5 Surprising Maureen McCormick Cameos That Prove 'Marcia Brady' Is Still The Best

For decades, the name "Marcia Brady" has been synonymous with the ideal American teenager, a pop culture icon whose sunny disposition and perfect hair defined a generation. But the actress behind the legendary role, Maureen McCormick, has a career that extends far beyond the familiar suburban walls of The Brady Bunch, encompassing surprising cameos and guest roles that often go overlooked. As of December 2025, new attention is being drawn to some of her earliest, most shocking appearances, proving that her career has been a masterful balance of wholesome nostalgia and unexpected reinvention.

The quest to find the "best" Marcia Brady cameo often leads fans down a rabbit hole of TV history, but the most compelling appearances are those where Maureen McCormick completely sheds the good-girl persona. From a 60-year-old Halloween episode that's making headlines to her emotional reality TV debuts, these deep-cut roles are a testament to her enduring talent and ability to surprise audiences, solidifying her status as a beloved, yet complex, Hollywood figure.

Maureen McCormick: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Maureen McCormick is an American actress, singer, and author best known for her role as Marcia Brady on the iconic television sitcom The Brady Bunch. Her career trajectory is a fascinating study in navigating child stardom and the challenges of typecasting.

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• Full Name: Maureen Denise McCormick
• Date of Birth: August 5, 1956
• Place of Birth: Encino, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Michael Cummings (m. 1985)
• Children: One daughter, Natalie Michelle Cummings
• Breakout Role: Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
• Early Career Highlights: Appeared in commercials and had guest roles on shows like Bewitched and My Three Sons before The Brady Bunch.
• Post-Brady Career: Starred in various Brady Bunch spin-offs, including The Brady Girls Get Married (1981) and A Very Brady Christmas (1988).
• Notable Reality TV: Competed on Dancing with the Stars (Season 23) and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
• Author: Wrote the best-selling autobiography, Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice (2008).
• Recent Work: Continues to act, including stage work in New York, and has participated in recent Brady Bunch-related projects, such as the reunion for filming at the famous house.

The Cameo That Might Be The Best: Before The Brady Bunch

While most fans associate McCormick with the 1970s, her early career holds a gem that is currently receiving new attention: her pre-Brady Bunch appearance on a classic fantasy sitcom. This role is arguably her most surprising, as it predates her iconic character and shows a range she rarely got to display later.

The Shocking 'Bewitched' Halloween Appearance (1964)

Long before she was worrying about a date for the dance, a young Maureen McCormick appeared in a 1964 episode of Bewitched titled "The Witches Are Out." This cameo is a revelation for fans, and in October 2025, it was highlighted as an iconic moment turning 60 years old.

In the episode, McCormick plays an ordinary little girl who is surprised by a magical display. The role is a perfect example of her early talent, showcasing her ability to play a wide-eyed, innocent child reacting to the surreal world of television magic. It’s a powerful piece of television history that proves her on-screen charisma was evident years before she ever stepped foot in the Brady house. This early work establishes her as a seasoned child actor, not just an overnight sensation.

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Other Underrated Early Guest Roles

Her work in the 1960s was prolific, building topical authority in the world of classic TV. She also had guest spots on shows like My Three Sons and Camp Runamuck. These roles, though brief, demonstrate the groundwork she laid for her future stardom and make her more than just a one-hit wonder. They are crucial to understanding the full scope of her pre-fame acting career, which is often overshadowed by the "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" phenomenon.

The Most Surprising Post-Marcia Appearances and Reinventions

The biggest challenge for Maureen McCormick was breaking free from the Marcia Brady typecast. Her career reinventions in the 21st century have led to some of her most vulnerable and surprising appearances, offering a raw look at the woman behind the perfect smile.

The Emotional Debut on 'Dancing with the Stars'

In 2016, McCormick joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars (Season 23). This was more than just a celebrity competition; it was an emotional journey that captivated viewers. Her debut was particularly moving, featuring her tears and a supportive presence from her late TV mother, Florence Henderson.

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Her appearance on DWTS was a powerful cameo in her own life story. It allowed the public to see her vulnerability, her struggles with self-doubt, and her determination to overcome her past. This reality TV appearance, though not a traditional acting role, served as a profound public "cameo" that redefined her relationship with her fans and the media, making her a more relatable figure.

From the Jungle to the Stage: Reality TV and Theatre

McCormick embraced the world of reality television, using it as a vehicle to showcase her true personality. Her participation in shows like I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! offered a stark contrast to the polished image of Marcia Brady. Living in the Australian jungle, stripped of glamour, was a bold move that further cemented her willingness to challenge her own celebrity image.

More recently, she has focused on acting on the stage in New York, a move that allows her to focus on the craft of acting away from the glare of Hollywood typecasting. This pivot to theatre, a challenging and demanding medium, is one of her most significant and admirable career "cameos," proving she is an actress who couldn't say no to the opportunity to grow.

Why Marcia Brady's Legacy Endures in Modern Cameos

The enduring power of the Marcia Brady persona is what makes Maureen McCormick's other appearances so compelling. The character is an icon of pop culture, a symbol of innocence and teenage perfection. When McCormick appears in a modern context, whether it’s a reunion special or a reality show, the contrast between the nostalgic ideal and the reality of her life creates an immediate, powerful connection with the audience.

Even the casting of Christine Taylor as Marcia in The Brady Bunch Movie (1995) is a testament to the character's legacy. Taylor's performance was so spot-on, capturing the mannerisms and accent, that it was hailed as an "insanely good" portrayal, effectively giving the character a new, cinematic "cameo" for a new generation. The constant references and reboots ensure that the original Marcia, Maureen McCormick, remains a relevant figure whose every appearance is a notable event.

In conclusion, the best "Marcia Brady cameo" isn't a single scene; it's the entire body of work by Maureen McCormick that constantly plays with and subverts the expectation of her most famous role. From her surprising pre-fame work in Bewitched to her emotional transparency on DWTS, her career is a fascinating series of reinventions that continue to make headlines and capture the hearts of fans old and new.