Brady Bunch Mom Role Almost Went To Another Actress

Actress Joyce Bulifant was originally cast as Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch, a role later famously played by Florence Henderson. Bulifant recently shared that the show's creator, Sherwood Schwartz, originally intended for Carol to be a more comedic character, drawing inspiration from "The Lucy Show." This original concept contrasted with the final direction, which became more reminiscent of "The Donna Reed Show" after Henderson was cast.

Bulifant had already committed to the role, signing a seven-year contract and participating in costume selection for the pilot episode. However, network executives reportedly intervened, wanting Henderson for the part once she became available. Despite Schwartz's initial efforts to keep Bulifant, the network's decision prevailed, leading to an apology from the creator to Bulifant. Bulifant later found success on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."