Growing Up Brady: I Was a Teenage Greg

by Barry Williams, Chris Kreski

Think you know everything about Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marcia, Jan, Cindy, Mike, Carol, Alice and the people who played them? Think again! From drunken golf-cart races across the Paramount lot to make-out sessions in Tiger's doghouse and Cindy's near-drowning in Hawaii, Barry WiIliams tells the real Brady story, previously hidden behind the carefully groomed facade of TV's favorite family.This collector's edition of Growing Up Brady is packed with first-hand memories, newly published photos, and updated information on the cast, crew and creators of "The Brady Bunch". Its the most detailed documentation or one of television's most popular shows, as told from the inside. Forget about the rumors and find out the real stories of inter-Brady dating, behind-the scenes battles, and the real people behind the Bunch.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Pop Culture, Tv, Autobiography

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

actor (of "The Brady Bunch" fame)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Wi...

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate myself for
a) paying for this;
b) reading it; and
c) kinda enjoying it.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the early 90’s, I like so many others of my generation, went on a huge 70’s pop culture nostalgia fest, the centerpiece of which was The Brady Bunch, a ridiculously idealized and out of touch family sitcom even in its heyday, which also happened to be hugely entertaining (well, I thought so). The squeaky-clean adventures of the Bradys bore absolutely no relation to reality whatsoever but that was part of its charm. Of late I have become nostalgic for my early 90’s version of early 70’s nostalgia – funny how that happens – and when a copy of this became available on Paperback Swap I couldn’t wait to read it again. Barry Williams, aka Greg Brady, strikes the appropriate tone here, a sort of bemused, faux-embarrassed affection, and his recounting of the behind the scenes shenanigans and backstage intrigue is fun and informative. He’s not a bad writer either, though he can come off as rather smarmy, especially when detailing his lust for Maureen McCormick, aka Marcia Brady; his penchant for calling her and other attractive women "babes" is annoying. But overall, his sense of humor is winning and the book is very fun for Brady fans. It was published just a little before Robert Reed’s death from AIDS and later revelations of Maureen McCormick’s problems with drug addiction, etc., so it remains a breezy read rather than a depressing expose, which is really what we wanted in the end – for the Bradys to remain in their happy little bubble, immune to the very real problems and tragedies of the world.

[Carmen Shea Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Brady Bunch fan worth their bell bottoms knows at least some basic trivia: "Greg" (Barry Williams) went on a date with his "mom" (Florence Henderson), was a little more than friends with his "sister" Marcia (Maureen McCormick), "Dad" (Robert Reed) hated doing the show, etc. But this book goes much deeper and into way more detail. Written by Williams himself, this book is part memoir about his own childhood and how he got into acting--a pretty funny and entertaining story in itself (he just knew he had talent when he made up a story to get a pharmacy clerk to give him adult magazines and cigarettes!) But most of the book is about the show--not just the show itself but the reunions ("A Very Brady Christmas" and "The Brady Brides") and cancelled reboots that followed. Remember when CBS tried to bring it back as a nighttime soap and called it "The Bradys?" Even they thought it was terrible!

This book is chock full of surprising stories and tons of trivia, with lots of details that even the most die-hard fans may not know. It even has an episode guide at the end with a list of every episode with interesting little facts on each one. He tells the real story on what happened between him and Henderson as well as with McCormick and Reed's constant arguments with producers.

I wish I would have read this much sooner; it first came out in 1992. But the content is timeless (there's a Collector's Edition out now) and it makes for a great trivia and reference book to keep on hand as a conversation piece with friends, especially if you're throwing one of those "far out" '70s parties!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barry Williams' account on what his life was like before, during, and after the Brady years. I enjoyed a number of things in this book! Despite having read two other biographical accounts (Maureen McCormick's (2008) and the Sherwoods's (2010)) revolving around the same retroactive timeline, it's still all good and fun to read it from another Brady perspective. To note, the foreword written by Robert Reed blankets the book with a lovely air of sentimentality. Barry shows what a great sense of humor he has in his story-telling, with unashamed admittance in being a hormonal teenage television star/stud. He acknowledges what fans/audiences are most interested in hearing: the dirt!! (i.e. Brady sibling romance). He also includes a guide to the episodes with anecdotal asides and personal notes (love it!).

Overall, another great read for any Brady Bunch fan out there.

