Ann B. Davis, Beloved 'Brady Bunch' Maid, Dies At 88
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Ann B. Davis, best known for being the wiseacre maid on TV's "The Brady Bunch," has died.
Davis was 88.
Ann Bradford Davis first came to the attention of TV audiences as Charmaine "Schultzy" Schultz in the "Bob Cummings Show" (NBC 1955-59). She won two Emmys for her work on that sitcom and was nominated two additional times.
Davis received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
But 60's and 70's era TV fans (and countless millions who have seen "Brady" reruns ever since) adored her as Alice Nelson, always quick with a cookie, a quip or sage advice for the six kids and often the parents, too.
"The Brady Bunch" ran on ABC from 1969-1974.
When she wasn't starring in sitcoms and playing second bananas, she was often seen on commercials. Davis pitched Ford cars and was the face of Minute Rice for decades.
Davis, born in Schenectady, New York, had her first job in show business when she was 6. According to her IMDB.com bio, she made $2 for appearing in a puppet show.
She intended on being a doctor but got the desire to act for a living while watching her brother tour as a lead dancer in the national company of "Oklahoma."
Davis' other credits include "The John Forsythe Show," "Love, American Style," "Love Boat," as well as every variation of Brady-bilia including "The Brady Bunch Movie," "Hi Honey, I'm Home," "The Bradys," "A Very Brady Christmas," "The Brady Brides," "The Brady Girls Get Married" and "The Brady Bunch Variety Hour."
TMZ quoted a couple that lived with Davis in Texas saying she died Sunday morning after hitting her head in the bathroom after a fall Saturday.
Eve Plumb, who played middle sister Jan Brady, said in a statement, "Ann was an amazing lady. She was great to work with, and I have wonderful memories of our scenes together on 'The Brady Bunch.' She was kind and generous to all of us on set. Although we hadn't seen each other as often as we may have wanted to in the last few years, I am sure she knew she held a very important place in my heart. My thoughts are with her family and friends."
