Florence Henderson

Florence Henderson was an American actress and singer whose career spanned more than six decades, making her a beloved figure in both television and stage history. Born on February 14, 1934, in the small town of Dale, Indiana, she was the youngest of ten children to Elizabeth Elder and tobacco sharecropper Joseph Henderson, and began singing at the age of two under her mother’s tutelage. After graduating from St. Francis Academy in Owensboro, Kentucky, she moved to New York City to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she quickly entered the Broadway world with a debut in Wish You Were Here in 1952. Her breakout role came in 1954 when she originated the title character in the long‑running musical Fanny, a performance that cemented her reputation as a versatile performer capable of both acting and vocal excellence. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s Henderson appeared in numerous television specials, commercials, and stage productions, including the iconic Oldsmobile ads alongside Bill Hayes and a guest‑hosting stint on The Tonight Show in 1962, making her the first woman to do so. However, it was her portrayal of Carol Brady on the ABC sitcom The Brady Bunch (1969‑1974) that brought her into the homes of millions and earned her a lasting place on the list of television’s greatest icons. In addition to acting, she released several albums on RCA Victor, hosted cooking shows such as Who’s Cooking with Florence Henderson, and served as a longtime spokeswoman for brands like Wesson cooking oil and Polident. Even in her later years, Henderson remained active on screen, competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2010 and making guest appearances on shows like The Cleveland Show and The Surreal Life. Her dedication to charity, especially her support for the Sisters of St. Benedict in Indiana, demonstrated a compassionate side that complemented her public persona. Florence Henderson passed away on November 24, 2016, but her warm presence and iconic roles continue to inspire new generations of fans.