This Teen Idol from ‘The Brady Bunch’ Stunned Users with Her Transformation Decades After Battling Drug Addiction

Online surfers are intrigued by a former TV icon who has accepted aging gracefully. Her inherent beauty never fails to enthrall, even in the face of her battles with substance misuse and body image. This is a picture of her now that she has surmounted major obstacles.

From 1969 to 1974, the actress, who gained fame as Marcia Brady in the ABC comedy “The Brady Bunch,” enthralled viewers with her captivating performance. But after the show, things were different. Nevertheless, she has now recovered and is even more radiant.

The actress on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1969 | Source: Getty Images

The actress won millions of hearts throughout the country and rose to fame as a teen superstar while starring in the popular sitcom. Producers were drawn to her singing ability as the Brady Kids ventured into the music industry.

The actress on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1971 | Source: Getty Images

She was given a recording contract when the show concluded, but she turned it down in favor of a more typical life. In a 2008 interview, the famous person said, “To be honest, I’ve always regretted that choice. I believe it would have been intriguing to observe the outcome. Could and would have…

(From top row): Ann B. Davis, Barry Williams, Robert Reed, Eve Plumb; (Middle row): Christopher Knight, Florence Henderson, the actress; (Bottom row): Susan Olsen, and Mike Lookinland on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1973 | Source: Getty Images

During her time costarring with Florence Henderson on “The Brady Bunch,” she had several challenges off the show. The Hollywood actress acknowledged that she struggled personally while playing Marcia and said that the role lingered in her life.

The actress on the set of “The Brady Bunch,” 1977 | Source: Getty Images

For the most of my life, Marcia Brady has trailed me. Imagine being constantly observed by a more attractive, popular, younger version of yourself. For five years, I portrayed Marcia. She was flawless. I was far from it. In an open interview, the former child star revealed, “So much was going on behind my fake smile.”

She struggled with narcotic addiction, including cocaine. At the Summer Spectacular in September 2017, an event supporting the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention, the public figure shared why the cause is so personal to her. “I struggled with drug addiction for gosh, six, seven years and it was awful,” she reflected, adding that she had been sober for 35 years by then, and her life had never been better.

She feels that her partying lifestyle had an impact on how she performed in a few of her appearances following “The Brady Bunch.” The celebrity further revealed that she ruined opportunities, stating there were situations where she was under the influence, and it was a significant issue.

The actress on the set of “The Brady Brunch,” aired on December 10, 1971 | Source: Getty Images

In an interview from September 2018, she said, “I’m sure everyone in the industry at the time knew that I was flaking out.” The Los Angeles native found it difficult to concentrate on her studies when she returned to Taft High for her final year.

The actress on September 8, 2018, in Culver City, California | Source: Getty Images

She was introduced to white crosses by friends, which are drugs that keep you alert and reduce anxiety that comes with quitting your role as a Brady. She also tried to lose weight with them, always pursuing the notion that happiness was only a few pounds away.

The actress on October 6, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Following graduation, Maureen McCormick struggled with bulimia and eventually turned to cocaine as a comfort because her much-anticipated acting career failed to take off. Her parents got concerned and attempted to help her fight the addiction.

The Hollywood actress revealed that despite their best efforts to support her over the years and their knowledge that something was off, her parents almost reported her to the authorities. She acknowledged that they had made an attempt, but she was sly and could keep her difficulties well hidden.

The actress on March 1, 2009, in Burbank, California | Source: Getty Images

Another individual in her life made the decision to intervene. McCormick attributes her journey toward sobriety to her 39-year marriage to Michael Cummings, who she says showed her tough love.

She remembered that he had given her an ultimatum early on in their relationship, stating, “Take it or I’m out of here.” It dawned on her that she could not afford to lose one of the greatest things in her life at this point.

The actress on September 9, 2017, in Beverly Hills | Source: Getty Images

Her recuperation was made possible by the assistance of her husband and parents. In 2016, she even made a comeback to the entertainment sector by taking part in “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS). In an interview, McCormick remarked, “Being on ‘DWTS’ feels like it’s meant to be.”

She overcame her insecurities about dancing in public by entering the dance competition as a contestant. Following her appearance on the show, viewers were astounded by the 60-year-old’s physical attributes and left comments about her appearance on YouTube. “Well done for avoiding the botox procedure! She is not that stupid. One user wrote, “I adore your natural lines, girl.”

Maureen McCormick and Artem Chigvintsev appear on “Dancing with the Stars” on August 24, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

One more person said, “She looks very beautiful, natural, and stylish.” “Still seems like a teen sweetheart,” one person said. “Maureen, you are still a looker and a [true] hearted woman,” said another.

One more individual said, “[You’re] so beautiful, Maureen, inside and out,” Similar thoughts were expressed by another, who wrote, “You still look beautiful.”

Maureen McCormick and Artem Chigvintsev appear on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 12, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

McCormick is 68 years old and the author of the biography “Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice.”

The actress on September 23, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on her decision to be candid about her issues with bulimia, cocaine addiction, and other personal conflicts, she noted that she had long been perceived as the perfect, happy person but had buried many secrets.

Maureen McCormick at the premiere of “Moving On,” 2023 | Source: Getty Images

She was able to embrace her flaws and failures and eventually show her true self by writing the book. She thinks sharing her experience would inspire others to be honest about their struggles.

Maureen McCormick on October 28, 2023, in California | Source: Getty Images

She has, however, experienced some positive moments, particularly with the late pop sensation Michael Jackson. As previously reported, McCormick went on a couple of dates and even paid a few visits to the musician’s house. The musician was an avid fan of “The Brady Bunch,” she stated.

While Jackson looked to be a fan of the show, the same cannot be said about her spouse. It has been confirmed by McCormick that her partner has never seen an episode of “The Brady Bunch.” Surprisingly, she remarked, “I’ve never been anywhere where someone hadn’t seen it.”

She sees it as a blessing, though, since she thinks he fell in love with her for her real self rather than her well-known character. She said that this made her feel really blessed. McCormick said that marriage presents challenges, despite having a “beautiful daughter who has a heart of gold” with Cummings. Yet, she feels that their relationship with the actor has improved them as individuals.

The family woman revealed that she felt she could see into his soul and that, as a keen character judge, she had known from the start that he was trustworthy. One of McCormick’s proudest moments was getting married.

Maureen McCormick on June 15, 2024, in Studio City, California | Source: Getty Images

Maureen McCormick is an inspirational example of growth and resilience because of her path through celebrity, personal hardships, and self-discovery. She continues to make a difference in many people’s lives by sharing her experience and accepting her flaws, which inspires others to be honest about their struggles.