Susan Olsen, who became famous as Cindy Brady on the iconic television show The Brady Bunch, recently disclosed that a planned revival of the series was canceled due to her political views. The reboot, as Olsen explained on the WalkAway Campaign podcast, would have brought back the original characters as adults, with Olsen’s character, Cindy, reimagined as a libertarian podcaster. However, Olsen claims that CBS ultimately decided to drop the project after considering her conservative stance and outspoken support of former President Donald Trump.
Controversial Comments and Past Incidents
The crux of CBS’s concerns, according to Olsen, stems from a 2016 incident during her time co-hosting Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics on LA Talk Radio. During one episode, Olsen allegedly made homophobic remarks to actor Leon Acord-Whiting, who later came forward to denounce her comments. This resulted in Olsen’s termination from the radio show, with LA Talk Radio stating, “We will not tolerate hateful speech by anyone associated with our station.” Olsen refuted the incident’s portrayal, labeling it “fake news” and asserting that her comments were misrepresented.
CBS’s “50 Pages” of Past Statements
According to Olsen, CBS amassed what she described as “50 pages” of her public statements deemed “dangerous” by the network. This dossier reportedly contained remarks from Olsen expressing conservative views, her endorsement of Donald Trump, and skepticism toward the COVID-19 vaccine. She revealed that she’d hoped to bring a slightly “controversial” angle to her character, which she felt aligned with her real-life beliefs, but ultimately, the network viewed her as too much of a liability. “I’ve been canceled,” she said. “A role that I’ve played for over 50 years, I can’t play it now because I’m too dangerous.”
Tense Conversations and Her Departure
Olsen described a Zoom meeting with the show’s producers, showrunners, and her agent as an “inquisition,” where she was questioned on her political views. Her agent suggested that there might be workarounds to keep her on the project, but Olsen ultimately decided to step back, asserting that she didn’t want to be part of a “woke Brady Bunch.” Reflecting on the experience, she stated, “At this point, you’re going to have a woke Brady Bunch, and I want no part of it.”
A Changing Landscape in Entertainment
Olsen’s statements offer a perspective on the shifting dynamics in Hollywood, where personal views, especially when politically charged, can impact casting decisions. While Olsen’s involvement in the Brady Bunch revival may be over, her experience highlights the fine line between actors’ personal beliefs and the roles they play, underscoring a new reality where public personas increasingly influence professional opportunities.
