Back in the Nineties, Ann. B. Davis was living in Ambridge PA, near where I live. I play in a concert band and was performing in an outdoor summer concert. Ann was sitting in the audience and during intermission, I approached her and we conversed briefly. I thanked her for coming to our concert and I respected her privacy by saying nothing to anyone in the band about our conversation.
My favorite Alice episode is when she quit, Kay takes over, and they find her in the diner… my heart broke every single time I watched it….especially when Bobby says I guess she doesn’t like us anymore, and she over hears it…
That comment was the icing on the cake. The older kids had snubbed her to the point that they wouldn't even tell her about their day at school! I think that Bobby and Cindy may have been mad at Alice because she wouldn't let them go skinny dipping with the new neighbors. (That scene I'm talking about is on DVD. Otherwise it was omitted when showed on TV.)
My wife and I met Ann when we moved to the San Antonio area 20+ years ago. In fact, she was among the first to welcome us when we were visiting a local congregation in our search for a new church. She took us both by the arm and paraded us around for introductions. Imagine a two time Emmy winner taking a genuine interest in a couple of complete strangers! A lovely gesture that we will always remember. By that time, Ann had spent about 25 years as a central part of a communal faith group led by retired Episcopal bishop Bill Frey, the former Presiding Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado. At this stage of life Ann was completely devoted to her faith, and it was very difficult to get her to talk about her career. Occasionally she would share a story (such as Pastor Jack Hayford performing baptisms in Pat Boone’s swimming pool!), but I don’t think she missed her work - or the lifestyle - one bit. I doubt she even knew where her Emmys were.
@bitterclinger5876 In one Brady Bunch episode, Alice's bedroom had a painting of the Crucifixion on the wall. Ann must have requested that it be put up. Not sure if she could have done that in these crazy times.
@@albundy6008 She didn't belong to a weird cult she just took her faith seriously. She belonged to the Episcopal Church which is not exactly Heaven's Gate.
@@jdsundstrom thanks so much, you know I seen an interview with" Mrs Brady" talking of getting letter's from kid's wanting to be a Brady, I was one of them! I got through a difficult childhood because of that show 💓 you're awesome Dave 👍👵🇭🇲
Back in the late 1980s I met Ms Davis while she was appearing in Kansas City, MO in a run of Arsenic and Old Lace. She came across as very nice and appreciative.
I just loved Ann B. Davis as Alice. She is one of my all-time favorite tv characters. She brought so much to the show. She could be very funny. The Brady’s couldn’t do without her. I read that she slipped in her bathroom and never gained consciousness again. What a sad way to go! However, on the show, she was simply delightful. The thing that I loved about her being on the show is that the Brady’s didn’t treat her as being just a housekeeper! She was part of their family. They took her on every trip that they took! That’s what a real family would do! Thanks for this video and the memories! May Ann rest in blissful peace. Peace.
I felt Carol and Mike called her Alice and Alice called either Mr. Brady or Mrs. Brady With all the years she worked with them though a fictional show should have been able to call them by first names. Also Ann was a twin. Plus very religious. I felt she fell in the bathroom ad she was most likely late for some app't running into the bathroom to shower and slipped. After reafing how she passed no matter how late it is I take my time with getting ready to go out. I also read shexwas very healthy. So sad.
As for Robert Reed he was Gay and did not care for his role. However he was s great actor and it did not come off that way. Life is short so just enjoy whatever happiness you have.
I love Barry Williams’ story of being a young lad in the first season. He was laughing at Ann B Davis’s antics while performing. And she sternly looked at him and said, “Barry! Comedy work isn’t funny!” He got scared because he was still a preteen. He thought she was really mad at him. Then she smiled and said, “Honey, I’m joking.” ❤
Alice was a great character to me as a kid. As far as her personal life, there were certain things people had to hide back then and I believe that she was one such person. I could be totally wrong, but hopefully she lived a full and happy life.
I agree,it’s no one business what goes in a bedroom. I never understood why it was important to publish things like that, whether they had multiple lovers,or not,whether they where gay or not, same with people I know .as long they have a good heart that’s all it matters.
I really felt it was a nod to her rumoured sexuality . And I mean .. in the show when she whistled out loud yo celebrate … hilarious but again a nod and a wink I suspected .
When I was in cosmetology school in the early 90s we had to learn a few different updos for the state boards. One was a style like Alice's, so we Gen Xers fondly called it "The Alice".
Love the Brady Bunch so, so much! Someday I would love to get the Box Set of the DVDs, I loved the musical episodes the best! Ann B. Davis, really was a wonderful actress, and I'm so happy she had the chance to get to know & work with the kids as audlts, in spinoffs & specials!!! Thank you, Dave for such a great video!!! 🌼
I had a friend who’s uncle was a tv producer and my friend would go to California each summer and spend two weeks with his uncle and Ann B. Came over to their house often. I think she was either the Uncles girlfriend or just good friend. My friend told many stories about meeting lots of the TV show actors and also watching shoots. He always referred to her as Ann B. when he talked about her.
I was an Extra in S02E18, "Our Son, The Man" and I had a chance to sit and have a long chat with Ms Davis between scenes. She was exactly as sweet to this 15 yo as she plays on the show. Some actors play against their true nature, like Any Griffith, and some are exactly as goofy off camera as on, like Jerry Van Dyke. The school yard was suppose to be shot on the back lot after lunch but it was raining so the crew re-dressed the Brady "backyard" and we shot inside the sound stage. I thought the fan blowing the plastic leaves on the fiberglass tree was a nice touch.
