As we all know now Robert Reed (Mr. Brady) was a closeted homosexual most of his life. He kept his illness and lifestyle secret and came out to those close to him when he was near his death-bed.

Some of you out there might remember Brady Bunch from its early years so were you surprised when you found out about this? Did it matter to you at all?

For me, I was upset that Reed had to live his life in secret and that he could have never lived openly at the time. Guaranteed he would have never landed the role as Mr. Brady should he had been an open homosexual back in 1969.

Yes, I was surprised and I really wish they never would have brought it out. That is just something I did'nt care to know about the man. If I recall too, they waited until after he was dead to smear him the way they did, which just proves what kind of human trash we are dealing with.

I for one, don't agree with that lifestyle, but I think it was horrible that they brought it out at all, it's really no one's business and unfortunately I look at him differently now when I watch the show, it's just not the same for me.

Yes, I was surprised and I really wish they never would have brought it out. That is just something I did'nt care to know about the man. If I recall too, they waited until after he was dead to smear him the way they did, which just proves what kind of human trash we are dealing with.

I for one, don't agree with that lifestyle, but I think it was horrible that they brought it out at all, it's really no one's business and unfortunately I look at him differently now when I watch the show, it's just not the same for me.
But Mr Brady isn't gay, just the actor that played him. I know what you mean, though for me it really doesn't spoil my viewing. Mr Brady was straight and loved his wife and children.

I am glad that though you say you do not 'agree' with that lifestyle that you didn't put the word 'choice' after the word 'lifestyle.'

By the time I heard about him I was old enough that it didn't bother me. If I was younger I might have been confused.

By the time I heard about him I was old enough that it didn't bother me. If I was younger I might have been confused.
Same here. To me, it was his business and I didn't really think much about it, anyway.

I probably would have been a little upset if I knew it when the show was on, but when it came out, no. This was his personal business and that's the way it should have been and stayed.

It didn't bother me at all when I first found out about it.

I just don't like how, like someone else said, they made such a spectacle of it after his death, instead of celebrating his life and achievements, like how that part of his life seemed to overshadow everything else. Now I was really young in 1992, so this is all from what I've read and been told. He didn't want to be remembered for that, and I think it's a shame how the tabloids and everyone else grabbed onto that piece of his life and almost exploited it.

I feel the same way about his sexual proclivities that I feel about everybody elses. As long as they don't involve others against their will or shove it in our faces it is nobody else's business.

It was a private matter and he kept it private.

The first time that I heard about Robert Reed being gay was in 1989. I was twenty years old at the time and had a summer job at Livingston College in Rutgers University. It was a female higher up of mine that mentioned it. I had no idea of the accuracy of her statement and did not think much about it. It was three years later that he passed away. Once he died it got revealed that it was related to AIDS and that he was, in fact gay. However, those of you who have read Barry Williams' book "Growing Up Brady, I Was a Teenage Greg" know that this reality was not mentioned anywhere. All of the reseach for the book was completed shortly before Reed's death at fifty-nine. While Barry was writing this book, he knew all about it and anticipated that Robert did not have much time left. However, it was Reed's deathbed wish for this reality not to come out in the book. Williams was a gentleman and granted him this one last request. I really admire him for his sense of decency!

However, it was Reed's deathbed wish for this reality not to come out in the [Growing Up Brady]book. Williams was a gentleman and granted him this one last request. I really admire him for his sense of decency!

Actually, Chapter 29 entitled "Remembering Robert Reed" has the quote "By the time “The Brady Bunch” was canceled, I had become aware that Bob was gay, but didn't think much about it." (page 165) In other words, Barry revealed the fact Robert was gay in the book, which to me contradicts your claim of "grant[ing] him this one last request."

One thing that I happen to know about Barry Williams' book is that there was at least one revised eddition after the original text. The version of the book that I read was the original volume and it was published in 1992. However, by the time that I read it, it was already 1998, Reed had been dead for some time and the two "Brady Bunch" feature films had already come and gone. Later on, I thumbed through a paperback copy of a revised version of the book that I saw at a local bookstore. One thing that we have already confirmed was that the original text was chuck full of mistakes, expecially regarding the episodes of the show. For example, let us look at the episode known as "Double Parked". The issue of closing Wookland Park to build the courthouse was handled by finding another site for the courthouse. This was the land in which the city garbadge dump had once stood. However, in Barry's original book, it was handled by building a little park on the site of the courthouse and thus reaching a compromise that everyone was willing to settle for. While I was skimming through the newer version, I happened to come on to this episode description and in this one, the fact that they built the counthouse on the site of the old city dump was recognized. It is possible that, in this or some other revised eddition, the fact that the late Robert Reed was gay got mentioned somewhere. However, I can gurentee you that, in the "original" version of the book, Robert was referred to as if he was still living and the fact that he was gay was "not" mentioned anywhere! Barry has since said at interviews that he wrote it this way because of the last wishes of a dieing man.

