Barry Williams, born on September 30, 1954, in Santa Monica, California, is an American actor and performer best known for his role as Greg Brady on the iconic television show The Brady Bunch. With a career spanning several decades, Williams has left a lasting impact on television and theater, continuing to entertain audiences around the world. As of 2024, Barry Williams has an estimated net worth of $6 million, thanks to his acting roles, musical theater performances, and his later ventures in cabaret and live performances in Branson, Missouri.
Personal Info:
- Full Name: Barry William Blenkhorn (known as Barry Williams)
- Date of Birth: September 30, 1954
- Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California, USA
- Age: 69 years old (as of 2024)
- Occupation: Actor, Singer, Performer
- Net Worth: $6 million (as of 2024)
- Famous For: Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch
- Education: Pacific Palisades High School
- Spouse: Tina Mahina (married 2017), formerly married to Diane Martin (1990-1992) and Ella Mary Matt (1999-2005)
- Children: Two (Eric Williams, Samantha Rose Williams)
- Notable Works: The Brady Bunch, General Hospital, Romance/Romance (Broadway)
- Other Ventures: Growing Up Brady (autobiography), The Real Greg Brady’s Totally ’70s Pop Quiz (radio show)
- Residence: Branson, Missouri
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Born Barry William Blenkhorn, he grew up in Pacific Palisades, California, as the youngest of three sons in a family with English, Scottish, and German heritage. Barry developed a passion for acting early in life and, at just 13 years old, made his television debut in the 1967 Christmas episode of Dragnet 1967. This appearance was the start of a series of guest roles on popular TV shows of the time, including Adam-12, The Invaders, Mission: Impossible, and Gomer Pyle USMC.
The Brady Bunch: A Defining Role
In 1969, Williams landed the role that would define his career—Greg Brady, the eldest of the Brady children on The Brady Bunch. The show, which followed the lives of a blended family, aired for five seasons between 1969 and 1974. While not a major hit during its initial run, the show gained a massive following through syndication, becoming a beloved cultural touchstone for generations of viewers. It aired 117 episodes in total and spawned various spin-offs, reunion specials, and TV films in which Williams reprised his role as Greg Brady.
Despite The Brady Bunch bringing him fame, it also typecast Williams, making it difficult for him to land roles outside of the Greg Brady persona. However, he persevered and continued to work in television and theater after the show ended, slowly distancing himself from the iconic role.
Post-Brady Bunch Career
After The Brady Bunch, Williams transitioned to musical theater, where he found success touring with major productions of Grease, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, and Pippin. In 1988, he appeared on Broadway in Romance/Romance, taking over the lead male role after Scott Bakula’s departure. His work in musical theater showcased his versatility as a performer and allowed him to prove himself as a talent beyond his childhood fame.
Williams continued to act on television, appearing in guest roles on shows like General Hospital, where he played an English con man named Hannibal, Highway to Heaven, Hollywood 7, and That ’70s Show. He also appeared in A Very Brady Christmas (1988) and The Brady Bunch 35th Anniversary Reunion Special (2004), both of which revisited his role as Greg Brady.
Author and Later Ventures
In 1992, Williams released his autobiography Growing Up Brady: I Was A Teenage Greg, co-written with Chris Kreski. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a 2000 TV movie starring Adam Brody as Williams. Williams’ autobiography offered a candid look into his experience growing up in the spotlight and becoming one of television’s most recognizable faces.
Williams dabbled in music as well, releasing a parody song titled The Real Greg Brady in 2000, a playful twist on Eminem’s The Real Slim Shady. In addition, Williams has embraced live performance, developing a cabaret act that reflects on his career and includes musical performances. For over a decade, he has performed with his group, Barry Williams and the Traveliers, primarily in Branson, Missouri.
Williams also ventured into radio, hosting The Real Greg Brady’s Totally ’70s Pop Quiz on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Personal Life and Real Estate Ventures
Barry Williams has been married three times. His first marriage to Diane Martin lasted from 1990 to 1992, and his second to Ella Mary Matt from 1999 to 2005. The couple had a son named Eric. After his second marriage, he had a long-term relationship with Elizabeth Kennedy, with whom he shares a daughter named Samantha. In 2017, Williams married his third wife, Tina Mahina, after several years of dating.
Williams has also made notable real estate investments. In 1974, his mother built a beachfront home in Malibu that remained in the family for decades. The property was listed for sale multiple times before finally being sold in 2019 for $5.82 million.
Net Worth and Ongoing Career
As of 2024, Barry Williams’ net worth is estimated at $6 million, earned from his acting career, musical theater performances, autobiography, and radio hosting. He continues to perform live shows and embrace his legacy as one of television’s most iconic child stars, while also maintaining a strong presence in the Branson, Missouri entertainment scene.