Behind the Scenes: Susan Olsen’s Near-Death Experience During ‘The Brady Bunch’ Pilot

Behind the Scenes: Susan Olsen’s Near-Death Experience During ‘The Brady Bunch’ Pilot

Susan Olsen, famously known for her role as Cindy Brady on the classic television series ‘The Brady Bunch,’ recently recounted a harrowing incident during the filming of the show’s first episode. The revelation came during a podcast with several co-stars, including Mike Lookinland, Christopher Knight, and Barry Williams, as they reflected on their experiences while filming the pilot that premiered in 1969.

A Frightening Incident on Set

While discussing the memorable moments from the set, Olsen shared a shocking story. She recalled that while she was being prepped with body makeup, an unexpected event nearly cost her life. Describing the scene, she recalled being on a makeup chair when something fell from the catwalk above, where stage lights were stored. The object first struck the makeup artist next to her before ultimately hitting Olsen directly in the face.

Visible Injuries that Raised Concerns

In her vivid narrative, Olsen noted the physical aftermath of the incident. Her swelling was so pronounced that it was evident in the wedding ceremony scenes. She remarked that if viewers zoomed in, they would observe that her face appeared quite different and swollen compared to her usual look. This change was noticeable not only during the filming but also in early promotional pictures released for the show.

Support from Co-stars and Crew

Florence Henderson, who played the beloved Carol Brady, was present during the unfortunate event and provided support to the young actress. Despite this, many on set insisted that Olsen was fine, a sentiment that she found puzzling given her visible injuries. She candidly admitted her feelings of despair at the moment. At the time, she thought about how she wanted to express her pain openly, wishing to let go of any pride and sob as she felt the hurt.

Decisions in the Aftermath of Injury

Following the incident, Olsen’s mother took her to a doctor for an evaluation. However, the family ultimately decided against pursuing legal action against the production company, Paramount Pictures. Olsen humorously reflected on this decision, stating that she might have made more money through legal means than from her acting role.

Empathy and Attention from Henderson

The next day, Olsen returned to the set, where Henderson was quick to remind everyone that Olsen needed to be seen, making it clear that they could not ignore her condition. Olsen recalled her mother asserting, ‘Oh, yes, I will,’ in agreement with her daughter’s need for visibility among the cast and crew. This moment underscored the care Henderson showed toward her younger co-star.

Injury Details and Makeup Expertise

Of the injury, Olsen revealed specific details about her condition. Her eyes were severely bruised, and her face swelled dramatically. In a humorous yet alarming predicament, she compared her appearance to that of someone from a horror film. This analogy reflected both her discomfort and the absurdity of the situation. Once she returned to filming, acknowledgment of her injuries became more apparent, and it was clear to everyone that she had indeed been hurt.

Expert Intervention for Painful Visibility

To address the injuries, Paramount brought in Hal King, a renowned makeup artist known for his work on legends like Lucille Ball. King was tasked with concealing Olsen’s bruises for the continued filming of ‘The Brady Bunch.’ His expertise helped minimize the visible impact of the incident, allowing Olsen to continue her role without drawing excessive attention to her injuries.

Unaware Co-stars

Interestingly, in a conversation during the podcast, her male co-stars admitted to being completely unaware of the incident at the time. Christopher Knight, one of her fellow actors, expressed his surprise, stating that he had no knowledge of what had happened on set.

Reflections on the Legacy of ‘The Brady Bunch’

‘The Brady Bunch’ remains a landmark television series, having aired from 1969 to 1974. With beloved characters brought to life by talented actors, the show explored the dynamics of a blended family. Carol and Mike Brady navigated their family life with three boys and three girls from previous marriages, showcasing various adventures and challenges faced by families everywhere.

The charming interactions and the laughter shared among the cast contributed significantly to its enduring popularity. The legacy of the show continues to resonate with fans and new audiences alike, transcending generations and maintaining a cherished place in television history.