It doesn't bother me. When I see Robert Reed on the Brady Bunch I still see Mike Brady.

The man was who he was. Being Gay is not a choice. Of course in the sixties he would have never landed the role had it been none. Times were just different then. It does cross my mind when I watch the Brady Bunch even now but it quickly is forgotten because like many of you have said "He was Mike Brady and Mike Brady was a devoted Father and Husband". That much is obvious in every episode. Robert Reed from things I have read was a theater trained actor and while I'm sure at the time he thought working on the Brady Bunch would further his career it sadly ended up creating a lot of bitterness for him as later on it was thought of as "canned comedy" and it was difficult for him to shed the image and get more serious work (same deal with Eve Plumb). I hope Mike Brady has found the peace he seemed to be looking for all his life. God rest his soul.

Because of how slow the pages on this board seem to be at the moment and because I have, pretty much, bleed dry what I can think of to say, I am bringing this thread to the top in an attempt to stimulate some conversation. I should be back in about an hour to see if I have already had some success! Take care!

It doesn't bother me. When I see Robert Reed on the Brady Bunch I still see Mike Brady.
Same here. I don't know why there is so much pondering over people's preferences and so forth. Especially in this day and age.

Andrea

I am very happy to see that, at least on this page, there has been a little bit of conversation being stimulated. I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who read the original text of the book by Barry Williams and who remembers the absence of any mention of Robert Reed being gay or being on his death bed. Also, while we are on the topic of books, I would also be interested in hearing from anyone planning to buy Maureen's book which is due to come out in less than forty-eight hours!

I am very happy to see that, at least on this page, there has been a little bit of conversation being stimulated. I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who read the original text of the book by Barry Williams and who remembers the absence of any mention of Robert Reed being gay or being on his death bed. Also, while we are on the topic of books, I would also be interested in hearing from anyone planning to buy Maureen's book which is due to come out in less than forty-eight hours!
I've requested it from the library, so hopefully I will be reading it VERY SOON!! ;) I'll keep y'all posted.

I try not to think of that while watching the show. It's his business.Like some have said he would not have been cast. If Barry and Maureen's relationship had been revealed that would have been scandalous too,to a lesser degree.Did anyone see Reed's performance in Roots? He was fabulous!

I try not to think of that while watching the show. It's his business.Like some have said he would not have been cast. If Barry and Maureen's relationship had been revealed that would have been scandalous too,to a lesser degree.Did anyone see Reed's performance in Roots? He was fabulous!
I've never seen Roots, but I'd like to someday. RR really was a very good dramatic actor (I've seen him in several guest roles on dramatic series).

I've seen Rootsand Reed did a good job.


He also did good work on The Defenders. There is a show you probably wont see on TVLand.

I've seen Rootsand Reed did a good job.


He also did good work on The Defenders. There is a show you probably wont see on TVLand.
Or DVD. :(

What type of part did Rebert Reed play on "Roots"? At one point, I read that Ernest Thomas who played Raj on "What's Happening!!" was also on "Roots". Dose anyone out there know what type of part he had?

What type of part did Rebert Reed play on "Roots"? At one point, I read that Ernest Thomas who played Raj on "What's Happening!!" was also on "Roots". Dose anyone out there know what type of part he had?
Robert Reed was a doctor and slave owner in the mini-series. Lorne Greene was his Brother. Reed had an affair with his brother's wife. He aged in the movie at least 40 years or so. His character did some dirty things but had a squeaky clean image .His performance was excellent.The entire mini -series is great. In fact, even now it's the highest rated mini-series ever.I think it was also the second ever mini- series.

Anybody ever catch the Mannix episodes where Reed was on?

Robert Reed was a doctor and slave owner in the mini-series. Lorne Greene was his Brother. Reed had an affair with his brother's wife. He aged in the movie at least 40 years or so. His character did some dirty things but had a squeaky clean image .His performance was excellent.The entire mini -series is great. In fact, even now it's the highest rated mini-series ever.I think it was also the second ever mini- series.

I am very happy that someone was able and willing to fill me in on the part that Robert Reed played! Now does anyone know anything about the part of Ernast Thomas?

