Barry Williams opens up about what it means to grow up as Greg Brady. The Brady Bunch star recently reunited with longtime costars Susan Olsen, Mike Lookinland, and Christopher Knight during a panel at The Chocolate Expo, held at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. Williams gave an honest look at what merging real life with such a notable role was like.
Williams appeared in The Brady Bunch when he was just 14 years old, a sitcom that would later shape his youth. From 1969 to 1974, he played the oldest Brady son, Greg, in what became one of America’s most cherished family sitcoms. However, as he shared during the event, balancing his teenage years with the public identity of Greg Brady was not always easy.
Barry Williams had trouble finding his own identity separate from Greg Brady role
Now 70, Barry Williams spoke about what it was like to grow up on screen, sharing that the line between himself and his character blurred over time. However, instead of resisting it, he embraced the similarities, loving both versions of himself. This helped him play the eldest son naturally, as he already saw the cast as an extension of his family.
But not everything on the show mirrored his real life. Some storylines, like losing a driving contest to a sister or football mishaps, were all part of the scripted fun that did not reflect who he was off-camera. His co-stars also shared their reflections. Christopher Knight, who played Peter, said growing up alongside his character felt like a personal journey.
‘The Brady Bunch’ reunion
Mike Lookinland was the youngest of the group, and he recalled that his role as Bobby allowed him to be himself, just a kid having fun at work. While some moments were played for fun, much of the show’s charm came from the genuine bond between the young actors.
The reunion allowed the cast to reconnect with each other and fans who had been with them for years. The beautiful bond they shared decades ago was still visible, and their stories brought smiles and memories flooding back to viewers.