[Erin the Avid Reader ⚜BFF's with the Cheshire Cat⚜ · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book is very entertaining and may be interesting to those who are huge fans of the show, it is also heard to break away from the constant narcissism and "I'm the best" attitude of Barry Williams (aka Greg Brady, one of the most annoying kids in tv show history).

I feel like Barry Williams was constantly overshadowing the other members of the cast with himself. Listen, teenagers are usually narcissistic and think they rule and know everything about the world, but it seems that Williams himself did not grow out of it. An interesting book that would have a higher rating if it wasn't so annoying.

Also, what flipping sucks is that 50% of the book is just back to back lists of the episodes and their plot lines. BORRRRRING!!!

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice nostalgic look at one of my all time favorite TV shows through the eyes of the oldest TV son.

I enjoyed Barry Williams' recollections of how he got into acting, his time before getting the role of Greg Brady and especially his behind the scenes reflections of doing the show.

While he told funny (and somewhat embarrassing) stories on his costars, he reserved the worst embarrassing stories to tell about himself. I laughed out loud at some of his recollections, especially his accounts of the jokes the Brady kids used to play on one another on set and who flirted with who as they all became friends

I recommend this highly for anyone who ever watched and enjoyed the Brady Bunch

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Brady, Brady, Brady by Sherwood & Lloyd Schwartz earlier this month, I decided to pick up the memoir by Barry Williams aka Greg Brady to find out more Brady Bunch trivia. Williams was an appealing writer and accepted that his biggest claim to fame would always be that he was the oldest son in the fictional Brady family. He shares his early life, and then behind-the-scenes information about the filming of the series. He knows his tv father Robert Reed and the producers clashed, but you can tell he had a good relationship with the actor so he gives him a pass (but the letter Reed wrote about the last episode was a doozy, so I feel for the producers who had to deal with that the entire series). Williams also had positive relationships with the remaining cast and had an almost relationship with his tv sister Marcia while they were both teenagers on the show. There are some other gossipy items shared, but nothing too scandalous, although he does add some poignant words about the pitfalls of being a child actor and then trying to bridge to adult roles. The book is wrapped up with a synopsis of all 116 episodes, which I thought was fun and included pictures throughout the book.

Written in the early 90s, twenty years before the BBB book, I was surprised to find exact passages that I had already read in this book too. However, because this book was written first, that means that both Schwartzs just lifted their interviews from Williams's book into theirs. While it was their words, that seemed lazy, and it was odd for a reader to encounter. I hope to eventually read the memoir that Maureen McCormick aka Marcia wrote, plus the book that Susan Olsen aka Cindy co-wrote about the ill-fated Brady Bunch Hour variety show. Gotta love the Gen X nostalgia! (Actual review 3.5/5)

[Tim Lucole · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read for anyone who grew up watching this show. I subtracted one star since Mr. William’s remembrances of the shows are not completely accurate. For instance, he says that in the episode where Greg gets the attic bedroom, Cindy complains to Alice that she will not get the room until 1980. This is incorrect, I have seen every episode literally 25 times each, and she says that she will not get the room until the year 2000. There were several other instances where he remembers things incorrectly. Still, a good read.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This by no means is literary art. However, I was a huge Brady Bunch fan. I have seen every episode at least 2X. This book gives you some interesting behind the scenes information only Greg Brady could give. So, naturally this grabbed my attention.
Barry added some interesting tidbits from Robert Reed who played Mike Brady. The premise is, Robert was a constant challenge throughout the life of the series. I’m not really sure what the point was of Barry releasing some of the notes Reed sent to creators and producers of the show but my interpretation was Robert was a very intelligent, expressive actor who should have done something more with his life. Reading the preface and all of the notes inside this book revealed a man who wanted to make more out of his life than just be a character actor with no influential impact to society.
The idea of adding a recap and commentary of each episode of the Brady Bunch was genius. You get a brief behind the scenes look for a lot of the episodes. Very cool.
Barry also gave his perspective on what it was like to be a child actor and how it impacted his adult life. I thought he was spot on.
I’m glad I read this book. I forget where I got this book but I did notice it’s a signed copy. I might keep it around. Especially if I stumble upon an episode while surfing channels on TV. I can refer to the recap to see if there was any behind the scenes tidbits.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those fun reads you stumble across and wonder why you haven't read it sooner. The Brady Bunch is the first television program I remember watching. I was three. (Coming in second is The Mickey Mouse Club, the third Romper Room, and from there it becomes a mash-up of Captian Kangaroo and Saturday morning cartoons, complete with Time for Timer PSAs.) Did I identify with Marcia, the super teen? I was a contemplative, buck-toothed, red-headed, only-child to two full-time professionals for 10 years. Cindy, not Marcia, was my hero. All that cuteness AND live-in playmates AND round-the-clock doting from a hands-on mother and housekeeper? She was living the dream!

