In The News

Actress Ann B Davis passes away

Actress Ann B Davis passes away

THE actress Ann B Davis, who appeared in the TV series The Brady Bunch, has passed away at the age of 88.

Ms Davis played housekeeper Alice Nelson in the series which initially ran from 1969 to 1974. But she reprised her role in a number of follow-up shows based on the characters, including The Brady Bunch Variety Hour and The Brady Brides (see below).

She had not planned to become an actress, but had decided to study medicine at the University of Michigan before catching the acting bug from her brother, who at that point had landed a role in a national tour of Oklahoma.

Her early work was in theatre, but Ms Davis eventually made her way to Hollywood where she landed her first big break on the sit-com The Bob Cummings Show (see below). Playing secretary Charmaine ‘Schultzy’ Schultz, Ms. Davis went on to win two Emmys for her work on the popular TV show, which ran between 1955 and 1959. She was also given a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1960.

Her later work included appearances on Broadway and on TV shows such as The Love Boat and Day by Day as well as in several TV movies.

After leaving Hollywood, she re-embraced her Christian faith and lived quietly in Texas. She passed away in San Antonio hospital after suffering a head injury in a fall at her home.

Among the many tributes was one from Maureen McCormick who played teenager Marcia Brady in the hit show. She said: “Ann made me a better person. How blessed I am to have had her in my life. She will be forever missed.”

To view an excerpt from an interview in which Ms. Davis talks about her character in The Brady Bunch, click here.

To see a clip from The Bob Cummings Show, in which Ms Davis appears, click here.

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