It's the end of an era. Florence Henderson, best known to us as Mrs. Carol Brady - the TV mom of 6 kids in a huge blended family, "The Brady Bunch" - died on Thursday night at age 82.
Her publicist, David Brokaw, confirmed her death. She died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in L.A., after a few days feeling unwell, from what the family described as heart failure.
Many of us have a soft spot in our heart for the old television show about a widow and widower with three kids a-piece getting together. It's hard to believe that the pilot episode of this show's pilot aired in 1969. Despite its many detractors and only having 5 seasons, it managed to hang around in our lives in one form or another for over 20 years. I remember watching reruns of it throughout the 80s, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one who grew up with "The Brady Bunch" as a huge part of my life.
Not only was Florence Henderson the Brady mom, though, she was a talented actress and singer - an ingénue soprano. She had a career on Broadway, making her debut at age 18 with the 1952 musical "Wish You Were Here." Two years later, she was credited with 888 performances as Fanny in the 1954 musical of the same name. In 1962, she became the first woman to guest host The Tonight Show, before Johnny Carson began his long career there, and she also served as one of NBC's "Today Girls" doing light news and weather.
Throughout her life, though, Florence Henderson made an impression on others for being a warm and kind person. "Everyone's mom." A dear friend, and a staunch supporter. She defended "The Brady Bunch" from its critics, saying: 'It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. It's such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there's always an audience for that.'
Rest in peace, Florence. We will miss you.
Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my <3 forever. Love & hugs to her family. I'll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016
So terribly sad to hear of the passing of the great Florence Henderson. It was a true honor to have known and worked with her. pic.twitter.com/bhgLigHEI4
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) November 25, 2016
We all saw Florence Henderson @DancingABC for @MoMcCormick7. Shockingly she's gone. She was everyone's mom and my friend. RIP Carol Brady
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) November 25, 2016
RELATED: 10 Rad Retro Movies That Remind You What it Was Like to be a Teenager
Printer-friendly version