Barry Williams, born on September 30, 1954, in Santa Monica, California, embarked on his acting career as a mere child. With a birth name of Blenkhorn, Barry was the youngest of three sons in a family with a rich lineage of English, Scottish, and German roots. Nestled in Pacific Palisades, he was surrounded by actor neighbors which probably kindled his passion for acting. By the tender age of 13, the world witnessed his first appearance on TV in the 1967 Christmas episode of “Dragnet.”
Rise to Stardom: The Brady Bunch Days
In the vast ocean of roles Barry auditioned for, it was his portrayal of Greg Brady on “The Brady Bunch” in 1969 that turned the tides in his favor. Though the series saw a moderate success during its run, its post-cancellation syndication on channels like ABC Daytime and Nick at Night cemented its legacy. Williams embraced the essence of Greg Brady, but the role’s shadow also brought challenges in avoiding typecasting.
Diverse Roles and Theatrical Pursuits
Venturing beyond Greg Brady, Barry stepped into the shoes of an English con man, Hannibal, in the 1984 series “General Hospital”. His versatility didn’t stop at the small screen; he also delved into musical theater. Touring with monumental productions such as “Grease” and “The Sound of Music”, Barry also graced Broadway with “Romance/Romance” in 1988.
Authorship and Parodies
1992 witnessed Williams the author, with his autobiography “Growing Up Brady: I Was A Teenage Greg”, hitting the bestseller list of The New York Times. A decade later, he voiced a parody, “The Real Greg Brady”, giving an amusing spin to Eminem’s hit “The Real Slim Shady”.
Branson and Beyond
Setting roots in Branson, Missouri, Barry crafted a cabaret act that celebrates his illustrious career. Not just a performer, he became a voice on Sirius Satellite Radio with “The Real Greg Brady’s Totally ’70s Pop Quiz”. His legacy intertwined with “The Brady Bunch” resurfaced in “A Very Brady Renovation” on HGTV in 2019 and the 2021 Lifetime movie, “Blending Christmas.”
Financial Milestones
Williams’ net worth stands impressively at $6 million today. His earnings during “The Brady Bunch” era amounted to $1,100 per week. While the series’ syndication success didn’t significantly pad his pockets, Barry has been active in various other endeavors. His tenancy in Branson has been a consistent source of income, and his voice has resonated on Sirius/XM’s 70s on 7 channel.
Personal Ventures and Real Estate
Barry’s personal life has seen its shares of ups and downs with three marriages. From his union with Ella Mary Matt, he was blessed with a son, and with Elizabeth Williams, a daughter. Currently, he’s enjoying marital bliss with Tina Mahina since 2017.
Barry’s Malibu beachfront house, constructed in 1974 and originally used to rent out for $25,000 per month before listing for sale and finally changing hands in 2019 for $5.82 million is testament to Barry’s success as a real estate investor.
From his Santa Monica childhood to the peaks of stardom with “The Brady Bunch” and beyond, Barry Williams’ journey is a testament to talent, resilience, and adaptability. His endeavors, both in front of the camera and beyond, have carved a multifaceted legacy that continues to inspire.
Add Comment