@@TheBOG3 I've heard the same rumors about AG and I can't deny that on the day I was there he was a total AH. I would describe his behavior as petulant. Jerry Van Dyke plays the Coach and he was a delight. Just as silly off-screen as he plays in his shows (Mother, Headmaster). Jerry is not acting. He was the comic relief on and off film.
Ann B Davis was a great actress as a kid in Elementary School in the 60's. I remember seeing re-runs of the Bob Cummings Show and that's where I had seen Ann. The Bob Cummings Show was a show from the 50's. I remember one episode of the Bob Cummings Show where Bob tried to tear a phone book in half. Ann took the phone book away from him and she was able to tear it in half. That episode is worth watching. She was talented because she appeared on two TV Series even though they were a decade apart.
BTW Anne also played a character named Schultzy in the 90's Brady Bunch Movie! A truckie who picks up Jan and empathises with her about being a middle child! A nice little nod to both of her well known characters.
Awesome Dave , I didn't know this about Ann , u May remember what I told you n Denver Colorado when I met her in the early 80s where she dedicated herself to help others needing help & without wanting or recieving a dime n wages. & Also ,met her dating game style personality portrayed in the show. Her level of intelligence when talking with her made u amazed & baffled from her high intellect .
I know Barry Williams liked Ann B. Davis, because he talked about her in his book. He said she was the ultimate pro, and would do her best even if the writing wasn't that good.
I remember the trampoline episode and anything where she had to do something stunty or physical and it came off as no big deal. Probably living up to what Alice told Carol when she putted without looking. "I think you found the secret to golf. Don't look." And when Jan wrapped her as an accident victim and she had to answer the phone wrapped. And of course during the hula getting hurt best line ever. "It's my hula. My hu went one way and my la went the other." And the hula instructor all puzzled. Even when Alice left and the guys were explaining Alice's crazy shot to Kay (Mary Treen, earlier George Bailey's cousin and secretary at Building & Loan and Rose, first housekeeper on Andy Griffith Show) you could see Alice doing that. But still great with the kids especially when she gets Jan the locket.
The "twin" episode was loosely based on Ann B. Davis' real life. She had originally majored in Pre-Med, but after seeing her older brother in a production of "Oklahoma!," she changed to theatre. Ann had an identical twin sister named Harriet. Here's a photo of both of them: pictures.historicimages.net/pictures/493000/492395.jpg
I think Ann is the one on our left because her right eye squints a little more closed than her left eye in that picture. It matches the picture of her when she’s older. Her twin sister’s eyes don’t do that.
Great insight on Annie B! She was always one of my favorite characters on the show. Seems to have given the family more soundness and a bit more integrity. The Brady Bunch was fun excapism for my family and me. Counting myself, our household consisted of 3 brothers and 3 sisters too. While growing up that TV series meant a lot to us. I still enjoy the occasional rerun of it now and then.
@@jdsundstrom I liked Ann B. Davis she like many actors and actress did a great job be it on TV or movies... and like everyone else in the world we are all different.........some nice others not outside their work......some actors go out of their way to help up and coming actors and that is good.. you can help others give good possitive feedback and point out mistakes that can be corrected in a good way with out being mean or looking down on them...........after all no matter your job we all had to start some where and are not perfect..........keep up the good work on your videos I enjoy listening to them
In an ep with a dream sequence (I think it was when Marcia fell in love with her dentist) Ann was dressed as a French maid . She had fantastic legs ! But a great moment was when cousin Oliver wreaks havoc and throws a basket ball outside the garage, it bounces all the way into the kitchen causing Mike to trip on it and crush his architectural model. But a second before that Ann steps over the ball throwing her washing into the air. It lands directly on her head ....and you hardly see it but you get the feeling she just did it on the spot . This show just worked on every level , in every episode !
If she is holding child actors to that professional standards, she is actually teaching and modeling professional conduct. Ellen Corby as Grandma Walton, was the same professional taskmaster with those kids. Someone on those casts with lots of kids has to set that high expectation so the director isn't the only one.
Okay two things: 1) There is a Brady Bros Podcast?!! Thanks for the tip! Will be looking that up! 2) Great Video! Loved the inside info..and Dave you handle it so respectfully! As always brother...Great job!!
I knew folks who remembered her. After the Brady Bunch show ended, she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she joined an Episcopal community led by Bishop Bill Frey. The community later relocated to Pennsylvania where he lectured at a seminary. She was very active in the Episcopal Church through the years. The community later moved to San Antonio, Texas where she passed away several years later.
45th...heyy Dave...ahh yes the Brady Bunch - started when I was 9 .... I saw them as ALL NEW episodes....Friday nights 1970..8pm Brady Bunch, 8:30 Partridge Family :)
I find it weird that I use to look at Alice like a great Aunt in the 70’s & early 80’s reruns. I’m 53 . Because now I’m older than Alice was in the 5th season. Lol 😂
I remember in the late 50s, while she was on Love That Bob, she was appearing in a show at the Martinique, a club in Chicago, and my parents went to see her and got an autographed photo of Schultze.
I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. One time my mother was yelling at us to pick up the TV room and the Brady bunch was on . She said " they have a full time maid? ( Mom was a school teacher) and she laughed hystericaly!
@@harperstacey9604 If I remember the storyline right, Alice was already working for Mike Brady when he met Carol. After they tied the knot and blended the families together, they kept Alice on, largely due to her rapport with the boys. It took the boys awhile to interact with Carol as their mother. And I think Carol and Alice worked together.
Dave, remember when Ann B Davis died MSNBC showed the wrong photo? They showed a picture of Hernriette Mantel whom portrayed Alice in the Brady Bunch movies! And yes Dave they're were actually 3 films produced, the last one was" The Brady Bunch In The White House" in which only Shelley Long and Gary Cole reprised their roles!
