Transcript

Susan Olsen (0:00)

There are countless people that have come up to me and said, that show literally saved my life.

Musician/Interviewer (0:04)

It warms my heart because I don't feel alone in this scene.

Susan Olsen (0:07)

Oh, no, you're not alone at all.

Musician/Interviewer (0:09)

You say fame to me. I know what it means. I mean, I really know that feeling of, like, there's no manual. So then you're famous and the show's over. So what's your mindset?

Susan Olsen (0:19)

To some extent, I felt guilt.

Musician/Interviewer (0:21)

Guilt. Well, thank you so much for being here.

Susan Olsen (0:26)

Thank you. Thank you for having me.

Musician/Interviewer (0:29)

So I'm obsessed with gun smoke. So that's where I want to start. Oh.

Susan Olsen (0:33)

Oh, I love it. Yes.

Musician/Interviewer (0:34)

I'm. I'm obsessed with. I bought, like, every Gunsmoke episode ever. Like, it's like 800. It's like some. It's like something. You got to be something wrong with you to watch them all. And I've watched a lot of them.

Susan Olsen (0:46)

It was on, what, 20 years?

Musician/Interviewer (0:48)

Something like that. You know, one interesting thing about that, you. Because you were on the show, they debated for many years whether or not James Arness would get with the woman whose name I can't think of was played. The proprietor of the saloon.

Susan Olsen (1:05)

Oh, really? Kitty. Kitty, yeah.

Musician/Interviewer (1:08)

Because fans would always say, are Kitty and the Marshall ever going to get together? And they made a decision, kind of like the Simpsons did, where they decided to never age. Bart. They made a decision that the secret of the show's success was that they never get together romantically.

Susan Olsen (1:26)

Right, right.

Musician/Interviewer (1:27)

They would hint at maybe a one night stand, but never together. And they believe that had to do with the longevity that they never gave away.

Summary

The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Episode: Susan Olsen (May 21, 2025)

Overview

Billy Corgan sits down with Susan Olsen, best known as Cindy from The Brady Bunch, for a wide-ranging and nostalgic discussion. The conversation delves into Susan's unique, multigenerational Hollywood upbringing, her experience on classic shows like Gunsmoke and The Brady Bunch, the nuances of child stardom, and the enduring cultural impact and meaning of one of American television's most iconic families. Billy weaves personal reflections from his own experience with fame, and the discussion is peppered with humor, warmth, and honest insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Hollywood Upbringing & Family "Discovered"

Susan recounts how all four siblings were 'discovered' for show business, often through chance studio encounters. This included her brother Larry's debut in Happy Land (07:24), her brother Chris being cast in The Man Who Knew Too Much (10:07), and Susan herself appearing in commercials as a toddler.
- Quote: "There's four kids in the family and every one of us got discovered." (05:55, Susan)
The role of parental attitudes: Her father was deeply skeptical, even bribing Susan to quit Brady Bunch each season (08:01). Her grandmother, praying for family success, is a recurring source of encouragement and "magical thinking" throughout Susan's stories.

2. Young Experiences on TV Sets (Gunsmoke, Elvis, etc.)

Fond memories of being a child actor on sets: Susan describes her times on Gunsmoke, working alongside Festus (Ken Curtis) and James Arness, and her delight at working with animals on set (03:54).
- "The second episode was especially fun because the kids were entering our animals in a fair. So...I got to work with a piglet." (02:54, Susan)
Susan’s first forays into singing and live TV, including singing "I'm a Believer" on The Pat Boone Show—though that original performance was interrupted by a news broadcast and never aired (15:41).
- "President Johnson came on and said...I think we had invaded Cambodia. So you were saved." (15:41, Susan & Billy)

3. Auditioning, Hollywood Processes, and Competition

Auditioning as a child: Susan explains the process and the importance of being personable (17:29). She expresses that competitiveness came later, notably when she lost out on roles to Jodie Foster (18:28).
Early desire for a series regular role, not just guest spots: Susan’s realization on Julia that she wanted consistency that came with being a regular (19:01).

4. Landing The Brady Bunch and Its Enduring Success

Insights into casting for The Brady Bunch: Sherwood Schwartz sought "interesting kids," not stock types (23:09, Susan). She describes a warm audition memory: "They all sang Happy Birthday to me...I like it here. These are good people." (22:33)
On-screen chemistry: Both Billy and Susan marvel at the natural rapport among the cast, equating it to that of a great band (24:07).
- "People are psychic and the love between us was genuine." (25:47, Susan)
Significance & Impact: Billy reflects on the show's importance to latchkey kids and its "therapeutic" value. Susan shares how child psychiatrists use it with at-risk kids (69:16).
- "There are countless people that have come up to me and said, that show literally saved my life." (69:16, Susan)

