Barry Williams was born in Santa Monica on September 30, 54. He began his acting career at a young age. Barry Williams was born Blenkhorn and the youngest son of three boys in a family of English, Scottish and German ancestry. He was surrounded with actors in Pacific Palisades which may have sparked his interest in acting. At the age of just 13, the world saw his first TV appearance in 1967’s Christmas episode of Dragnet.
Rise to Stardom – The Brady Bunch Days
Barry was a candidate for countless roles, but his role as Greg Brady in “The Brady Bunch”, in 1969, changed the tides. The series was a moderate hit during its run but its syndication after cancellation on channels such as ABC Daytime, Nick at Night and others cemented its legacy. Williams was able to capture the essence of Greg Brady but it also presented challenges for Williams in terms of avoiding being typecast.
Theatrical pursuits and Diverse Roles
Barry, who was not satisfied with his role as Greg Brady in “General Hospital”, stepped into Hannibal’s shoes, an English conman, for the 1984 show. Barry’s versatility did not stop on the small screen. He also dabbled in musical theater. Barry toured with such monumental productions as “Grease”, “The Sound of Music” and “Romance/Romance”. He also graced Broadway in 1988 with “Romance/Romance”.
Authorship & Parodies
Williams’ autobiography, “Growing Up Brady : I Was a Teenage Greg”, hit the New York Times bestseller list in 1992. He voiced “The Real Greg Brady”, a humorous parody of Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” ten years later.
Branson Beyond
Barry created a cabaret show that celebrated his long career in Branson, Missouri. He was not only a performer but also a Sirius Satellite Radio host with “The Real Greg Brady’s Totally ’70s Pop Quiz”. In 2019, “A Very Brady Renovation”, a HGTV show, and in 2021’s Lifetime film “Blending Christmas,” his legacy with “The Brady Bunch,” resurfaced.
Financial Milestones
Williams’ networth is impressively $6 million. Williams’ earnings during the “Brady Bunch” period were $1,100 per weekly. Barry’s earnings from the syndication of “The Brady Bunch” were not significant, but he has worked in other fields. Barry’s tenancy at Branson is a reliable source of income. His voice can be heard on Sirius/XM’s 70s on Seven channel.
Personal Ventures and Real Estate
Barry’s marriages have brought him ups anddowns. With Ella Mary Matt he had a son and with Elizabeth Williams a daughter. He is currently married to Tina Mahina, since 2017.
Barry’s Malibu Beachfront House, built in 1974, was originally rented out at $25,000 per month. It was then listed for sale in 2019. The house changed hands for $5.82M in 2019, a testament to Barry’s success as an investor.
Barry Williams’ journey from his Santa Monica youth to the heights of fame with “The Brady Bunch”, and beyond, is a testament to his talent, adaptability, and resilience. Barry Williams’ accomplishments in front of and behind the camera have left a legacy that is multi-faceted.