Just watched the MSNBC clip. How sad is that? In fact, they showed the entire Brady Bunch movie cast instead of the TV show cast. Clearly, whoever was in charge of images that day had never watched the original TV show.
I was lucky enough to see Ann live onstage in the national tour of the Broadway musical Crazy For You. She had a featured role and stole all the scenes she appeared in.💖
Great tribute to Ann B. Davis definitely in my top 5 all time favorite shows. 1. Leave it to Beaver 2. Brady Bunch 3. Gilligan’s Island 4. The Munsters 5. Land of the Lost
I loved that in the 90’s Brady Bunch movie, Ann came back for an extended cameo, and we got the return of Shultzie! Also, good to know about the new podcast!
I thought sure the trivia question at the end was going to be "What was Alice's last name?" Just because it was rarely mentioned on the show. It was Nelson. I always thought it would have been cool if they would have had an episode where Ozzie and Harriet would turn out to bel related to Alice (although I know Nelson was actually Ozzie and Harriet's real name and they basically just played themselves on that sitcom). Congrats for coming up with a trivia question I'd never heard before; I had to guess, but I guessed right through pure luck. Funny her middle name was Bradford, since that calls to mind another sitcom with even more kids; Eight is Enough. Incidentally, I also always thought it would have been cool if Mike Brady had turned out to be related to Rob Petrie's boss, Alan Brady on the Dick Van Dyke show (even though that show had been off the air for years by the time the BB premiered). Still, Alan Brady could have given the family free tickets to watch his variety show live in New York. Too bad, TV show crossovers rarely happened in those days.
I believe that it was only said in one episode (where Alice won the hi-fi stereo), and it was said twice in that episode. I won a trivia contest on a cruise once because it was the final question, and I was the only person in the contest who knew the answer.
Eve Plumb and others from the show have talked about Ann Davis needlepointing in between takes. She would make them things. Very sweet. She liked them, but it was a job for her. I don’t think she went on vacation with them like Robert and Florence did. Could be wrong.❤
Btw Dave Decades Tv profiled Andy Griffith on the show Through The Decades. Andy spoke of Andy Griffith Show Matlock and how he became a character actor after the failure of The New Andy Griffith Show. He also said people would probably not like a real life Barney Fife. Good Profile
@@jdsundstrom no problem Dave. I always meant to tell you i did see Andy Griffith once. He was filming Matlock on Park Ave in New York. I remember some young guys were walking by and yelled Yo Andy. He was very nice and waved and smiled at them. Never forgot that
good day dave. i remember reading in a book that ann was on a plane, and the stawardess said alice would you mind putting out your cigerett. and ann said i am not a maid and my name isnt alice.
Alice lives on in my house. I named my cat Alice and she’s in charge whenever I am out. She has yet to cook me pork chops and applesauce for dinner though.
@@catlover2652 It was there for creating a good television story with many avenues of interaction amongst the characters. Had nothing to do with whether Carol had a job , did housework, or cooked. In real life, a house with 6 teens wouldn't be as clean as the Bradys' always seemed. And 1 bathroom for 6 kids? No way...a man of Mike's standing as a successful architect would have had a 2nd bathroom added as soon as the girls moved in. But, again, one bathroom added to the storyline and made the fiction more fun. I wonder if there are/were any actual Brady Bunch families with 6 kids, 2 parents, and a housekeeper. I bet they had/have more than 1 bathroom😁
@@kelseymathias3881There’s a bathroom by Alice’s room on the first floor by the laundry room. The parents have their own master bathroom attached to their master bedroom. Mike needed to remodel the attic sooner and make sure there’s a bathroom up there. The boys could’ve had that room as theirs. The girls could’ve shared the two bedrooms and bathroom that the 6 kids were all crammed into. They could’ve NOT had a live in maid (which most people who even live in a mansion don’t) and that would’ve freed up a bedroom and a bathroom on the main floor.
Yes, it's true that Annie really was a very close friend to the whole cast of the Brady Bunch and we can tell by a # of sources like in The Brady Bunch Home Movies too.The best original version is of course the one of which has the photos with their actor role names followed by their a.k.a. Brady role names even the one of Ann B. Davis a.k.a. Alice Nelson maybe someone can submit a copy of this one to UA-cam if they own one and do their research to find the address too.upon my research I'll try to do the same too.I've written to UA-cam before.
She definitely added something very special to the show, and her love for the kids, at least in character, really shined through. I don't recall if she had much to do with any of the revivals; I don't think she did but then again maybe they didn't make room for her, not sure. And I believe she came from a religious background so that might explain her no nonsense attitude towards things. Was just thinking today, Dave, that it'd be cool to see you do a live chat devoted just to junk food of the 70s, just 'food' for thought!!! :)
Watching the BB as a kid the the thing that stood out to me the most was that the maid / hosue keeper must have been run ragged picking up after that family because not one of them did anything for themselves !
See, i was born a few years too late to see Brady Bunch in its orignal run. I knew her as the "Minute Rice" commercials and when I saw her on the show I immediately though, "That's the Minute Rice lady"!
I'd curious as to why Andy's and Helen's son Andy Jr., who appeared on the finale of The Andy Griffith Show, didn't appear in the Return To Mayberry TV film. Andy Jr. wasn't even mentioned casually. That makes two on screen siblings of Ron Howard disappearing without trace. Chuck Cunningham showing up for Joanie's wedding would have been the ultimate plot twist!
There was a show where it was mentioned briefly but I can't quite recall where ? Might've been on the LoveBoat. He makes a joke about Chuck returning after all these years have passed.
I THINK THAT'S CALLED GOOD ACTING. She was a professional and she knew if everyone was not prepared at all times it could make for a very long day. Just like at any job. You are paid to act and also be prepared. People tend to forget being in a movie or TV show is a job. Not playing around time where everyone becomes such great pals they hang together 24/7.