5. The Darker Side of Child Fame

Post-show awkwardness and guilt: Susan felt guilt wishing the show would end as she entered adolescence but also relief when it did (29:29).
Enduring effects of fame: Susan and Billy probe the long-term impact—awkward public recognition, the lack of a "fame manual," parental concerns, and the sometimes uneasy transition from childhood stardom to adult life (30:54).
Working with children now: Susan now teaches at Vibe Performing Arts; she’s mindful of the pitfalls of show business, especially 'fame for fame’s sake,' and emphasizes vetting parents as much as kids (31:19, 35:44).
- "I think that when people are casting a TV show...you audition those parents, you make sure that the parents have their heads on straight." (35:44, Susan)

6. The Brady Bunch Variety Hour and 1970s TV Oddities

Reflecting on the surreal Variety Hour era: Susan and Billy dissect the show's campy Vegas aesthetic, "Fake Jan," canned laughter, and other oddities, with both poking wry fun at 1970s television excess (44:08–53:14).
- Memorable moment: "I think there are several people on YouTube that have said, you know, I thought this was a bad acid trip that I had, and I didn't realize it was real." (45:50, Susan)
Fondness for cast chemistry remains: Despite the show's weirdness, Susan notes "the chemistry of you all is totally intact" (51:29).

7. Relationship with Cast & Reflections on Legacy

Deep bonds among cast members: Susan describes a unique lifelong connection with her "Brady siblings" (52:18):
- "We all know that there's only five other people on the planet that will ever really know what our childhoods were like. If one of us were to die, we would all lose a limb." (52:39, Susan)
Observations on older cast members and professionalism: Florence Henderson's musical passion, Robert Reed's Royal Academy background, and their ways of relating to the kids (54:36–57:14).
- "Robert Reed talking to me about cartoons with the very same respect that he would discuss Shakespeare..." (57:37, Susan)

8. Life After Brady, Self-Reflection, and Creative Paths

Acting beyond Brady and stage fright: Susan shares her eventual aversion to acting, her stage fright, and her realization in her early 20s that her passion lay elsewhere, possibly in filmmaking or the arts (61:18–63:10).
- "I went, oh, my god, I hate acting. I don't want to act." (61:18, Susan)
The lasting resonance of Brady Bunch in American culture: The conversation lands on the reasons for the show's comfort and appeal—its fantasy of a responsive, loving family, seen especially through the lens of "latchkey kids" (64:08–70:39).
- "I realized probably in my twenties, that the beauty of the show is that it was written from a child's perspective." (69:33, Susan)

9. On-set Memories & Atmosphere

Behind the scenes: Susan shares real details—like the Astroturf lawn that hurt her knees, and the surprisingly gritty look of the set with "cigarette butts all over the place" (73:02). She later describes the surreal moment of adults walking onto the iconic set during the HGTV special, all turning into awe-struck children (73:17–74:04).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"There are countless people that have come up to me and said, that show literally saved my life." – Susan Olsen (69:16)
"I say people are psychic and the love between us was genuine." – Susan Olsen (25:47)
"To some extent, I felt guilt...because I'd been praying for the show to be canceled because I was going through those awkward years." – Susan Olsen (29:29)
"The chemistry between the cast is just magical." – Billy Corgan (24:12)
"I think that when people are casting a TV show...you audition those parents..." – Susan Olsen (35:44)
"We all know that there's only five other people on the planet that will ever really know what our childhoods were like." – Susan Olsen (52:39)
(on the Variety Hour) "I thought this was a bad acid trip that I had, and I didn't realize it was real." – Susan Olsen (45:50)
"My father used to bribe me every season to quit Brady Bunch." – Susan Olsen (08:01)

Important Timestamps

00:00: Susan on the life-saving impact of the show
03:54: Memories of animals on Gunsmoke set
05:55–12:15: How Susan and siblings were “discovered” in Hollywood & first experiences
16:33–17:37: Auditioning for an Elvis movie; child actor auditions explained
22:33: Brady Bunch audition & first impressions
25:47: Billy and Susan discuss the psychic bond and love among the cast
29:29: Susan’s adolescent awkwardness, guilt, and wishing for the show to end
35:44: Importance of vetting stage parents
41:16: Realization of the show’s enduring popularity and legacy
45:50–53:14: Surreal experience and memories from The Brady Bunch Variety Hour
57:37: Robert Reed’s rapport with the child cast
61:18: Susan realizes she dislikes acting; transition out of the business
69:16: Susan on the Brady Bunch "saving lives" and being used in therapy

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is conversational, candid, and often funny, balancing nostalgia with honest reflection. Both Susan and Billy Corgan share an understanding of the strangeness of fame, keeping the tone grounded, affectionate towards the past, but clear-eyed about its realities.

For Listeners New to the Show

This episode offers a deep-dive into the unique experience of growing up in the eye of pop culture, with Susan Olsen providing both charming anecdotes and thoughtful commentary about the legacy of The Brady Bunch and her life before, during, and after the phenomenon. It's reflective, occasionally wistful, and above all, sincere—making it a rewarding listen whether or not you grew up in front of the Brady house’s TV.

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Susan Olsen | The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan