Podcast Summary: Susan Olsen on "The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan"

Introduction In the May 21, 2025 episode of The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan, renowned host Billy Corgan engages in a heartfelt conversation with Susan Olsen, best known for her iconic role as Cindy Brady on The Brady Bunch. The episode delves deep into Susan's early acting career, her experiences as a child star, the cultural impact of The Brady Bunch, and her current endeavors in teaching performing arts.

Early Career and Rise to Fame Susan Olsen reminisces about her beginnings in the entertainment industry, sharing insights into her time on two significant TV shows: Gunsmoke and The Brady Bunch. She discusses her experiences working as a child on Gunsmoke, where she portrayed one of the children of a widowed mother.

Susan Olsen [00:33]: "Oh, I love it. Yes."

Billy and Susan explore the challenges of growing up in the limelight, especially navigating fame without a manual. Susan candidly shares her feelings of guilt when the massive popularity of The Brady Bunch began to wane.

Susan Olsen [00:19]: "To some extent, I felt guilt."

The Brady Bunch: A Cultural Phenomenon The conversation shifts to The Brady Bunch, where Susan provides an in-depth look at the show's creation, cast dynamics, and its enduring legacy. She highlights how the show was crafted from a child's perspective, which made it resonate deeply with audiences.

Susan Olsen [70:21]: "I realized probably in my twenties, that the beauty of the show is that it was written from a child's perspective."

Susan reveals that child psychiatrists have used episodes of The Brady Bunch to help children dealing with abuse, emphasizing the show's positive influence.

Susan Olsen [69:28]: "People ask, oh, it must have been so hard because you were so young... But I do want to pay it backward because I had at least three. Many more, but at least three castmates who were wonderful."

Navigating Fame as a Child Star Delving deeper into the psychological aspects of early fame, Susan discusses the complexities of being recognized at a young age. She reflects on how fame affected her personal growth and relationships.

Susan Olsen [29:29]: "Well, surprising you should mention that 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."

Billy Corgan raises concerns about the pressures child actors face, to which Susan shares her perspective on the balance between career opportunities and personal well-being.

Susan Olsen [31:56]: "But I honestly say to the parents, because we do get agents to come in and the kids will get signed. And I say, I don't think there's anything wrong with doing some work, going to a set. They will find out that it's nowhere near as fun as they think."

Transitioning from Acting to Teaching After her acting career, Susan transitioned into education, founding Vibe Performing Arts in Santa Clarita. She discusses her passion for teaching children performing arts and her belief in nurturing young talent responsibly.

Susan Olsen [31:17]: "It's a performing arts school in Santa Clarita. And it's mostly music, but we have acting classes. We do musicals, voice acting."

Susan emphasizes the importance of psychological support and proper mentorship for young actors, advocating for a safe and encouraging environment.

Reflections on the Entertainment Industry The podcast touches upon Susan's experiences with various TV shows and her observations of the industry. She shares anecdotes about auditions, stage fright, and the challenges of typecasting.

Susan Olsen [61:35]: "And I think I was trying to please my mother. I think my mom really wanted me to be an actress. And it wasn't until I was 23 and I booked a gig. I went, oh, my God, I hate acting. I don't want to act."

Susan candidly discusses her struggles with stage fright and how her early exposure to acting impacted her mental health.

The Enduring Legacy of The Brady Bunch Billy and Susan explore why The Brady Bunch has remained a beloved show for decades. Susan attributes its lasting appeal to the genuine chemistry among the cast and the show's ability to provide hope and comfort to its viewers.

Susan Olsen [68:27]: "And when I first became really proud of the show is when I found out that child psychiatrists were using it. They were using episodes for kids that were coming from horrible abuse."

She underscores the show's role as a positive influence, offering an idyllic portrayal of family life that many viewers found aspirational.

Conclusion The episode concludes with Susan reflecting on her journey from child star to educator, emphasizing the importance of supporting young talent in the entertainment industry. Her insights provide a profound understanding of the balance between fame, personal growth, and the responsibilities that come with nurturing future generations of performers.

Susan Olsen [52:44]: "And if one of us were to die, we would all lose a limb."

Billy Corgan and Susan Olsen's conversation offers listeners an intimate look into the life of a former child star, her contributions to the entertainment industry, and her dedication to fostering new talent.

Notable Quotes

• Susan Olsen [00:19]: "To some extent, I felt guilt."
• Susan Olsen [69:28]: "People ask, oh, it must have been so hard because you were so young... But I do want to pay it backward because I had at least three."
• Susan Olsen [31:56]: "But I honestly say to the parents... they will find out that it's nowhere near as fun as they think."
• Susan Olsen [61:35]: "And it wasn't until I was 23 and I booked a gig. I went, oh, my God, I hate acting. I don't want to act."
• Susan Olsen [68:27]: "And when I first became really proud of the show is when I found out that child psychiatrists were using it."
• Susan Olsen [52:44]: "And if one of us were to die, we would all lose a limb."

Final Thoughts Susan Olsen's candid reflections offer a multifaceted view of her life in the spotlight, the impact of early fame, and her ongoing commitment to supporting young artists. Her journey serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for those navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry from a young age.