This was a different one, Dave. But wow, Ann B Davis was a great actor! The Brady Bunch would NEVER have been as iconic as it is without her... Of course I never knew her, but would be interested as to why she chose to never have kids...? In my youth, I never wanted kids but now I have grand kids. How did she avoid children when having kids was the normal thing?
@@jdsundstrom Dave many actors and actresses despite being in family oriented tv shows and movies don't actually have children in real life. For example Sherman Hemsley and Reginald Vel-Johnson never got married or had any children! Steve Martin didn't have his first child until 2012. Helen Mirren also has no children!
Lots of people from those generations never had kids. Plenty also never married. I had teachers growing up that never married or had kids and I’m Gen-X.
Back in the Nineties, Ann. B. Davis was living in Ambridge PA, near where I live. I play in a concert band and was performing in an outdoor summer concert. Ann was sitting in the audience and during intermission, I approached her and we conversed briefly. I thanked her for coming to our concert and I respected her privacy by saying nothing to anyone in the band about our conversation.
One of the funniest site gags in Naked Gun 33 1/3 was when Leslie said "we'll get that housekeeper you always wanted," and it's Alice.
My favorite Alice episode is when she quit, Kay takes over, and they find her in the diner… my heart broke every single time I watched it….especially when Bobby says I guess she doesn’t like us anymore, and she over hears it…
That darn Bobby! Always goes for the heartstrings doesn’t he!?!
@@jpboursaw4469 🤣
That comment was the icing on the cake. The older kids had snubbed her to the point that they wouldn't even tell her about their day at school! I think that Bobby and Cindy may have been mad at Alice because she wouldn't let them go skinny dipping with the new neighbors. (That scene I'm talking about is on DVD. Otherwise it was omitted when showed on TV.)
This episode makes me cry every time
Yeah that was my favorite Alice episode too. And it was Kay who taught the kids a lesson just by simply doing her job
I really loved the Brady Bunch! And Alice was a great character. Up for anything! ❤️
My Mother met Ann B. Davis while she (my Mom) was on the job. She said Ann B. Davis was a nice, down to earth person.
Thanks for sharing!
My wife and I met Ann when we moved to the San Antonio area 20+ years ago. In fact, she was among the first to welcome us when we were visiting a local congregation in our search for a new church. She took us both by the arm and paraded us around for introductions. Imagine a two time Emmy winner taking a genuine interest in a couple of complete strangers! A lovely gesture that we will always remember.
By that time, Ann had spent about 25 years as a central part of a communal faith group led by retired Episcopal bishop Bill Frey, the former Presiding Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado. At this stage of life Ann was completely devoted to her faith, and it was very difficult to get her to talk about her career. Occasionally she would share a story (such as Pastor Jack Hayford performing baptisms in Pat Boone’s swimming pool!), but I don’t think she missed her work - or the lifestyle - one bit. I doubt she even knew where her Emmys were.
What a wonderful comment! Thanks so much for sharing your memories of Ann. 🙂
I remember reading that she belonged to some weird cult. I don't know if that is true or not.
@bitterclinger5876 In one Brady Bunch episode, Alice's bedroom had a painting of the Crucifixion on the wall. Ann must have requested that it be put up. Not sure if she could have done that in these crazy times.
@@albundy6008 She didn't belong to a weird cult she just took her faith seriously. She belonged to the Episcopal Church which is not exactly Heaven's Gate.
RIP Miss Davis.
Lol
I never knew the Brady brothers even had a podcast! I'm rather obsessed with the Brady bunch 💓
You've got to check that podcast out, Susan. It's awesome!
@@jdsundstrom thanks so much, you know I seen an interview with" Mrs Brady" talking of getting letter's from kid's wanting to be a Brady, I was one of them! I got through a difficult childhood because of that show 💓 you're awesome Dave 👍👵🇭🇲
Ah shucks! Thanks Susan. 🙂
Back in the late 1980s I met Ms Davis while she was appearing in Kansas City, MO in a run of Arsenic and Old Lace. She came across as very nice and appreciative.
Thanks for sharing!
She must have been good in that!
she'd be perfect for "Arsenic and Old Lace"
I just loved Ann B. Davis as Alice. She is one of my all-time favorite tv characters. She brought so much to the show. She could be very funny. The Brady’s couldn’t do without her. I read that she slipped in her bathroom and never gained consciousness again. What a sad way to go! However, on the show, she was simply delightful. The thing that I loved about her being on the show is that the Brady’s didn’t treat her as being just a housekeeper! She was part of their family. They took her on every trip that they took! That’s what a real family would do! Thanks for this video and the memories! May Ann rest in blissful peace. Peace.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video Darin. 🙂
@@jdsundstrom - You bet! Peace.
I felt Carol and Mike called her Alice and Alice called either Mr. Brady or Mrs. Brady With all the years she worked with them though a fictional show should have been able to call them by first names.
Also Ann was a twin. Plus very religious.
I felt she fell in the bathroom ad she was most likely late for some app't running into the bathroom to shower and slipped.
After reafing how she passed no matter how late it is I take my time with getting ready to go out.
I also read shexwas very healthy. So sad.
As for Robert Reed he was Gay and did not care for his role. However he was s great actor and it did not come off that way.
Life is short so just enjoy whatever happiness you have.
@@eloiseockert9319 - I agree with your comment! Thanks! Peace.
Its refreshing to hear something nice about these old actors from our childhood. thank you for making this vid.
You are most welcome Danielle. 🙂
I always felt a little sorry for Alice...it was like she didn't have her own life..just lived to serve the bradys.
