Barry Williams, born Barry William Blenkhorn on September 30, 1954, in Santa Monica, California, grew up in a household that fostered creativity and ambition. He is the youngest of three sons born to Doris May Moore and Frank Millar Blenkhorn. His family lineage includes English, Scottish, and German heritage, which adds a rich cultural background to his identity. Growing up in Pacific Palisades, California, Williams was surrounded by the entertainment industry, with neighbors like actor Peter Graves, which likely influenced his aspirations to pursue a career in acting from a young age.
Williams made his television debut at the age of 13 in a Christmas episode of Dragnet 1967. This early start in acting showcased his talent and determination, leading to subsequent guest appearances on popular shows such as The Mod Squad, Gomer Pyle, USMC, Mission: Impossible, and Here Come the Brides. Each role added to his acting credentials and prepared him for his most significant breakthrough.
Career Breakthrough: The Brady Bunch
In 1969, Williams was cast as Greg Brady, the eldest son in the iconic family sitcom The Brady Bunch. The show, which aired until 1974, depicted the humorous dynamics of a blended family and became a cultural phenomenon. Although it didn’t achieve top ratings during its original run, the show’s syndication led to a resurgence in popularity, making it a beloved classic. The portrayal of Greg Brady helped cement Williams’ status as a household name, but it also came with challenges. Following the show’s end, he struggled with being typecast, often finding it difficult to land diverse roles.
Despite this, Williams successfully transitioned to musical theater, touring with productions of Grease, The Sound of Music, Pippin, and West Side Story. His theatrical background allowed him to showcase his musical talents, and he earned a place on Broadway in the production Romance/Romance. His ability to switch between television and theater demonstrated his versatility as a performer.
Continuing Television Career
After the conclusion of The Brady Bunch, Williams continued to find work in television, landing guest roles on shows like Three’s Company, Highway to Heaven, and General Hospital. In 1984, he played an English con artist named Hannibal in General Hospital, which marked a significant shift in his career as he sought to distance himself from the Greg Brady persona. He also participated in various Brady Bunch reunion specials, including the 1988 Christmas movie A Very Brady Christmas. His appearance in these reunions allowed him to reconnect with fans and celebrate the legacy of the show that had launched his career.
In the late 1990s, Williams released an autobiography titled Growing Up Brady: I Was a Teenage Greg, co-authored with Chris Keski. This book not only became a New York Times bestseller but was also adapted into a television movie in 2000. The autobiography provided fans with an intimate look at his life, experiences in Hollywood, and the challenges he faced as a former child star.
Later Career and Ventures
Williams continued to work in the entertainment industry throughout the 2000s. He made guest appearances in various television shows, including According to Jim, That ’70s Show, and Scrubs. In 2010, he humorously parodied his own character in the film Mega Piranha, showcasing his ability to embrace the legacy of Greg Brady with a sense of humor.
In addition to acting, Williams developed a successful cabaret act, performing in theaters in Branson, Missouri, where he has made his home for over a decade. He frequently tours with his musical group, Barry Williams and the Traveliers, entertaining audiences with a blend of music and nostalgia from his career. His performances often include classic songs from the era of The Brady Bunch, allowing fans to relive the magic of the show while enjoying live entertainment.
Williams also hosts a satellite radio show called The Real Greg Brady’s Totally ’70s Pop Quiz on Sirius Satellite Radio, where he engages listeners with trivia about the 1970s pop culture that he was a part of. In 2019, he participated in the HGTV series A Very Brady Renovation, reuniting with other cast members to renovate the original Brady house, which garnered significant interest from fans of the show.
Barry Williams Net Worth, Personal Life and Real Estate
Throughout his personal life, Barry Williams has been married three times. His first marriage to Diane Martin lasted from 1990 to 1992. He later married Ella Mary Matt in 1999, and they had a son named Eric before their divorce in 2005. Williams also had a long-term relationship with Elizabeth Kennedy, with whom he has a daughter, Samantha Rose, born in 2012. He married his third wife, Tina Mahina, in 2017, and the couple currently resides in Branson, Missouri.
Williams has also made headlines for his real estate ventures. In 1974, his mother built a stunning 2,800-square-foot beachfront home in Malibu, California. The family enjoyed the home for decades, often listing it for rent at up to $25,000 per month. In 2016, Williams listed the property for sale at $7.15 million, eventually selling it for $5.82 million in 2019. This transaction highlighted both his connection to the property and his success in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Barry Williams has carved out a diverse and enduring career in acting and entertainment. From his role as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch to his ventures in musical theater and radio, Williams has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry. His journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of a former child star who continues to embrace his past while looking forward to new opportunities.
