A Dangerous Mishap on Set

Susan Olsen, beloved for her role as Cindy Brady on the iconic sitcom 'The Brady Bunch', is sharing a terrifying incident from her childhood that almost cost her life. While recording the pilot episode in 1969, the then-7-year-old faced a harrowing accident that left her with severe injuries.

What Happened Behind the Scenes?

During a recent episode of 'The Real Brady Bros' podcast, Olsen reminisced about the fateful day. She reveals, "I had two black eyes. My nose was swollen. My face was swollen." These shocking words paint a vivid picture of the trauma she experienced.

Olsen described the moment: "I was standing on a makeup chair getting body makeup on my legs. Suddenly, something fell from the catwalk above, hitting the makeup artist and then me right in the face." It was a chaotic scene that transformed Olsen's reality.

A Missed Opportunity for Justice?

Despite the workplace calamity, Olsen's family decided against pursuing legal action against the studio, fearing it could impact her role on the show. In hindsight, Olsen reflects, "The saddest news is that we didn't sue Paramount, because I would have made more off of that than the show." The idea of what could have been still lingers today.

Bringing the Show to Life Despite Injuries

Olsen's co-star Florence Henderson was one of the first to see her injuries, urging everyone to acknowledge the severity of the situation. Olsen humorously recounts, "I looked like I was in a horror film!" Her persistence, paired with the genius of makeup artist Hal King, helped cover her injuries just in time for the pilot. King, renowned for his work with Lucille Ball, worked his magic each day, adapting to the changing colors of Olsen's bruises.

A Surprising Revelation for Co-Stars

Olsen's shocking revelation caught her fellow cast members off guard, with co-star Christopher Knight admitting he had no idea about her injuries back then. Thanks to effective makeup and Olsen's resilience, 'The Brady Bunch' pilot proceeded as planned, launching a series that would become a timeless classic.

Reflection on a Scary Past

Looking back, Olsen's story isn’t just about the scars from the past but also a reminder of the challenges faced in the entertainment industry. While she cherishes her time on the show, she now understands the gravity of that tumultuous day—a moment that could have changed everything.