Well... She did have Sam. 🙂
And they made the poor woman wear that gawd awful uniform 😢
Sam the butcher was her boyfriend. From Ms. Harper Stacey.
Well, she got to go on all those great trips with them. Almost no family brings along their maid!
And eat red meat 🥩
I love Barry Williams’ story of being a young lad in the first season. He was laughing at Ann B Davis’s antics while performing. And she sternly looked at him and said, “Barry! Comedy work isn’t funny!” He got scared because he was still a preteen. He thought she was really mad at him. Then she smiled and said, “Honey, I’m joking.” ❤
Alice was a great character to me as a kid.
As far as her personal life, there were certain things people had to hide back then and I believe that she was one such person. I could be totally wrong, but hopefully she lived a full and happy life.
I agree,it’s no one business what goes in a bedroom. I never understood why it was important to publish things like that, whether they had multiple lovers,or not,whether they where gay or not, same with people I know .as long they have a good heart that’s all it matters.
@@catlover2652 Or she might have been the stereotype spinster.
She was a very religious person, maybe she just lived a private life…
@@catlover2652 the problem is that it's not just the bedroom is it? now they are grooming kids and cancelling and bullying people!!!
@Jessica Smith No, she was an Episcopalian, and, at the time of her death, she was living in a lay Episcopalian community in Texas.
Ann B. Davis was perfection as Alice.
Agreed!
She was a talented actress, and made it look effortless.
Ann was in the Brady Bunch movie playing a trucker who picked up runway Jan. Her name in this was Schultze her character name on Bob Cummings show.
I remember!
When I was a little shaver I used to watch "Bob Cummings" with my mom and Schultze was the life of the show!!!!
I really felt it was a nod to her rumoured sexuality . And I mean .. in the show when she whistled out loud yo celebrate … hilarious but again a nod and a wink I suspected .
I saw her in a play in the mid 80's. It was obvious that she was the polished and real actor and everyone else was just local talent.
Ann said in an interview how much she enjoyed doing the show and how she wished it had gone on for many more years.
When I was in cosmetology school in the early 90s we had to learn a few different updos for the state boards. One was a style like Alice's, so we Gen Xers fondly called it "The Alice".
Love the Brady Bunch so, so much! Someday I would love to get the Box Set of the DVDs, I loved the musical episodes the best!
Ann B. Davis, really was a wonderful actress, and I'm so happy she had the chance to get to know & work with the kids as audlts, in spinoffs & specials!!!
Thank you, Dave for such a great video!!! 🌼
Thanks for sharing Karenlee. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video.
You might like their variety show. It's here on UA-cam. I hurt my face smiling so hard.
@@lorimiller4301
Thank you, Lori!! 🤗
Great video! Thanks for the Brady podcasts info, I can't wait to hear one!
I had a friend who’s uncle was a tv producer and my friend would go to California each summer and spend two weeks with his uncle and Ann B. Came over to their house often. I think she was either the Uncles girlfriend or just good friend. My friend told many stories about meeting lots of the TV show actors and also watching shoots. He always referred to her as Ann B. when he talked about her.
Thanks for sharing!
Alice to the Bradys was like Alfred was to Bruce Wayne.
Love it!
Don't forget Sébastien Cabot as Mr French on Family Affair.
That’s a fun comparison, but it’s the truth!
I love what I've heard about her. I'd like to know more about her years at the Christian Commune she lived at.
That would be an interesting video to make!
I was an Extra in S02E18, "Our Son, The Man" and I had a chance to sit and have a long chat with Ms Davis between scenes. She was exactly as sweet to this 15 yo as she plays on the show. Some actors play against their true nature, like Any Griffith, and some are exactly as goofy off camera as on, like Jerry Van Dyke. The school yard was suppose to be shot on the back lot after lunch but it was raining so the crew re-dressed the Brady "backyard" and we shot inside the sound stage. I thought the fan blowing the plastic leaves on the fiberglass tree was a nice touch.
Wow! Very cool! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
That’s a great experience you shared. What is Andy Griffith’s true nature? Is he mean?
@@TheBOG3 I've heard the same rumors about AG and I can't deny that on the day I was there he was a total AH. I would describe his behavior as petulant. Jerry Van Dyke plays the Coach and he was a delight. Just as silly off-screen as he plays in his shows (Mother, Headmaster). Jerry is not acting. He was the comic relief on and off film.
@TheBOG3 Andy himself said he wasn't as nice as Andy Taylor m. He also had alcohol a deep woman problems.
That photo of you with Christopher looks like it was taken at Krofft Con! My daughter and I went to that and had such a wonderful time!
1 for 1 on the trivia! Love the show, the cast and the characters. Thanks for the post!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ann was devout Christian and lived for many years in a religious commune down in San Antonio Texas.
Thanks for sharing Baji!
No Denver
Charles Manson lived in a commune too.
What’s that supposed to mean?That was Charles Manson not Ann B Davis. Judge not that ye be not judged. Matthew 7 verse 1.
Ann B Davis was a great actress as a kid in Elementary School in the 60's. I remember seeing re-runs of the Bob Cummings Show and that's where I had seen Ann. The Bob Cummings Show was a show from the 50's. I remember one episode of the Bob Cummings Show where Bob tried to tear a phone book in half. Ann took the phone book away from him and she was able to tear it in half. That episode is worth watching. She was talented because she appeared on two TV Series even though they were a decade apart.
Thanks for sharing your memories Joe!
BTW Anne also played a character named Schultzy in the 90's Brady Bunch Movie! A truckie who picks up Jan and empathises with her about being a middle child! A nice little nod to both of her well known characters.
