Florence Henderson

Florence Henderson, multi-talented actress, talk show host, performer, producer, recording artist, author, Broadway veteran, and philanthropist, has had an outstanding career on film, in television and on stage. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, commitment to quality and craftsmanship, has made Ms. Henderson one of the most respected and well-liked performers of our time. Her charitable endeavors are just as intrinsic to her life; she is able to successfully balance her professional and personal dreams, while allowing others the opportunity to grow educationally and spiritually.

She is known worldwide to fans of all ages, as “America’s favorite mom Carol Brady, on the classic “hit” TV series THE BRADY BUNCH, but did you know that she was the first woman ever to host THE TONIGHT SHOW?

A legion of young, hip TV viewers, have fallen in love with Florence all over again, as she currently portrays the on-call guidance counselor on the Sixth season of VH1’s THE SURREAL LIFE. The series debuted to stellar ratings on March 19, 2006 at 9pm ET/PT. “Dr. Flo” dispenses advice each episode to the wild bunch of cast members.

Florence appeared on VH1’s MY FAIR BRADY (2005), providing advice to former BRADY son “Peter” Chris Knight and his girlfriend Adrienne regarding their relationship. VH1 was so impressed, that the network invited her to participate in the same capacity on THE SURREAL LIFE.

Florence Henderson is also familiar to young TV viewers as the voice of “Mastermind,” on the WB Network’s LOONATICS, airing Saturday mornings at 9:30am ET/PT. Mastermind is deliciously evil, and spends all of her time dreaming up ways to defeat the Loonatics. In addition, the lovable Mrs. Brady will appear as a sexy, wild vamp in the recently completed motion picture comedy, VENUS AND VEGAS. She had the most fun shedding her all American image, and becoming a “hot” babe. A few years ago at the MTV MOVIE AWARDS, she  portrayed Sharon Stone, complete in a tight white outfit and slicked back hair, during a comedy sketch, and received a great reception and lots of laughs from the audience.

Florence Henderson is recognized nationwide as one of the top leading spokespersons, and was featured in a Super Bowl commercial for Pepsi Light, which became one of the highest rated commercials in Super Bowl History. She was rated #5 out of 10 top television endorsers by THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, based on consumer appeal, and a career built on trust and talent. In addition to her Television commitments, Ms. Henderson maintains a busy schedule performing in concert and doing personal appearances, and is in demand as a motivational speaker, who incorporates music into her presentations.

Fans will be delighted to know, that Ms. Henderson is currently in rehearsal for her upcoming one-woman national concert tour entitled, FLORENCE HENDERSON…THE LIVES OF ME.

Florence’s penchant for performing began at the tender age of 2 when, as the youngest of ten children, in a close-knit Midwestern family, she had already learned to sing a repertoire of 50 songs, note perfect. Her acting career began at age 17, when Florence entered New York’s prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She then landed a part in Joshua Logan’s musical, WISH YOU WERE HERE, and although the part was small, Florence’s flair and sheer talent attracted the attention of the legendary team of Rodgers & Hammerstein, who promptly stole her away to play the lead in the last national tour of OKLAHOMA!

Ms. Henderson’s reputation as a bright new star preceded her to Hollywood, where she starred in THE GREAT WALTZ for the Civic Light Opera of Los Angeles. Logan “reclaimed” her, and she returned to New York, at the age of 19, to star in the lead role in FANNY. Florence’s already-impressive resume includes her Brava performance as “Maria” in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and the lead in THE GIRL WHO CAME TO SUPPER, Noel Coward’s last show on Broadway. She performed to sell-out crowds in the Lincoln Center production of SOUTH PACIFIC as “Nellie Forbush,” and her drawing power and incredible appeal, propelled her into to the starring role of “Anna” opposite Ricardo Montalban’s “King of Siam” in the production of THE KING AND I that inaugurated the Los Angeles Music Center.

Florence’s magic touch was hardly limited to the stage. Her first feature film, THE SONG OF NORWAY, was shot over 8 months on location in Europe, bringing her into the international spotlight.

Back in the United States, she was becoming a recognized and talented Television star. Henderson made frequent guest appearances with such variety and talk show legends as: Ed Sullivan, Bing Crosby, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Dean Martin, Steve Allen, Merv Griffin and Dick Cavett.

This multi-faceted actress broke new ground in Television, as the star of one of the medium’s most beloved and longest-running situation comedies, THE BRADY BUNCH. The “classic” series aired for 5 seasons (1969-1974); has never been off the air in this country, and currently airs in 122 countries around the world.

Florence’s co-producing and talk-show credits include 9 seasons of The Nashville Network’s cooking, comedy series COUNTRY KITCHEN. By researching each celebrity guest herself, and refusing to use cue cards, Florence made the weekly show, lively and spontaneous as the stars whipped up their favorite recipes. The anecdotes and experiences from COUNTRY KITCHEN inspired her to write a cookbook, A LITTLE COOKING, A LITTLE TALKING AND A WHOLE LOT OF FUN. Florence also wrote SHORT CUT COOKING based on her cooking series of the same name for Public Television.

Florence Henderson’s story goes way beyond show business. She began to notice a loss of hearing that developed during her run in THE KING AND I. The situation progressed almost to the point of deafness, before a hereditary condition called otosclerosis was discovered to be the cause, and was corrected through surgery. Her recovery has lead to a long association with the House Ear Institute.

In addition, Florence’s many humanitarian activities include: 20 years as the National host of THE UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY TELETHON and fundraising for her beloved CITY OF HOPE, among others.

In short, Florence Henderson continues to reach for the stars. Whether on stage, screen, feature films, TV or the printed page, her legion of fans internationally and nationally, can count on her to continue sharing the many talents she possesses, and the warmth and exuberance with which she does so.