Susan Olsen, the beloved child star of The Brady Bunch, has opened up about her decision to leave acting behind and pursue other passions. In an exclusive interview with ReMIND Magazine, Olsen revealed that her time in the spotlight was not always fulfilling, and she found herself questioning her choices.
Olsen, who played the youngest Brady sibling, Cindy, for the show's entire run from 1969 to 1974, expressed a sense of disillusionment with acting. She admitted, 'For reasons I can't even explain, I continue to do acting or to pursue it. I think to please my mother, even when I was like 18.' This sentiment highlights the complex relationship many child stars have with their careers, often driven by external expectations rather than personal passion.
Initially, Olsen had planned to attend college, but her path diverged when she was accepted into the University of Southern California (USC). She contemplated her future, wondering why she didn't pursue film school despite her apparent interest. Olsen's realization came when she was 23 and landed an acting job, driving home with the script and feeling a profound sense of dissatisfaction. She called her teacher and agent, expressing her inability to continue, stating, 'I can't do this. It wasn't my medium.'
This moment of clarity led Olsen to explore other avenues. She discovered a passion for graphic design, a field she found more fulfilling than acting. However, her dreams of becoming a rock star were equally compelling. Olsen shared, 'Becoming a rock star was really what I was dreaming of. I did more dreaming than practicing. I think in my head I didn't even consider being a filmmaker because I knew I was going to horrify my mother by becoming a rock star.'
Olsen's musical journey began as a guitarist but evolved into a bass player, a role that felt more natural to her. She recalled, 'I started out as a guitar player, but I really found that I was much more suited for bass. And this was before bass became the token female position in the band. And you didn't see girls playing bass, but it felt so much more natural.'
Since her time on The Brady Bunch, Olsen has made occasional appearances in various shows, including a memorable two-episode arc of The Young and the Restless in 2010. Her recent work includes the 2021 TV movie Blending Christmas, which reunited her with other Brady Bunch cast members. However, Olsen has increasingly focused on radio and animal rights activism, indicating a shift towards more meaningful pursuits.
Olsen's journey from child star to multifaceted individual showcases the evolution of one's passions and the importance of listening to one's inner voice. Her story serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry can be a challenging path, and finding fulfillment beyond the spotlight is a testament to the power of self-discovery.