Awesome Dave , I didn't know this about Ann , u May remember what I told you n Denver Colorado when I met her in the early 80s where she dedicated herself to help others needing help & without wanting or recieving a dime n wages. & Also ,met her dating game style personality portrayed in the show. Her level of intelligence when talking with her made u amazed & baffled from her high intellect .
I do remember that! Thanks for sharing Lenny!
this was nice, thanks! I STILL watch the Bob Cummings show JUST for Schultzy.
Ann seemed genuinely loving.
Ann had a twin sister. From Ms. Harper Stacey.
I know Barry Williams liked Ann B. Davis, because he talked about her in his book. He said she was the ultimate pro, and would do her best even if the writing wasn't that good.
Ann's professionalism seems to be a very common theme when cast members are asked about her.
I liked her with Robert Cummings in "Love That Bob," which was on in the late '50s.
I remember the trampoline episode and anything where she had to do something stunty or physical and it came off as no big deal. Probably living up to what Alice told Carol when she putted without looking. "I think you found the secret to golf. Don't look." And when Jan wrapped her as an accident victim and she had to answer the phone wrapped. And of course during the hula getting hurt best line ever. "It's my hula. My hu went one way and my la went the other." And the hula instructor all puzzled. Even when Alice left and the guys were explaining Alice's crazy shot to Kay (Mary Treen, earlier George Bailey's cousin and secretary at Building & Loan and Rose, first housekeeper on Andy Griffith Show) you could see Alice doing that. But still great with the kids especially when she gets Jan the locket.
Great Alice moments for share! Thanks for sharing Todd.
The "twin" episode was loosely based on Ann B. Davis' real life. She had originally majored in Pre-Med, but after seeing her older brother in a production of "Oklahoma!," she changed to theatre. Ann had an identical twin sister named Harriet. Here's a photo of both of them: pictures.historicimages.net/pictures/493000/492395.jpg
I think Ann is the one on our left because her right eye squints a little more closed than her left eye in that picture. It matches the picture of her when she’s older. Her twin sister’s eyes don’t do that.
Gen x slim Sheri reminds me of Ann B. Davis humor and timing. Respect.
I had a PE teacher that looked like Alice. She hated it when we called her Alice.
I loved it when Alice unintentionally took mushrooms in the movie version. A different Alice but a character made proficiently by Ann.
I was a latchkey kid in the 70s. Afternoon TV was my family and Alice was too.
The Brady Bunch taught many important life lessons to us 70s kids.
Great insight on Annie B! She was always one of my favorite characters on the show.
Seems to have given the family more soundness and a bit more integrity. The Brady Bunch was fun excapism for my family and me. Counting myself, our household consisted of 3 brothers and 3 sisters too.
While growing up that TV series meant a lot to us. I still enjoy the occasional rerun of it now and then.
Thanks for sharing ROHM58!
@@jdsundstrom I liked Ann B. Davis she like many actors and actress did a great job be it on TV or movies... and like everyone else in the world we are all different.........some nice others not outside their work......some actors go out of their way to help up and coming actors and that is good.. you can help others give good possitive feedback and point out mistakes that can be corrected in a good way with out being mean or looking down on them...........after all no matter your job we all had to start some where and are not perfect..........keep up the good work on your videos I enjoy listening to them
In an ep with a dream sequence (I think it was when Marcia fell in love with her dentist) Ann was dressed as a French maid . She had fantastic legs ! But a great moment was when cousin Oliver wreaks havoc and throws a basket ball outside the garage, it bounces all the way into the kitchen causing Mike to trip on it and crush his architectural model. But a second before that Ann steps over the ball throwing her washing into the air. It lands directly on her head ....and you hardly see it but you get the feeling she just did it on the spot . This show just worked on every level , in every episode !
Thanks for sharing!!
If she is holding child actors to that professional standards, she is actually teaching and modeling professional conduct. Ellen Corby as Grandma Walton, was the same professional taskmaster with those kids. Someone on those casts with lots of kids has to set that high expectation so the director isn't the only one.
Okay two things:
1) There is a Brady Bros Podcast?!! Thanks for the tip! Will be looking that up!
2) Great Video! Loved the inside info..and Dave you handle it so respectfully! As always brother...Great job!!
I think you'll enjoy it, Mike. The latest episode of the podcast is a Q&A session with lots of fun stories from Christopher and Barry. 🙂
I knew folks who remembered her. After the Brady Bunch show ended, she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she joined an Episcopal community led by Bishop Bill Frey. The community later relocated to Pennsylvania where he lectured at a seminary. She was very active in the Episcopal Church through the years. The community later moved to San Antonio, Texas where she passed away several years later.
She’s a legend. Always was my favourite character in the show. Her and Peter
Yep. She was wonderful.
45th...heyy Dave...ahh yes the Brady Bunch - started when I was 9 .... I saw them as ALL NEW episodes....Friday nights 1970..8pm Brady Bunch, 8:30 Partridge Family :)
Thanks for the comment rextrek!
I find it weird that I use to look at Alice like a great Aunt in the 70’s & early 80’s reruns. I’m 53 . Because now I’m older than Alice was in the 5th season. Lol 😂
It's funny how other people seem so old when a person is young.
@@jdsundstrom absolutely!
Everyone would love to have an Alice in their life. ☺️ I’ve heard of this podcast & I really need to check it out.🎧
You definitely do, Maryann! It's one of my favorites.
@@jdsundstrom me too
It's awesome! Brings back fantastic memories 👍
Anne was even a mentor to both Robert Reed and Florence Henderson due to being a few years older than even them.
She also knew the business. I am sure they asked Ann for advice.
I remember in the late 50s, while she was on Love That Bob, she was appearing in a show at the Martinique, a club in Chicago, and my parents went to see her and got an autographed photo of Schultze.
