Celebrating Ann B. Davis: The Heart Of The Brady Bunch

When you think of The Brady Bunch, which cast member immediately comes to mind? Maybe it’s Maureen McCormick as Marcia, Marcia, Marcia; Barry Williams as he who would-be Johnny Bravo; Robert “Why Am I on This Show?” Reed as Mike Brady, or any of the others. But what about Ann B. Davis? Her character of Alice Nelson in many ways served as a foundation for the others; the person that virtually everyone else could turn to in times of need.

While there’s no denying the fact that the Brady Bunch cast ended up typecast as a result of their starring in the show and all of the reunion movies and series that followed (most recently HGTV’s A Very Brady Renovation), Ann actually had a thriving career prior to playing housekeeper Alice. In fact, she won a pair of Emmy Awards for her role of Schultzy on the 1955 to 1959 sitcom The Bob Cummings Show followed by a number of other parts on the big screen and small prior to The Brady Bunch (currently airing on the MeTV network).

Lloyd J. Schwartz, son of Brady Bunch creator Sherwood Schwartz, who worked on the original series and was intimately involved in the follow-ups, reflects, “One of my favorite people in the world is Ann B. Davis. We were very close. One thing that comes to mind about her is that her birthday was May 3 and mine is May 2. After The Brady Bunch went down, we still were close. She moved around to a couple of different places, but we always spoke and she would always call me on my birthday and then the next day was hers. I finally said, ‘It’s not fair that she calls me all the time,’ so I started calling her on May 1 and then she got wise to that and started calling me April 30, and I just love that. Also, when she would come to town, she stayed here a couple of times and she came in for my wedding and for the kids’ bar mitzvahs and things like that. She really was almost like an extended part of the family. I even ended up doing her eulogy in San Antonio.”

Please scroll down to learn much more about the life and career of Ann B. Davis.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Ann B. Davis
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• Career Highlights
• Legacy and Impact

Biography of Ann B. Davis

Ann B. Davis was not just a beloved character on The Brady Bunch; she was a talented actress with a rich history in television. Born on April 3, 1926, in Schenectady, New York, she discovered her passion for acting at a young age. After completing her education, she pursued a career in entertainment that would span decades.

Her early career included roles in radio and theater, but it was her role as Schultzy in The Bob Cummings Show that truly launched her into the spotlight. This experience helped her hone her comedic timing and brought her to the attention of television audiences across the nation.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Career Highlights

Ann B. Davis's career was marked by a series of remarkable achievements. After her success on The Bob Cummings Show, she landed the iconic role of Alice on The Brady Bunch, which became one of the most recognizable characters in television history. Her portrayal of the housekeeper not only showcased her comedic talents but also her ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.

Throughout her career, she appeared in various television shows and films, solidifying her status as a versatile actress. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including two Emmy Awards for her outstanding performances.

Legacy and Impact

Ann B. Davis left an indelible mark on the world of television. Her character Alice was not just a maid; she was a confidante, a friend, and a source of wisdom for the Brady family. Her legacy continues to resonate with fans of The Brady Bunch, reminding us of the importance of kindness and support in our lives.

Even after her passing, Ann's influence can still be felt in modern television. Many actresses cite her as an inspiration, and her contributions to the industry remain a significant part of television history.