When we were first married, my husband like to quiz me. As he'd stumble upon a Brady Bunch episode, he'd give me 10 seconds to recognize and summarize the plot. Puh-leez. *snort* I can name that tune in three notes...

The Brady Bunch is and will always be the televised equivalent of tuna noodle hotdish. Thanks for the read, Mr. Williams. It was far-out!

[Chris Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book at a church book sale and threw it in on the "fill a bag" day. The version that I read was the paperback prior to Robert Reed's death. Had seen it over the years and figured it was worth a shot

By in large, I did not enjoy it. Half the book was dedicated to episode summaries that sometimes were incorrect and often filled with double entendres. Even Robert Reed's memos seems more silly than the episodes he is complaining about

While Barry Williams is obviously the keeper of the Brady flame, it seems at times that he takes himself way too seriously for my tastes

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? I was a huge Brady fan. Watched it the first time around and then in re-runs for the next 30+ years as did my own kids and everyone else. It's always interesting to get the real scoop. And besides Greg was always so cool and mature.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book when I read it. I have to admit I hadn't read a lot of inside stories at the time so I didn't know a lot of what he was saying. He did spend a lot of time on Reed's unhappiness which was sad and a downer but then again that was reality for the show!

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't believe I actually read this book. Funny and more light hearted than the Maureen McCormick book "Here's the story" that I recently read. However, "Growing up Brady" is now dated..it was written in 1992. Lots of pictures and even a commentary about each and every 116 episodes.

[Nolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I saw that someone to whom I’m connected in this space gave the book only two stars, my first thought was to wonder whether the judgment had been a bit uncharitable. How could you not love a book about the iconic TV family of the ‘70s? To his credit the rater didn’t say he hated the book; he just rated it ok and left it at that. Having read this, I heartily concur with his rating and wonder whether he and I aren’t both a bit more charitable than we ought to be.

There’s a certain cocksure attitude about the writing style on this that put me off a bit. I can’t go deep with you on that because I’m not sure I can give you solid examples. The book’s opening scene reveals the cast in an airplane some of whom are on their way to drunk and disorderly. I suspect his goal was to show you how far these folks have come in terms of their adult non-TV sophistication? I’m not sure.

This book advertises itself as the tell-all Brady book—who slept with whom, did Robert Reed perm his hair or not? And on it goes.

There are interesting bits here. You read about the time one actress nearly drowned while shooting scenes in Hawaii. You get lots of lip-lock details between Williams and Maureen McCormick, and there’s the story of the date not-yet 16-year-old Williams went on with none other than Florence Henderson. What the actual hell was that about? She went to a club with a kid who wasn’t yet 16? I mean no hostility, but it’s clear to me that theater people think differently from the rest of us. Henderson apparently saw it as a harmless event but frankly admitted she’d have slept with Williams without much provocation. I shake my head in disgusted wonder.

The funniest part of the book was a memory he recounts of inhaling lots of marijuana one morning, then getting the surprise call that they needed him on the set. He showed up entirely stoned, and while eyedrops eliminated some of the evidence, the ass he made of himself acting his lines doubtless remained in not just his, but all the memories of those who dealt with take after take.

A large chunk of the book includes a summary of every episode—all 116 of them—of the show. I enjoyed the program as a teenager, but I wasn’t enough of a fanatic that I immersed myself in the episode summary and waddled down memory lane. I confess I skipped it. That’s ok; it just meant I finished it that much quicker.

If you want a better book about the show, scope out Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice by Maureen McCormick.