I am very happy that someone was able and willing to fill me in on the part that Robert Reed played! Now does anyone know anything about the part of Ernast Thomas?
I didn't even know Ernest Thomas was in Roots! Sorry...

I am very happy that someone was able and willing to fill me in on the part that Robert Reed played! Now does anyone know anything about the part of Ernast Thomas?
Ernest Thomas was a young man in Africa and a friend of Kunte Kinte(Levar Burton). He was not captured and made into a slave like Kunta. Once the slaves were brought to America the film did not show much more of the lives of those still in Africa. Ernest was only in the first two parts of the eight part series.

Thank you very much for filling me in!

I watched the Brady Brides on the site not to be mentioned recently. I have to admit RR's homosexuality was thought about, but it was fleeting. He was who he was. May he RIP.

I watched the Brady Brides on the site not to be mentioned recently. I have to admit RR's homosexuality was thought about, but it was fleeting. He was who he was. May he RIP.
Very well said!

Actually, Chapter 29 entitled "Remembering Robert Reed" has the quote "By the time “The Brady Bunch” was canceled, I had become aware that Bob was gay, but didn't think much about it." (page 165) In other words, Barry revealed the fact Robert was gay in the book, which to me contradicts your claim of "grant[ing] him this one last request."

This chapter is from the revised and updated version of the book, published in 1999. By then, Reed's homosexuality was common knowledge.

When the book was first published in 1992, Reed had not died yet, though he died shortly after its publication, so Barry Williams indeed honored Robert Reed's last wish by not "outing" him in the pages of his book.

This chapter is from the revised and updated version of the book, published in 1999. By then, Reed's homosexuality was common knowledge.

When the book was first published in 1992, Reed had not died yet, though he died shortly after its publication, so Barry Williams indeed honored Robert Reed's last wish by not "outing" him in the pages of his book.

Thank you very much for clearing that up for us! The book that I got from the library was the original text published in 1992. I, however did not read it until the end of 1998. By then Robert had been dead for some time, both of the "Brady Bunch" feature films had been made and a lot of things had changed in the "Brady" universe!

To see another whopper of a performance, check out Robert Reed's guest spot in a two-part episode of Medical Center, where his character seeks and receives a sex change.

To see another whopper of a performance, check out Robert Reed's guest spot in a two-part episode of Medical Center, where his character seeks and receives a sex change.
What year did that air?

Originally Posted by Don Howard
To see another whopper of a performance, check out Robert Reed's guest spot in a two-part episode of Medical Center, where his character seeks and receives a sex change.
What year did that air?
1975.

Originally Posted by Don Howard
To see another whopper of a performance, check out Robert Reed's guest spot in a two-part episode of Medical Center, where his character seeks and receives a sex change.

1975.
Thanks!

How is being gay a "lifestyle"? Do you lead a heterosexual lifestyle? Sounds upsurd doesn't it?

If you do not want to called being gay a "lifestyle" then what do you want to call it?

I was just making the point, an individual's sexual orientation does not determine their lifestyle. But I guess our viewpoints are going different directions. Lets drop it and get back to Sitcom discussion. Peaceout!

To see another whopper of a performance, check out Robert Reed's guest spot in a two-part episode of Medical Center, where his character seeks and receives a sex change.

I remember that and boy did it ever give me the creeps at the time. Just that it was SOOOO opposite of Mike Brady.

Another actor in Roots (as well as Midnight Express) was Billy Hayes who as it turned out was also gay. Both were excellent actors and it's sad that at the time, in order to get the roles they had to hide their sexuality. As did of course, Rock Hudson (back when the studios forced you to marry) too.

The media does the same with all who decide to keep it to themselves - Freddy Mercury, Rock Hudson, etc., they were all dragged through the dirt afterwards. That's why I'm glad these days it just isn't the big deal it once was (nor should it be). An actor is an actor - they all play parts and roles. What they do in their private lives is no one's business as much as it's no one's business what we do in our bedrooms.

If you do not want to called being gay a "lifestyle" then what do you want to call it?


Because homosexuals are born like that, as I am hetrosexual, it is not a "lifestyle" nor a "choice". It's whatever your natural sexual orientation happens to be.

It's like being born right handed - you can't call that a lifestyle; it's the way I was created. ;)

Because homosexuals are born like that, as I am hetrosexual, it is not a "lifestyle" nor a "choice". It's whatever your natural sexual orientation happens to be.