I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. One time my mother was yelling at us to pick up the TV room and the Brady bunch was on . She said " they have a full time maid? ( Mom was a school teacher) and she laughed hystericaly!
It was an odd thing...but Mike was a successful architect.
Architects must make the big bucks!
@@jdsundstrom George Costanza often said he was an architect. 😊
The bradys had to have a full-time maid because Carol Brady was a lazy housewife. From Ms. Harper Stacey.
@@harperstacey9604 If I remember the storyline right, Alice was already working for Mike Brady when he met Carol. After they tied the knot and blended the families together, they kept Alice on, largely due to her rapport with the boys. It took the boys awhile to interact with Carol as their mother. And I think Carol and Alice worked together.
Dave, remember when Ann B Davis died MSNBC showed the wrong photo? They showed a picture of Hernriette Mantel whom portrayed Alice in the Brady Bunch movies! And yes Dave they're were actually 3 films produced, the last one was" The Brady Bunch In The White House" in which only Shelley Long and Gary Cole reprised their roles!
Just watched the MSNBC clip. How sad is that? In fact, they showed the entire Brady Bunch movie cast instead of the TV show cast. Clearly, whoever was in charge of images that day had never watched the original TV show.
@@jdsundstrom I agree Dave, such a major flaw and a sad state of affairs!
I was lucky enough to see Ann live onstage in the national tour of the Broadway musical Crazy For You. She had a featured role and stole all the scenes she appeared in.💖
Thanks for sharing!
Great tribute to Ann B. Davis definitely in my top 5 all time favorite shows.
1. Leave it to Beaver
2. Brady Bunch
3. Gilligan’s Island
4. The Munsters
5. Land of the Lost
I loved that in the 90’s Brady Bunch movie, Ann came back for an extended cameo, and we got the return of Shultzie!
Also, good to know about the new podcast!
Definitely check out the podcast, JP. I think you'll enjoy it. 🙂
I loved Alice & loved the show. I always wanted to be the 7th Brady kid.
I thought sure the trivia question at the end was going to be "What was Alice's last name?" Just because it was rarely mentioned on the show. It was Nelson. I always thought it would have been cool if they would have had an episode where Ozzie and Harriet would turn out to bel related to Alice (although I know Nelson was actually Ozzie and Harriet's real name and they basically just played themselves on that sitcom). Congrats for coming up with a trivia question I'd never heard before; I had to guess, but I guessed right through pure luck. Funny her middle name was Bradford, since that calls to mind another sitcom with even more kids; Eight is Enough.
Incidentally, I also always thought it would have been cool if Mike Brady had turned out to be related to Rob Petrie's boss, Alan Brady on the Dick Van Dyke show (even though that show had been off the air for years by the time the BB premiered). Still, Alan Brady could have given the family free tickets to watch his variety show live in New York. Too bad, TV show crossovers rarely happened in those days.
Thanks for sharing!
I believe that it was only said in one episode (where Alice won the hi-fi stereo), and it was said twice in that episode.
I won a trivia contest on a cruise once because it was the final question, and I was the only person in the contest who knew the answer.
Alice was the glue that held the family together.
She was also, quite frequently, the comic relief on the show.
Eve Plumb and others from the show have talked about Ann Davis needlepointing in between takes. She would make them things. Very sweet. She liked them, but it was a job for her. I don’t think she went on vacation with them like Robert and Florence did. Could be wrong.❤
I think you're right.
I liked how in the early episodes, the parents were a little naive and Alice was more grounded than they were, helping the two families blend.
Btw Dave Decades Tv profiled Andy Griffith on the show Through The Decades. Andy spoke of Andy Griffith Show Matlock and how he became a character actor after the failure of The New Andy Griffith Show. He also said people would probably not like a real life Barney Fife. Good Profile
Thanks for sharing Jerry!
@@jdsundstrom no problem Dave. I always meant to tell you i did see Andy Griffith once. He was filming Matlock on Park Ave in New York. I remember some young guys were walking by and yelled Yo Andy. He was very nice and waved and smiled at them. Never forgot that
good day dave. i remember reading in a book that ann was on a plane, and the stawardess said alice would you mind putting out your cigerett. and ann said i am not a maid and my name isnt alice.
I don't think any actor enjoys being referred to by their character's name in real life.
She still shouldn't have been smoking!
Alice lives on in my house. I named my cat Alice and she’s in charge whenever I am out. She has yet to cook me pork chops and applesauce for dinner though.
I love it!
Alice was my favorite character on that show and her comic timing was really good too. I never heard a bad word about this lady.
Ann B Davis won two Emmys (out of 4 nominations) for playing Schultzy on The Bob Cummings Show as his secretary and comic relief on the show.
I always wondered why Carol would help Alice cook dinner when it was her job.
It gave a reason for interaction and dialog for the plot of the show.
I wonder that too,but carol never did house work ,or had a job.
@@catlover2652 It was there for creating a good television story with many avenues of interaction amongst the characters. Had nothing to do with whether Carol had a job , did housework, or cooked. In real life, a house with 6 teens wouldn't be as clean as the Bradys' always seemed. And 1 bathroom for 6 kids? No way...a man of Mike's standing as a successful architect would have had a 2nd bathroom added as soon as the girls moved in. But, again, one bathroom added to the storyline and made the fiction more fun. I wonder if there are/were any actual Brady Bunch families with 6 kids, 2 parents, and a housekeeper. I bet they had/have more than 1 bathroom😁
@@kelseymathias3881There’s a bathroom by Alice’s room on the first floor by the laundry room. The parents have their own master bathroom attached to their master bedroom. Mike needed to remodel the attic sooner and make sure there’s a bathroom up there. The boys could’ve had that room as theirs. The girls could’ve shared the two bedrooms and bathroom that the 6 kids were all crammed into. They could’ve NOT had a live in maid (which most people who even live in a mansion don’t) and that would’ve freed up a bedroom and a bathroom on the main floor.