[Gary Gomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, after recently watching the Brady Home renovation on TV I got sentimental about this show I grew up watching, first as a young kid who was entertained by the show as intended and then, as I got older, someone who loved making fun of the incredible campiness of the show. So I grabbed this book to enjoy some great memories and learn some new odd facts. This one written by the actor who played Greg introduced a fair amount of a one dimensional perspective, however that was to be expected. I enjoyed learning the history and facts I did not previously know. Additionally it was interesting getting some of the early history of Barry's acting career. It got unintentionally comical when he took offense from the 90s Brady Bunch movies (at least the sequel movie) especially since his main complaint were all the things that made it hysterical to begin with (A bit like Robert Reed missing the point of the silly campiness of the original show being part of what made the show work for so long to begin with, I mean, you didn't see alot of replay of Leave it to Beaver did you? ) Still it you were not a fan of the show in your youth this book will probably have nothing to offer you. If you were, then I recommend it. Bonus is the huge section on the episode synopsis probably originally thrown in to give the book more pages (it would be a pretty small book without it)

[Emma Walder · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Growing Up Brady, Barry Williams, best known for his role as Greg Brady on the iconic 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch, pulls back the curtain on the carefully constructed image of television’s most wholesome family. With candid recollections and a sometimes startling honesty, Williams explores the off screen dynamics that stood in stark contrast to the show's idealised portrayal of suburban life. From his adolescent infatuation with Maureen McCormick (“Marcia”) to a surprising date with Florence Henderson (“Carol Brady”), Williams lays bare the personal entanglements and emotional complexities that brewed behind the scenes.

The memoir also sheds light on the frequent creative clashes between Robert Reed (“Mike Brady”) and the show's producers, offering insight into the professional tensions that simmered beneath the surface. Perhaps most jarring is the account of the cast's experimentation with drugs and alcohol, which starkly contradicts the show's clean cut image. Williams’ storytelling is engaging and conversational, though occasionally veers into sensationalism. Nevertheless, Growing Up Brady offers a compelling, if at times sobering, look at the realities behind a cultural touchstone. It’s an intriguing read for fans of the series and anyone interested in the often untold truths of television history.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book was quite fun. Williams and Kreski decided to include the views of others who worked on the show. Especially fun was presenting both sides of the Robert Reed vs. the showrunners feud. The focus is on the original series while I would have liked a bit more on the later shows (being one of the few who remembers enjoying the adult Brady shows). The second half of the book is recaps of the original series' episodes which were okay. I wish Williams had added more reminiscences to those descriptions.
I read a first edition of the book and might look for a later edition which includes Robert Reed's death and the Brady movies. Reed wrote the intro to this book, and Williams also included some of the memos Reed wrote about his issues with the scripts. They're virtually unreadable. Such pretentious bs. I know the man had a complicated life, but he took his sitcom way too seriously. Real life can includes slapstick and farce so why can't your comedy? Reed weirdly loved the Brady variety show. I guess the premise of that show was so absurd he could just go with the flow.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this because I just got done watching the series (at least, the episodes that are on Hulu) and remembered hearing about it years ago. Turns out it isn't available on Libby through my library, so I ordered it on Amazon. Bonus! It's autographed (it's a new copy). I enjoyed reading this, and recommend it to any Brady fan or anyone who might be curious about what it was like on the set of The Brady Bunch. The "collectors edition" includes a synopsis of all the episodes. I'm looking forward to going back and rewatching some of the episodes after gaffes or other interesting tidbits were pointed out by Williams.

I used this for the PopSugar 2020 Summer challenge prompt a book featuring an LGBTQ+ character (Robert Reed). Maybe a stretch for this prompt, but I'm doing so many challenges right now and I love filling them in. Besides, it's MY challenge to fulfill! Lol.

[Russ Dimino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and insightful look at what it was like growing up on the set of The Brady Bunch. If you are a fan of the show, interested in the TV industry, or someone who loves behind-the-scenes trivia, this book is for you. Barry has a great sense of humor, especially when he is recapping the episodes in the comprehensive guide at the end.

Some of the most fascinating parts to me where the lengthy memos that Robert Reed would write to the producers and writers, insisting that certain scenes be changed and why. It's crazy that Reed stayed on the show for so long (and came back for so many revivals) because it really seemed like he hated it.

