Before she became the oldest Brady daughter, Maureen McCormick was causing trouble for Darrin Stephens! In Bewitched’s 1965 Halloween episode “Trick or Treat,” she played Endora disguised as a little girl. That innocent face? Don’t fall for it.
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And she was already selling us toys! Maureen appeared in Barbie and Chatty Cathy commercials before The Brady Bunch. One Chatty Cathy ad even featured her future TV sister, Eve Plumb. Marcia and Jan—before they were Marcia and Jan!
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It’s funny watching these old commercials now and recognizing faces we’d soon know so well. We thought we were watching the dolls!
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Did you recognize Maureen on Bewitched? And do you remember those Barbie and Chatty Cathy commercials?
Tag: Maureen McCormick
Every Girl Can Be Popular… According to Marcia Brady!
At the height of The Brady Bunch, Maureen McCormick was not just playing one of television’s most popular teenagers. She was also offering advice on how other girls could become popular too.
This early 1970s advertisement promoted Every Girl Can Be Popular!, a mail-order booklet credited to McCormick. It promised 60 tips on meeting boys, dating, grooming, clothing and gaining confidence in relationships.
Of course, the advice reflects its time. Much of the booklet focused on dressing properly, attracting boys and avoiding mistakes that might “turn boys off.” The advertisement even promised that Maureen’s self-improvement plan could surprise everyone, including the reader herself.
Teen magazines frequently used young television stars to sell beauty tips, dating advice, posters and fan merchandise. With Marcia Brady considered the ideal American teenager, Maureen was the perfect celebrity to convince readers that popularity could be learned.
Would you have ordered this booklet, or did you already think Marcia Brady was a little too perfect?
Happy Brady Easter!
Maureen McCormick recently shared this publicity photo on social media of a 1972 Easter publicity photo. The Brady Bunch never did an Easter themed show but they are decked out in their Easter best! I wonder if they are wearing Buster Brown shoes? I guess mom (Carol Brady) took the photo as she is not in the photo!
