Upon reflecting on her time with the iconic show “The Brady Bunch,” Eve Plumb revealed a surprising detail about her paycheck that left her without residuals after the show stopped airing more than five decades ago. In a recent interview with WGN News, the former child star speculated that a deal made in the late 1960s may be the reason the show still graces television screens worldwide in reruns.
Discussing the contract terms from the earlier era, Plumb, now 68, shared that the cast only allowed for 10 runs of each episode due to the lack of cable and reruns at the time. “That’s why it’s been on for 40 years, I think because they don’t have to spend money on residuals,” she remarked. Despite the show’s enduring popularity, there has been no push to renegotiate the decades-old deal, as many other shows would love to have a similar arrangement.
Plumb, who portrayed middle child Jan on “The Brady Bunch,” recounted her experience as an 11-year-old cast member in her memoir “Happiness Included.” She noted that her father meticulously managed the money she earned from her time on the show, keeping a meticulous ledger. Despite the assumption that cast members are swimming in residuals, the reality is quite different, with the 10-run deal leaving them without the expected ongoing income.
In a fan Q&A, Plumb acknowledged that the cast of “The Brady Bunch” made less money than stars from other ABC shows at the time, such as “The Partridge Family.” While she was aware of the discrepancy in pay, she did not feel a sense of rivalry among the different shows. Although she missed out on residuals, Plumb made a savvy investment in a beach house she sold for a significant profit years later.
As the curtain closes on this chapter of television history, the legacy of “The Brady Bunch” and its financial arrangements continue to intrigue fans and industry insiders alike. Eve Plumb’s revelations shed light on the complexities of the entertainment business and the lasting impact of decisions made decades ago.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.