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Eve Plumb just made a major appearance on CBS Mornings to discuss her groundbreaking memoir. The Brady Bunch legend shared exclusive insights about her six decades in Hollywood, her iconic Jan Brady role, and life beyond the beloved sitcom. Her new book arrives in stores today, marking a milestone moment for the 67-year-old actress.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Memoir Title: Happiness Included, Jan Brady and Beyond, arriving today April 28
- Career Span: Over six decades of acting, art, and business ventures
- Co-Author: Marcia Wilkie helped capture Plumb’s extensive Hollywood stories
- CBS Appearance: Plumb discussed memoir during this morning’s 8 o’clock hour broadcast
From Child Star to Entertainment Icon
Eve Plumb was cast as Jan Brady at just 10 years old after a brief studio audition. The legendary creator Sherwood Schwartz and director John Rich decided her fate in mere minutes. She didn’t read a single script line for them. But she looked right for the role, and the rest became television history. The Brady Bunch ran five seasons from 1969 to 1974, launching her into permanent fame.
Before landing her iconic role, Plumb appeared in guest spots on The Virginian, Lassie, and Mannix. She made commercials for Mattel dolls and household brands. The Brady Bunch changed everything, transforming the young actress into a household name that persists even today.
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Life After Jan Brady
After the show ended, Plumb continued her career with remarkable versatility. She appeared in Little Women as Beth March, starred in Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and countless other series. She took on Brady Bunch spinoffs including The Brady Brides and A Very Brady Christmas. But she didn’t limit herself to acting alone.
Plumb discovered her passion for painting and visual art. She studied improv at the Groundlings theater in Hollywood. She even created an all-female sketch comedy show with fellow performers, including future star Lisa Kudrow. This show advanced to the pitch stage with legendary producer Aaron Spelling.
Business Ventures and Personal Growth Table
Over the decades, Plumb transformed from child actor into entrepreneur and artist. She married saxophonist Ken Pace in 1995 and built a life beyond Hollywood. The couple now oversees multiple business ventures that reflect her creativity and passion.
| Venture | Focus Area |
| Plumb Goods | 1970s-inspired home goods, mugs, totes, duffels |
| Happiness Included Coffee | Coffee line matching her memoir brand |
| Acting Career | Continuous work in TV, stage, and special projects |
| Future Plans | Potential jewelry line called Jan’s Locket |
“People had been asking me for years for stories to write in their book. And I didn’t ever want to do that. So I finally decided, Well, I’ll write my own book. Because if I was going to tell stories, it was going to be in my book.”
— Eve Plumb, on writing her new memoir
The “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” Legacy
One surprising revelation emerges in Happiness Included. Eve Plumb opens up about her most famous line from The Brady Bunch. The 1971 episode “In Her Sister’s Shadow” featured Jan’s frustration exploding into the iconic phrase. Saturday Night Live later made this moment famous in a sketch. But Plumb reveals in her memoir that she hates how it became a cultural meme.
According to Plumb, the SNL sketch felt like a harsh mocking of me as a child. Yet fans constantly ask her about this moment today. The Brady Bunch continues to define her public identity, even as she’s built an expansive career beyond acting, art, and business success.
Why Did Eve Plumb Finally Write Her Story?
At age 67, Eve Plumb decided the time had come to tell her own story. She worked with co-author Marcia Wilkie, finding the process therapeutic and collaborative. Wilkie’s first name mirrors Marcia Brady, her onscreen nemesis, creating a humorous symmetry that didn’t escape Plumb’s notice.
The memoir isn’t a Hollywood tell-all filled with scandalous tales. Instead, it’s a straightforward, intimate account of her journey. Plumb reflects on her childhood, career changes, marriage struggles, artistic evolution, and the unique burden of being TV’s most famous middle child. The book captures six decades of a life fully lived beyond the Brady house.