It's like being born right handed - you can't call that a lifestyle; it's the way I was created. ;)


You have raised some very interesting points that I would like to comment on. In the first place, from reading your previous posts, I never would have guessed that your were homosexual! Go figure! On top of this, you compared sexual orientation to handedness in terms of being something that you are born with. Well, the study of left-handedness happenes to be one of my favorite hobbies! I have had a soft spot for left-handed females ever since my early twenties when "Mad About You" came out. I always thought that Ursela the waitress (Lisa Kudrow) looked so cute holding her pad in her right hand and her pen in her left! That show also had another lefty in the person of Anne Ramsey. I always thought that she was pretty hot too! I have read and heard various points of view about the possiblity of her being gay. I have started a thread about this topic on the "Mad About You" page and got a lot of interesting responses. However, my memory fails me as to whether you were one of them. However, in a little while, I plan on going to that page and refreshing my mind! Take care!

You have raised some very interesting points that I would like to comment on. In the first place, from reading your previous posts, I never would have guessed that your were homosexual! Go figure! On top of this, you compared sexual orientation to handedness in terms of being something that you are born with. Well, the study of left-handedness happenes to be one of my favorite hobbies! I have had a soft spot for left-handed females ever since my early twenties when "Mad About You" came out. I always thought that Ursela the waitress (Lisa Kudrow) looked so cute holding her pad in her right hand and her pen in her left! That show also had another lefty in the person of Anne Ramsey. I always thought that she was pretty hot too! I have read and heard various points of view about the possiblity of her being gay. I have started a thread about this topic on the "Mad About You" page and got a lot of interesting responses. However, my memory fails me as to whether you were one of them. However, in a little while, I plan on going to that page and refreshing my mind! Take care!

Smartboy - you misread my post. I myself am not homosexual. I'm a 47 yr old hetrosexual female, however, I know that I had no "lifestyle choice" in the matter as do homosexuals. We're born whatever way we're born. ;)

Smartboy - you misread my post. I myself am not homosexual. I'm a 47 yr old hetrosexual female, however, I know that I had no "lifestyle choice" in the matter as do homosexuals. We're born whatever way we're born. ;)


I would really like to apologize for having misunderstood your post! I hope that there are no hard feelings! In any event, I have since gone over to the "Mad About You" page to see if you were one of the people who responded to my thread regarding Anne Ramsey. As it turned out, you had two responses! I have since gone ahead and responded to those responses. Just in case you are interested, I also raised old threads the the tops of the pages of "Will and Grace" and "Gimme a Break!" I would be very interested in what you think of either of the above!

^ No hard feelings. Besides, I've never felt that being mistaken for being gay is anything to be offended by. ;)

I'll checkout your other threads when I can. :)

An actor is an actor - they all play parts and roles. What they do in their private lives is no one's business as much as it's no one's business what we do in our bedrooms.

Precisely. The work is what's important.

Very well said TripperFan, thats a good thing to compare it to. You don't choose wheather you're right-handed or left-handed, anymore than you choose your sexuality. And what does your lifestyle have to do with it?

Very well said TripperFan, thats a good thing to compare it to. You don't choose wheather you're right-handed or left-handed, anymore than you choose your sexuality. And what does your lifestyle have to do?


THANK YOU! Finally! Someone who sees it like I do as does the medical community. It's just different - not right or wrong, or chosen. And just like being ambidextrous there's those who are both AC/DC. (offnote - my uncle was completely and totally ambidextrous - it was cool!) ;)

I'd like to make another point. I've heard stories, that years ago, teachers used to smack a kid on the hand with a ruler if he was writing with his left hand! The way of thinking then was that it was wrong and this would disapline them to do it right. My, society sure has come a long way, and yet we sure have a long way to go!

I'd like to make another point. I've heard stories, that years ago, teachers used to smack a kid on the hand with a ruler if he was writing with his left hand! The way of thinking then was that it was wrong and this would disapline them to do it right. My, society sure has come a long way, and yet we sure have a long way to go!
You're correct markway895. My older brother was born left-handed and right up until grade 3 they were trying to force him to use his right hand instead. It really messed him up. He was having so much trouble that it affected his learning and in grade three was (mis)diagnosed with a learning disability. It wasn't that - it was that he was so distracted from what they were doing to him with the right hand thing that he became frustrated and was behind everyone else.

Yes - we sure have come a long way just in the last 40 years or so. Hopefully they'll be a time when no one will even wonder, question, ask or care about someone's sexuality. I mean you don't whisper that you suspect someone's a "lefty" do you?

