‘The Brady Bunch’ Cast Mischief Behind-The-Scenes – Including Running Off To The ‘Bonanza’ Set

Many people around the world wonder what it’s like to be a child star. Questions often arise about what happens behind the scenes and whether young actors are allowed to simply be kids while working. While being a child star comes with its challenges, the cast of The Brady Bunch have revealed that they found the experience enjoyable and memorable due to the relationship they shared with their peers of the same age.

Barry Williams and Christopher Knight, who played the roles of Greg and Peter Brady on the sitcom, recently talked about their experiences on set during an episode of the January 22 episode of the podcast The Real Brady Bros. The discussion was prompted by a fan’s question about their experiences growing in the spotlight.

‘The Brady Bunch’ set was professional, yet they were allowed to be kids behind-the-scenes

A fan asked if being on the show allowed them access to childhood freedoms like every other child. Williams and Knight responded by sharing fun and exciting memories of the playful atmosphere behind the scenes. Despite the structured environment required for filming, the show’s producers encouraged the young actors to enjoy their childhood. 

Williams further revealed that cast member Michael Lookinland, who played Bobby Brady, would climb the scaffolding above the sets. The children also snoop around the Paramount Studios lot, and also explore the sets of other productions like Bonanza. “I used to play on the main street and go up inside their sets,” Williams said. He shared that they had the privilege to “goof around and be kids.”

Knight also supported and agreed with Williams, he explained that the group felt lucky to work in an adult environment yet still be kids. “The saving grace was that I wasn’t the only kid,” he said,  “And it wasn’t like just me and somebody else.” He shared that the adventures and mischief they were up to helped create a close bond among them.

Each child star had a guardian or parent on set

Though the children had plenty of opportunities to explore and have fun, the set had its own rules. Each cast member had a parent or guardian on-site to ensure their safety. As the eldest of the group, Williams, then 16, didn’t have a guardian on set, but he remained under the supervision of Knight’s mum.

While the younger cast members played together, Williams, who was the oldest child, often bonded with the adult actors, including Florence Henderson (Carol Brady), Robert Reed (Mike Brady), and Ann B. Davis (Alice). He fondly recalled playing tennis with Davis against the soundstage wall. Knight jokingly referred to Williams as “literally too cool for school.”

While reminiscing on their experiences, both actors agreed that being surrounded by children their ages made their time on The Brady Bunch special. The other kids on the show were “sort of a blend between a friend and a real brother and sister,” Knight added. Despite the challenges that often come with child stardom, the relationship among the cast found a family in each other.