Date of Birth: October 19, 1932
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: May 12, 1992
Biography
Robert Reed, born John Robert Rietz Jr., was an American actor best known for his role as the father, Mike Brady, on the iconic television series “The Brady Bunch.” He was born on October 19, 1932, in Highland Park, Illinois. Reed studied drama at Northwestern University and later at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He began his career in the late 1950s with roles in theater before transitioning to television and film. Reed’s big break came in 1961 when he was cast in the television series “The Defenders,” where he played attorney Kenneth Preston. However, it was his role on “The Brady Bunch” that cemented his place in TV history. Despite his dislike for the show’s simplistic scripts, Reed’s performance as the loving and moral patriarch won him a place in the hearts of millions. In addition to “The Brady Bunch,” Reed appeared in numerous other TV shows and films, including “Roots,” “Rich Man, Poor Man,” and “Medical Center.” He also took on roles in theater and taught acting classes. Reed’s career was marked by his versatility and dedication to the craft of acting. Reed passed away on May 12, 1992, due to complications from colon cancer and HIV. His legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances and contributions to the world of television and theater.
5 Interesting Facts about Robert Reed
1. Robert Reed was a classically trained Shakespearean actor and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
2. He was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, one of which was for his role in the miniseries “Roots.”
3. Reed was openly critical of “The Brady Bunch” scripts and often clashed with the show’s creator, Sherwood Schwartz, over the content.
4. He continued to stay in touch with his “The Brady Bunch” co-stars and was considered a father figure by many of the younger cast members.
5. Reed taught acting at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the late 1980s.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Robert Reed
1. “The problem with ‘The Brady Bunch’ was that it had a very superficial script. I don’t think it was a good show.”
2. “I never really considered myself a heartthrob. I just did my job and tried to do it well.”
3. “Acting is a great way to make a living, but it’s also a way to understand life.”
4. “What I really wanted was for the show to reflect real life, not just a sanitized version of it.”
5. “Theater is where I learned the most about myself and my craft.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Robert Reed’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Robert Reed had one daughter, Karen Baldwin, from his marriage to Marilyn Rosenberger. The couple divorced in 1959.
Relevant Links
1. [Robert Reed IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715276/
2. [Robert Reed Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/actor/robert-reed
3. [The Brady Bunch on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063878/
4. [Robert Reed on Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5131/robert-reed
5. [UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television](https://www.tft.ucla.edu/