Susan Olsen is an American actress, radio host, and artist best known for her portrayal of Cindy Brady, the youngest daughter on the beloved 1970s television series The Brady Bunch. Olsen’s portrayal of Cindy, with her signature blonde curls and innocent charm, made her a household name, solidifying her place in television history. However, her career extends beyond her time as a child actress. Over the years, Olsen has ventured into various creative fields, including visual arts and radio, while embracing her enduring connection to The Brady Bunch legacy.
From her early days as a child star to her diverse career in media and the arts, Susan Olsen’s journey is one of adaptability and creative exploration. She has embraced her status as a pop culture icon while continuing to evolve as an artist and public figure.
Early Life and Entry into Show Business
Susan Marie Olsen was born on August 14, 1961, in Santa Monica, California. Growing up in Southern California, Olsen was the youngest of four children, and like many children in the area, she was introduced to the entertainment industry at an early age. Encouraged by her family and with her older brother, Larry Olsen, already working as a child actor, Susan began auditioning for roles in television and commercials.
By the time she was seven years old, Olsen had already made her mark as a child model, appearing in print ads for products like Mattel’s “Baby Alive” doll. Her natural talent and charisma quickly led to television work, and she began landing small roles on popular TV shows. Olsen made guest appearances on series such as Ironside and Julia, showing her potential as a young actress.
However, her big break came in 1969 when she was cast as Cindy Brady in what would become one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time—The Brady Bunch.
The Brady Bunch: Cindy Brady Years
At just eight years old, Susan Olsen became a star overnight when she joined the cast of The Brady Bunch, created by Sherwood Schwartz. The show followed the lives of the Brady family, a blended family with six children, and Olsen’s character, Cindy Brady, was the youngest of the three daughters. With her adorable pigtails, innocent demeanor, and signature lisp, Cindy quickly became a fan favorite.
Cindy’s character brought a sense of youthful curiosity and sweetness to the show. Olsen’s portrayal of Cindy was marked by her childlike wonder and innocence, often leading to humorous misunderstandings or emotional moments. One of Cindy’s most memorable storylines involved her struggles with a lisp, which reflected a real-life speech impediment Olsen had as a child. The character’s charm and vulnerability made Cindy relatable to young viewers, and her interactions with her siblings and parents resonated with audiences across the country.
The Brady Bunch ran for five seasons, from 1969 to 1974, and although it was not a major hit during its original run, the show became a cultural phenomenon in syndication. Reruns of The Brady Bunch aired throughout the decades, introducing new generations to the Brady family, and Olsen’s performance as Cindy continued to capture the hearts of fans.
Despite the show’s success, Olsen later revealed that being a child star came with its challenges. She recalled feeling a sense of isolation at times, as her experience growing up on a TV set differed from that of her peers. However, she maintained close relationships with her Brady Bunch castmates, especially with Florence Henderson, who played Carol Brady and became a motherly figure to Olsen.
Life After The Brady Bunch
After The Brady Bunch ended in 1974, Susan Olsen, like many child stars, faced the challenge of transitioning out of her famous role. She reprised her character as Cindy Brady in various reunion specials and spin-offs, including The Brady Bunch Hour (1976–1977), The Brady Girls Get Married (1981), A Very Brady Christmas (1988), and The Bradys (1990). These projects allowed her to stay connected to the Brady legacy, but Olsen was also eager to explore new opportunities outside of her most iconic role.
As she matured, Olsen took on various acting roles in television and film, but she gradually stepped away from acting to pursue other interests. One of her passions was the visual arts, and Olsen began working as a graphic designer and artist. Her artistic talents extended to several mediums, and she became known for her creative work in clay and sculpture. Olsen’s love for the arts allowed her to express herself in new and fulfilling ways outside of the entertainment industry.
Venturing into Radio and Advocacy
In addition to her work as an artist, Susan Olsen found a new career path in radio. Her sharp wit, candid nature, and engaging personality made her a natural fit for talk radio, and in the late 1990s, she became a co-host on the Los Angeles-based radio show KLSX’s The Ken and Bob Show, where she discussed pop culture and current events.
Olsen’s radio career continued to evolve, and in the early 2000s, she co-hosted the nationally syndicated show Ober and Olsen with comedian Ken Ober. The show allowed Olsen to showcase her sense of humor and her ability to connect with audiences through lively and thought-provoking discussions.
Beyond her radio work, Olsen has been an advocate for several causes. She has used her platform to speak out about animal rights, mental health awareness, and issues related to child actors. Her experiences growing up in Hollywood have informed her advocacy for the protection and well-being of child performers, and she has been vocal about the challenges and pressures young actors face in the entertainment industry.
Return to the Brady Legacy and A Very Brady Renovation
Throughout the years, Susan Olsen has embraced her connection to The Brady Bunch, recognizing the impact the show has had on her life and the lives of her fans. In 2019, Olsen reunited with her fellow Brady Bunch cast members for the HGTV series A Very Brady Renovation. The show brought together the original cast as they worked to restore the famous Brady house to match the set design from the original series. The project was a massive success, drawing in millions of viewers and sparking renewed interest in The Brady Bunch.
Olsen’s participation in the series highlighted her willingness to embrace her past while celebrating the lasting legacy of the Brady family. She has remained a beloved figure to fans of the show and continues to make appearances at Brady-related events, conventions, and fan gatherings.
Personal Life and Artistic Pursuits
Outside of her work in entertainment, Susan Olsen has focused on her personal life and her passion for the arts. She married twice, first to Steve Ventimiglia and later to Mitch Markwell, with whom she has a son, Michael. Her experiences as a mother have given her a deeper understanding of the importance of balancing family life with career aspirations.
Olsen’s love for art continues to play a central role in her life. She has exhibited her work in galleries and has gained recognition for her skill in creating intricate sculptures and visual pieces. Her dedication to her craft has allowed her to find creative fulfillment outside of acting, and she continues to explore new avenues for artistic expression.
Legacy and Impact
Susan Olsen’s legacy as Cindy Brady is one that has left an indelible mark on television history. As the youngest member of the Brady family, she brought innocence, charm, and humor to The Brady Bunch, making her a fan favorite for generations of viewers. However, her life and career extend far beyond her role as Cindy. Olsen has proven herself to be a multi-talented individual, with a career that spans acting, radio, visual arts, and advocacy.
Her ability to reinvent herself and pursue her passions while maintaining her connection to the Brady legacy has made her a beloved figure in American pop culture. Today, Susan Olsen continues to inspire fans through her creativity, resilience, and dedication to her craft.