cover image Life Is Not a Stage: From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond

Life Is Not a Stage: From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond

Florence Henderson, with Joel Brokaw. Center Street, $25.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-59995-388-5

Henderson's depiction of the perfect mother of the perfect family as Carol Brady provided Americans "a cultural icon," but her true upbringing in Indiana as "a small child confronted by the unpleasant side of humanity," devoid of affection, with an alcoholic father, an absent mother, and a home without running water or electricity, taught her "not to be dependent on other people." Her musical talent shone on Broadway while working with Rodgers and Hammerstein, Josh Logan, Noel Coward, and David Merrick. A natural on live television, Henderson charmed Jack Paar, broke new ground as "the Today Show girl" and as the first woman to sub for Johnny Carson. She discusses raising her own family while on the Brady Bunch set; Robert Reed's troubles as actor and closeted gay man; warm friendships and a date with Barry Williams, her Brady Bunch son. In this genuinely introspective narrative, Henderson reflects honestly on the birth control pill as liberation; affairs, including a one-night stand with former New York City mayor John Lindsey; stage fright; and postpartum depression. 16 pages of photos. (Sept.)