Jennifer Runyon Steps In for Original 'Brady Bunch' Star in 1988 Holiday Film
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Jennifer Runyon was a name that resonated with fans across generations. Best known for her role in the iconic TV series Charles in Charge and the blockbuster film Ghostbusters, she also left an indelible mark on television history as a member of the Brady family. Her portrayal of Cindy Brady in the 1988 TV movie A Very Brady Christmas added another chapter to her already impressive career.
Runyon passed away on March 6 at the age of 65, surrounded by her loved ones. While the exact cause of death has not been confirmed, her longtime friend and fellow actress Erin Murphy, best known for her role in Bewitched, shared that Runyon had been battling cancer.
The Unexpected Addition to the Brady Family
In 1988, fans were taken aback when they saw Runyon stepping into the role of Cindy Brady, a character originally played by Susan Olsen in the original Brady Bunch sitcom. Olsen portrayed the youngest child from 1969 to 1974 on the ABC sitcom and in a short-lived variety show and Brady Brides spinoff.
The reunion of the original cast members for A Very Brady Christmas was a major event. The movie aired on CBS on December 18, 1988, and featured Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Barry Williams, Maureen McCormick, Christopher Knight, Eve Plumb, and Mike Lookinland reprising their roles.
Runyon explained in a video interview on Nosti’s Nook that Olsen was unavailable due to being on her honeymoon. “I met with the producers and the director and they hired me,” she said. “And I don't know anybody who would not want to be a Brady once in their life. So, it was fun.”
She added that there were no hard feelings from Olsen, who jokingly referred to her as "Christmas Cindy."
Behind the Scenes of the Reunion
In the book Brady, Brady, Brady: The Complete Story of The Brady Bunch, producers Sherwood and Lloyd Schwartz discussed the decision to recast Cindy for the holiday movie. They explained that Olsen was getting married at the time of filming, so she was replaced by Runyon. Additionally, Olsen wanted the same amount of money as Maureen and Eve, who had starred in previous projects like The Brady Girls Get Married and The Brady Brides. The budget could not accommodate equal pay for all, so Olsen chose to take her honeymoon instead.
A Smooth Transition
Runyon's performance in A Very Brady Christmas was well-received. In an interview with cultfilmfreak.com (per MeTV), Olsen praised Runyon for taking on the role of the youngest Brady child, who was in college in the movie's script.
“When I saw 'Cindy' seated at the children's table, I thought 'Better her than me!'” Olsen said. “I think Jennifer is much prettier than I am, so I was OK with her as a replacement,” she added. “She's totally nice and got out of the business to be a mom. I think she's great.”
A New Chapter for the Bradys
Florence Henderson, who played matriarch Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch, shared her thoughts on the reunion in an interview with the Arizona Daily Sun (per MeTV). She said it “felt strange” to reunite with the cast more than a decade after the original series ended.
"The kids are all grown,” she said. “The house has been redecorated. I'm into real estate now. Mike's still an architect. One son's a doctor, one's a race car driver, and one works in an office. Plus, there are three grandchildren. Can you believe that?"
A Lasting Impact
Jennifer Runyon's contributions to entertainment, both on and off the screen, continue to be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. Her ability to seamlessly step into the role of Cindy Brady demonstrated her talent and dedication to her craft. As the legacy of The Brady Bunch lives on, Runyon's brief but memorable appearance remains a cherished part of its history.