Thanks, Dave. This fits with everything I've ever read about her.
Yes, it's true that Annie really was a very close friend to the whole cast of the Brady Bunch and we can tell by a # of sources like in The Brady Bunch Home Movies too.The best original version is of course the one of which has the photos with their actor role names followed by their a.k.a. Brady role names even the one of Ann B. Davis a.k.a. Alice Nelson maybe someone can submit a copy of this one to UA-cam if they own one and do their research to find the address too.upon my research I'll try to do the same too.I've written to UA-cam before.
Love their podcast. 😊🎧
She won a few Emmys for her portrayal of Schultze on " Love That Bob! "
Indeed she did. And..."Love That Bob" was also known as "The Bob Cummings Show".
Alice was great. She was a therapist for the kids.
She definitely added something very special to the show, and her love for the kids, at least in character, really shined through. I don't recall if she had much to do with any of the revivals; I don't think she did but then again maybe they didn't make room for her, not sure. And I believe she came from a religious background so that might explain her no nonsense attitude towards things. Was just thinking today, Dave, that it'd be cool to see you do a live chat devoted just to junk food of the 70s, just 'food' for thought!!! :)
Added something? Hell... she was the only funny one on the show and made it tolerable. My favorite episodes are those where Alice does some schtick.
@@paulk9985 Agree to disagree. Liked Alice but don't feel she was the only reason to watch.
@@Ravenscroft82 LOL. Your reply says a lot.
Now. It all makes since! T hanks, Dave
Cool 😎 nice work Dave !
I know Ann B Davis was a Episcopalian but I also read that she was also an Episcopal nun as well later on in her life
I know that she lived in an Episcopalian community...but I hadn't heard about her being a nun.
@@jdsundstrom I could of been wrong about the nun thing
Watching the BB as a kid the the thing that stood out to me the most was that the maid / hosue keeper must have been run ragged picking up after that family because not one of them did anything for themselves !
In real life, Ann B. Davis had an identical twin.
Thanks for sharing!
See, i was born a few years too late to see Brady Bunch in its orignal run. I knew her as the "Minute Rice" commercials and when I saw her on the show I immediately though, "That's the Minute Rice lady"!
Loved those commercials!
Ann B Davis actually resembled a good friend of my mom.The friend was from Spain. We adored her..
I'd curious as to why Andy's and Helen's son Andy Jr., who appeared on the finale of The Andy Griffith Show, didn't appear in the Return To Mayberry TV film. Andy Jr. wasn't even mentioned casually.
That makes two on screen siblings of Ron Howard disappearing without trace.
Chuck Cunningham showing up for Joanie's wedding would have been the ultimate plot twist!
There was a show where it was mentioned briefly but I can't quite recall where ? Might've been on the LoveBoat. He makes a joke about Chuck returning after all these years have passed.
She was always so chummy and likeable. She had a real world style. We all had a babysitter, caregiver, den mother or teacher aide like Alice.
I watched in 70”s also Fun tv 📺 back then Thanks
I just loved her, she was the real mom of the show
I THINK THAT'S CALLED GOOD ACTING. She was a professional and she knew if everyone was not prepared at all times it could make for a very long day. Just like at any job. You are paid to act and also be prepared. People tend to forget being in a movie or TV show is a job. Not playing around time where everyone becomes such great pals they hang together 24/7.
Well said
This was a different one, Dave. But wow, Ann B Davis was a great actor!
The Brady Bunch would NEVER have been as iconic as it is without her...
Of course I never knew her, but would be interested as to why she chose to never have kids...? In my youth, I never wanted kids but now I have grand kids. How did she avoid children when having kids was the normal thing?
Thanks for the comments, emkkahn. One can speculate as to why Ann never had kids...but, truthfully, only she knew for sure.
@@jdsundstrom Dave many actors and actresses despite being in family oriented tv shows and movies don't actually have children in real life. For example Sherman Hemsley and Reginald Vel-Johnson never got married or had any children! Steve Martin didn't have his first child until 2012. Helen Mirren also has no children!
Lots of people from those generations never had kids. Plenty also never married. I had teachers growing up that never married or had kids and I’m Gen-X.
She had quite a resume before the Brady Bunch however showed kinda type casted her after series ended
Dave, I certainly hope one day you do a poll on most popular servants between Alice, Geoffrey, Florence, Benson, and of course, Mr. belvedere
Don't forget Mr. French!
What about Hazel? She was the champion buttinsky maid!
That Segeant Emma episode always got to me a little bit. Didn't that woman know that Mike and Carol were her boss?
We loved the Brady Bunch. Ann B. Davis was great
The best!
I have seen several episodes of the Bob Cummins show. Dwayne Hickman and Nancy Culp were also on the show.
So why am I taking about Ann B. Davis today? I say any day is a good day to talk about Ann B. Davis and the Brady Bunch.
Totally agree!
Perhaps carol brady should have done her own house work. What the hell did carol do all day😮. I use to watch the show as a youngster
They should have let Alice have a more developed on screen relationship with Sam the butcher.
They should have added her to the song like they added the Professor and Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island.
One of the all-time great theme songs IMHO. Thanks for the comment Bravo NinetySeven!
At least she had the middle square.
She retired in San Antonio…. Or maybe just outside of SA in Boerne….
ALICE ROCKS R.I.P
Alice and her beau Sam The Butcher had a longer courtship than Andy Taylor and Helen Crump.