Eve Plumb is best known for playing Jan Brady, the Brady sister who won the hearts of The Brady Bunch fans by being the awkward, sensitive middle sibling. While her character became notorious for her “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” meltdown, Plumb has a far more fascinating life beyond the sitcom spotlight.
As Plumb turns 67, there is no better time to read about the lesser-known details of her life, career pivots, and life beyond being a Brady. From her surprising music ties to major interests, here are five things you probably didn’t know about Eve Plumb.
Eve Plumb was a real-life Monkees fan
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Eve Plumb’s birthday trivia isn’t complete without mentioning her unique connection to The Monkees. Her father worked in the music business and had ties to the band, which gave young Plumb the chance to visit their recording sessions. She even sat in during takes for “Last Train to Clarksville,” deepening her lifelong love for music.
She would have played Alice, not Jan
When asked which Brady Bunch character she would have preferred playing, Plumb surprised everyone by choosing Alice. On The Real Brady Bros podcast, she said Alice was strong, funny, and removed from the family drama. The idea of playing the outsider appealed to her more than the emotional turmoil of Jan Brady.
Eve Plumb’s refusal to be stereotyped boosted her career
In 1976, Plumb shattered her squeaky-clean image by starring in Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway. Playing a troubled teen sex worker, her performance drew critical praise and high ratings. The role marked a turning point, proving she could handle dramatic material and escape Jan Brady’s long shadow.
Eve Plumb is an accomplished painter
Plumb’s birthday celebrations might focus on her acting talents, but she’s also an accomplished painter who enjoys working with oils. Her work has been featured in galleries across the country since she began her art journey in the ‘90s. This quickly became her main creative outlet, far from the chaos of Hollywood.
She nearly formed a post-Brady pop trio
After the show’s end, Plumb, Michael Lookinland, and Susan Olsen planned to form a musical group called The Brady 3. They took promo photos and held rehearsals, hoping to transition into music stardom. While nothing concrete came from it, the project reflected Eve’s eagerness to branch out creatively.