Brady spin-offs, then quiet years.
- 1990s → Brief comeback (The Bradys, Pacific Blue).
- 2000s–2020s → Reunions, TV guest spots, music video, last film in 2021.
- Now → Acting coach, convention guest, podcast regular.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: How old was Susan Olsen when she started The Brady Bunch?
A: She was 7 years old (born 1961, show started 1969).
Q: Did she play Cindy Brady the whole time?
A: Yes — for all 5 seasons of the original show, plus the spin-offs and reunions.
Q: Is she still acting?
A: Not really. Her last role was in 2021 (Blending Christmas). Now she’s an acting coach.
Q: Was she married?
A: Twice. First to Steve Ventimiglia (ended 1990), then to Mitch Markwell (1995–2004). They have a son, Michael.
Q: Does she still talk to the other Brady kids?
A: Yes! She reunites with them for specials, conventions, and tributes — like the 2017 TODAY Show appearance for Florence Henderson.
Final Thought: From a little girl with braids telling on her siblings to a grown woman helping kids find their sparkle — Susan Olsen’s story is full of heart, humor, and second acts.