One time on "Mad About You" Ursela the waitress (Lisa Kudrow) was off duty from her work at Riff's. She was sitting at a table with Lisa (Anne Ramsey) and they were eating either pie or cake and discussing the day's events. The hands that they were holding their forks in were diagonal to each other just like they would be with me sitting across from between eighty-five and ninety percent of the population! It was great to see some good lefty on lefty action!

Robert Reed was gay? I had no idea! Just kidding of course. He is my favorite TV Daddy. His orientation makes absolutely no difference to me. I just wished he had found a man to share his life with like Dick Sargent. It sucks being alone and I don't know for sure but I think he died pretty much alone. I think he did reconcile with his daughter at the end which if nice though.

He was a top notch actor, a pain the ass who fought for realism and integrity on the sometimes very silly show. Without him the show would not be as grounded as it was. He may have had his battles with the producers but his kids and his wife loved him. Not sure what Ann B. Davis really thought though. Does anybody know how they got along? And did they also have something in common? (Wink);)

Anna Karenina, I can't help but wonder if the woman in your avatar is a drawing of Ann B. Davis herself!

Anna Karenina, I can't help but wonder if the woman in your avatar is a drawing of Ann B. Davis herself!

My guess it's Lucille Ball. :wave:

My guess it's Lucille Ball. :wave:

And you'd be correct! It's taken from her latter shows (Not sure if it was The Lucy Show or Here's Lucy - I think it was the first one).

Hey Waterston_Fan and James, TripperFan is of course correct, the lady in the avatar is Lucille Ball but she was definitely rocking an Ann B. hairdo in that picture, LOL!:D And it is from the Lucy Show, her production logo photo, I think...

Hey Waterston_Fan and James, TripperFan is of course correct, the lady in the avatar is Lucille Ball but she was definitely rocking an Ann B. hairdo in that picture, LOL!:D And it is from the Lucy Show, her production logo photo, I think...

Yes, it was the production logo they used. I think it originally came from the guy who did all the characters of celebrities and they hung them in the Brown Derby (again, a famous restuarant Lucy would put in her shows).

LOL Rockin' the Ann B. hairdo! I love it! :rofl:

Hey Waterston_Fan and James, TripperFan is of course correct, the lady in the avatar is Lucille Ball but she was definitely rocking an Ann B. hairdo in that picture, LOL!:D And it is from the Lucy Show, her production logo photo, I think...
I love that avatar!! Welcome to the boards, by the way. :wave:

Smartboy - you misread my post. I myself am not homosexual. I'm a 47 yr old hetrosexual female, however, I know that I had no "lifestyle choice" in the matter as do homosexuals. We're born whatever way we're born. ;)

It *IS* a lifestyle when you think about it...if all men suddenly were gay, creation of humans would cease for the most part....so it is a lifestyle, whereas heterosexuality is nature's norm.:cool:

It *IS* a lifestyle when you think about it...if all men suddenly were gay, creation of humans would cease for the most part....so it is a lifestyle, whereas heterosexuality is nature's norm.:cool:

So, all the gay men who tried to bury their true selves by marrying and/or fathering children with women because it was "nature's norm" did the right thing? Was that a good "lifestyle" choice?

What about the broken marriages and children who were left behind because the men realized they were living a lie and decided not to anymore?? What about the impact on the women and children who were left behind? Some women have been traumatized, thinking they drove their men to being gay. And I can't even imagine what the kids must go through, not being able to understand the gay lifestyle at such a young age.

You are what you are. I'm a guy and I knew when I was 9 that I liked girls. I've never questioned it because it seemed natural to me. Much like liking men in that way would be to a homosexual.

Live and let live.

DAX7VvYOJJ4

Robert Reed was the wholesome face of American fatherhood—until Hollywood literally erased ""AIDS"" from his death certificate to save a billion-dollar syndication empire. This video exposes how the studio chose to protect the pristine Brady Bunch brand rather than acknowledge the tragic reality of the man who built it.

Eve Plumb Admits She Never Knew Her “Brady Bunch” TV Dad Robert Reed Was Gay, ‘Even as an Adult' (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/eve-plumb-admits-she-never-182615382.html)

Plumb starred as Jan Brady opposite Reed as family patriarch Mike Brady in the popular television show.

Yes ya couldnt hear it in his voice or anything!!

It's time for everybody to grow up and accept any person's bedroom business! I feel whatever floats your boat and enjoy is nobody's business. In 2026 it's no big deal what anyone chooses to make them happy!

No not in the slightest!!!!!