Barry Williams, a name synonymous with the beloved 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch, has had an extensive and varied career in the entertainment industry. Known for his portrayal of Greg Brady, the eldest of the Brady children, Williams has managed to carve out a successful path both on and off the screen. This article delves into his net worth, biography, age, height, and personal life, offering a comprehensive look at the actor’s journey.
Net Worth
Barry Williams has accumulated a net worth of $6 million throughout his long career. His wealth comes from his diverse work as an actor, writer, and performer. Although The Brady Bunch initially brought him fame, his continued efforts in television, musical theater, and various other entertainment ventures have significantly contributed to his financial success.
Williams’ financial journey has seen its ups and downs, particularly as he navigated the typecasting challenges that followed his role as Greg Brady. Despite these challenges, Williams has remained a steadfast figure in the entertainment industry, capitalizing on his iconic status while also branching out into new areas, such as musical theater and cabaret performances.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 30, 1954, in Santa Monica, California, Barry William Blenkhorn—known professionally as Barry Williams—was destined for the limelight from an early age. He is the youngest of three sons born to Doris May Moore and Frank Millar Blenkhorn. With a heritage rooted in English, Scottish, and German ancestry, Williams grew up in the Pacific Palisades area, where he lived among neighbors who were also part of the entertainment industry.
Williams began pursuing acting as a child, making his television debut at just 13 years old in a Christmas episode of Dragnet 1967. His early career was marked by guest-starring roles on a variety of television shows, including Mission: Impossible, The Invaders, and The Mod Squad. These appearances helped him hone his craft and set the stage for his big break.
Rise to Fame with The Brady Bunch
In 1969, Barry Williams was cast as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, a role that would define his career. The show, which aired from 1969 to 1974, followed the lives of a blended family with six children and has since become a cultural touchstone. Although The Brady Bunch was never a top-rated show during its original run, it gained immense popularity in syndication, making Williams a household name.
Despite the success, the role of Greg Brady became something of a double-edged sword for Williams. On one hand, it made him famous; on the other, it led to typecasting, making it difficult for him to find roles that deviated from the wholesome image of his Brady Bunch character. Nevertheless, Williams continued to work in television, taking on guest roles in shows like General Hospital, Highway to Heaven, and That ’70s Show.
Musical Theater and Other Ventures
After The Brady Bunch ended, Williams found a new avenue in musical theater. He toured with productions of Grease, The Sound of Music, Pippin, and West Side Story, showcasing his versatility as a performer. In 1988, he made his Broadway debut in the musical Rome/Romance, where he played the lead male role alongside Tony Award-nominee Alison Fraser.
Williams also authored an autobiography in 1992 titled Growing Up Brady: I Was A Teenage Greg, co-written by Chris Keski. The book, which became a New York Times bestseller, was later adapted into a television movie in 2000, further cementing Williams’ legacy.
In the later years of his career, Williams developed a cabaret act that pays tribute to his past, performing with his musical group, Barry Williams and the Traveliers. He continues to tour and perform, often in Branson, Missouri, where he has made his home for the past decade.
Personal Life
Barry Williams’ personal life has been as eventful as his career. He has been married three times and has two children.
- First Marriage: Williams married his first wife, Diane Martin, in 1990. The marriage, however, was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1992.
- Second Marriage: His second marriage was to Ella Mary Matt on January 30, 1999. The couple had a son, Eric, before divorce in 2005. Despite their separation, Williams has remained actively involved in his son’s life.
- Third Marriage: Williams married his third wife, Tina Mahina, on July 9, 2017. The couple had been together for several years before tying the knot and continue to live happily together.
In addition to his marriages, Williams had a long-term relationship with Elizabeth Kennedy, with whom he shares a daughter, Samantha Rose, born in 2012.
Real Estate
In 1974, Barry’s mother built a 2,800-square-foot beachfront home in Malibu, a property that Barry and his family cherished for decades. The home was periodically rented out, fetching as much as $25,000 per month. In 2016, Williams listed the property for sale at $7.15 million, eventually selling it in 2019 for $5.82 million.
Height and Physical Attributes
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters) tall, Barry Williams has maintained a commanding presence throughout his career. His height and good looks contributed to his appeal as Greg Brady and have continued to serve him well in his varied roles in entertainment.
Interesting facts about Barry Williams:
Age
Barry Williams was born on September 30, 1954, making him 69 years old as of 2024.
Height
He stands at 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters) tall.
Net Worth
Barry Williams has an estimated net worth of $6 million. His wealth comes from a long career in acting, writing, and performing, with significant contributions from his role in The Brady Bunch.
Wife
Barry Williams has been married three times:
- Diane Martin (1990–1992)
- Ella Mary Matt (1999–2005), with whom he had a son, Eric.
- Tina Mahina (married in 2017), his current wife.
Children
Barry Williams has two children:
- Eric, from his second marriage to Ella Mary Matt.
- Samantha Rose, born in 2012, from his relationship with Elizabeth Kennedy.
Conclusion
Barry Williams’ journey through the entertainment industry is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. From his early days as a child actor to his iconic role in The Brady Bunch and beyond, Williams has consistently found ways to reinvent himself. With a net worth of $6 million, a loving family, and a legacy that continues to endure, Barry Williams remains a beloved figure in American pop culture.
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