Only reason I knocked off one star is there are some things in the episode guide that are just plan inaccurate, which you can tell if you watch the episodes. However, most of what's there is really interesting and entertaining.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book when it was first published over twenty years ago. I recently found it while unpacking a box of books I had in storage. I thought it would be fun to finally read it.
It is fun. He begins with how he got into acting, rolls he had prior to becoming Greg Brady, and then tells tales of the Brady Bunch years, with cast members also recalling memories.
Barry really likes himself...a lot. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about being confident and believing in yourself. But he does get a little borderline full of himself at times.
There's 100 pages of episode synopses. That's fine, but I basically don't care. I've seen them.
Lastly, I'm happy to now know that they all genuinely liked each other.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an interesting insight to a series and the stars if a series that never really took off in the UK.they eventually started to rebel against the powers that be who had set them on the road to stardom.this sort of thing has been seen time and again with series over the years with a large cast and too many people having artistic input or hangers on with there various ideas.the exception to the rule were the stars of the TV series the waltons,who finally embraced their TV counterparts.the Brady films were the perfect parody of the series.the last third of the book deals with all the episodes and some trivia along the way.on the plus side everybody is given space to put their side of the stories behind each chapter.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I can’t stand Barry Williams. When you listen to him talk he is so phony and self-centered it makes me want to scream. For what it’s worth, he all but owns up to being narcissistic, which doesn’t make it any better but does make it a bit more tolerable, in print at least.

Quick, fun read if you’re a fan of the show. While this is technically William’s autobiography, aside from the first few chapters there’s a heavy focus on The Brady Bunch, it’s whole cast, and behind the scenes stories. There are a lot of direct quotes in places from the other actors and production staff and it really works. There are certain instances where it’s not necessarily Williams’ place to speak for someone else, and he doesn’t. It makes things feel genuine and authentic.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know that in the 90s the celebrity memoir was not what it is nowadays m, but even so I am sad to say this one disappointed. I’ve watched The Brady Bunch, The Brady Kids, The Brady Bunch. movie (plus its sequels) and even the made for TV version of this book, so my dislike was surely not for being “too young” as some will think, but having existed before our current time of the celebrity memoir boom, it just didn’t have a structure I couldn’t stand that so much was basically a summary of each episode. I wonder if he was to go back and redo it with current structure I would feel differently.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been Brady Bunch crazy for the past several months since I have been listening to TheRealBradyBros podcast where Chris and Barry are recapping every episode of the show and also answering questions from the fans. This was one of my favorite shows growing up (I am about the same age as Susan & Mike) so it brings back lots of memories. Loved seeing the boys on the Masked Singer as well a few weeks ago. Found this book at a used book sale and was excited to get it. Now on to Maureen's (Marcia) book.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5 stars? The book seemed to start as an autobiography of Barry Williams, and that was fine. Then it seemed to be random anecdotes about the show, in random order. And, for better or worse, I had the impression that the anecdotes were going to be somewhat salacious and/or mildly shocking. But, alas, the Brady kids really were, for the most part, just normal kids making a TV show. And then the book switches to an episode-by-episode overview, many of which repeat the anecdotes already told earlier in the book. Overall, for me, not so great. Your Brady cravings may vary.

[Mara Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? This book changed my life. I was about 12 when I read it, all the way back in 199X and I can't even remember what prompted me to pick it up. Was I already obsessed by the Brady Bunch, or did this book start my obsession? Did I pick this book up because I already watched the Brady Bunch obsessively and began taping them off of TBS when they aired back to back episodes after school, or was I just attracted to the outrageous 70s fashions and only after I had read the book did I begin my homemade VHS Brady Bunch collection?

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd read this years ago, but after recently starting to listen to the podcast from Barry Williams and Christopher Knight, I decided to revisit the book. At this point, of course, the information about what happened after the end of the Brady Bunch series is outdated, as 30 years have passed since this book was originally published. But I enjoyed this journey into nostalgia, the episode descriptions, and the behind-the-scenes info, although it is explored in greater depth on the podcast.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of the show, this is an incredibly fun and easy read. I personally love behind the scenes dish, and reading about all the ins and outs of a show I grew up with was pure fun. It's a nice balance between gossip and genuine affection for the show and people that made Barry Williams famous.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this audiobook on cassette tape back in the day, and finally found it again in digital form. The writing is OMG so so so so SO cheesy in a way that made me eyeroll many times (not a good thing when you're listening in the car!), but I love behind the scenes stuff like this, especially when it's stuff I feel very nostalgic about. Definitely worth listening to again.