This figure encompasses her earnings from acting, graphic design, radio hosting, writing, and television cameos.
Although she didn’t benefit much from syndication residuals, her continuous reinvention has helped build a stable and enduring income, keeping her relevant and financially secure through various creative pursuits.
What is Susan Olsen Net Worth and Salary?
During her time on The Brady Bunch from 1969 to 1974, Susan earned approximately $1,100 per week. Adjusted for inflation, that amounts to roughly $8,500 a week today, or over $300,000 annually. Those earnings were significant for a child actor at the time, but her contract included compensation for only the first few reruns, residual payments that ended around 1979.
After the show, she diversified her income by working on graphic design projects such as creating glow-in-the-dark shoes for Converse, hosting radio programs in Los Angeles, writing a coffee-table book titled Love to Love You Bradys, and participating in television specials like A Very Brady Renovation.
These engagements continued to contribute to her overall financial portfolio and support her current net worth of $2 million.
Early Life
Susan Marie Olsen was born on August 14, 1961, in Santa Monica, California. She is the youngest of four children born to Lawrence and DeLoice Olsen, who fostered her early creative interests.
From an early age, Susan showed enthusiasm for acting and participated in school performances. Her family supported her ambitions, which led her to attend William H. Taft High School, where she graduated in 1979.
By that time, her childhood acting career had already begun to flourish through several television appearances, setting the groundwork for her iconic role in The Brady Bunch.
Career Highlights and Susan Olsen Net Worth
Susan professional career began before she turned eight. In 1968, she secured guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Ironside, Julia, and Gunsmoke. That same year, she appeared as a singer in the Elvis Presley film The Trouble with Girls, a rare opportunity that showcased her talent at a young age.
These early roles provided her with valuable experience working in front of the camera, helping her feel comfortable and poised when auditioning for more significant roles. By the time the opportunity with The Brady Bunch came knocking, she already possessed a strong understanding of television acting and production.
Let’s Take a Look at Susan Olsen Profile
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Susan Marie Olsen |
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1961 |
| Age | 63 |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) |
| Weight | ~110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed** |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Father | George Frederick Olsen |
| Mother | Carolyn Marie (Founder of Draeger’s Bookstore) |
The Brady Bunch
In 1969, Susan won the role of Cindy Brady, the adorable youngest child on The Brady Bunch. She starred in all five seasons, from 1969 to 1974, portraying Cindy’s innocent charm and memorable wit. Although the show was not an immediate ratings hit, it later became a television staple through syndication, reaching new audiences worldwide.
Beyond the original sitcom, she reprised her character in the animated series The Brady Kids, various reunion specials, and made a surprise appearance on HGTV’s A Very Brady Renovation in 2019. Her role as Cindy Brady became not just a childhood highlight but a long-lasting cultural icon.
The Brady Bunch Salary and Susan Olsen Net Worth
Susan Olsen earnings during the Brady Bunch era were considered impressive for a child actor of the 1970s. She reportedly earned around $1,100 per week, which, when adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to over $8,500 per week in today’s dollars. This amounted to a potential yearly income of more than $300,000 in today’s dollars. However, despite the show’s popularity in reruns, Susan long-term financial benefit was limited.
Like many actors from that period, her contract did not secure ongoing residuals beyond a fixed number of replays. As a result, while The Brady Bunch grew into a cultural phenomenon with a large fanbase, its actors, including Susan, did not continue to earn from its syndication success beyond the initial rerun cycle.
Key Highlights of Susan Olsen Brady Bunch Salary
- Earned approximately $1,100 per week during the original run (1969–1974)
- Equivalent to $8,500+ per week today when adjusted for inflation
- Potential annual income over $300,000 in current value
- No ongoing residuals after the initial rerun cycle (first 10 airings)
- The financial gain from the show was front-loaded, with minimal long-term returns.
Brady Bunch Residuals
Although The Brady Bunch flourished in reruns, revenue-wise, Susan received minimal benefit. Her contract allowed for residual payments for approximately ten reruns, which ended in 1979.
Unlike modern-day contracts that include ongoing royalties, her deal was restrictive once those reruns were done, no further compensation was received despite the show’s enduring success.
This is one main factor why her net worth did not grow as sharply as some of her co-stars, despite the show continuing to air on multiple platforms and reaching millions of fans globally.
Further Television Career and Susan Olsen Net Worth
After The Brady Bunch, Susan Olsen continued to stay active in the entertainment world, though not always in leading roles. Her television appearances spanned multiple decades, often tied to nostalgic projects or memorable guest roles.
While she never returned to the mainstream spotlight in a central role, she remained a familiar face through cameos, reunion specials, and occasional acting projects. These appearances helped her maintain a presence in the industry while also offering opportunities to connect with her long-time fan base.
Notable Television Appearances
- Appeared in the 1970 Disney TV movie The Boy Who Stole the Elephant
- Participated in The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1976)
- Returned in the 1990s for the series The Bradys
- Guest-starred in Pacific Blue and The Young and the Restless
- Joined the Reality series Gimme My Reality Show (2008)
- Featured in the Christmas film Blending Christmas (2021)
- Starred in HGTV’s A Very Brady Renovation (2019) alongside former cast members
Other Endeavors
Susan expanded her career beyond acting into several creative fields. In 1998, she designed glow-in-the-dark shoes for Converse, a project blending her artistic flair with product design. She also hosted radio programs in Los Angeles, most notably on KLSX in the mid-1990s and Comedy World in 2000.
Her book, Love to Love You Bradys, released in 2009, dives into her experiences from the cast’s Variety Hour, mixing memoir with behind-the-scenes stories. Moreover, Susan became active in philanthropy, especially in animal welfare, serving on the board of the Los Angeles rescue organization Precious Paws.
She also created and donated art exploring social themes. These efforts have not only diversified her revenue but have also enhanced her credibility and public image.
Firing Controversy
In December 2016, Susan co-hosted a radio show called Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics. During one broadcast, she used homophobic language targeting a public figure, which led to public outrage.
The radio station subsequently discontinued the show. Susan publicly condemned the reports, stating she was never technically fired and criticized media coverage as “fake news.” Nevertheless, the incident affected both her reputation and her professional opportunities.
While she did issue an apology, the controversy marked a turning point in her broadcasting career, underscoring the importance of public accountability.
Personal Life
Susan Olsen personal life mirrors her dynamic career. She has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Steve Ventimiglia from 1988 to 1990. In 1995, she married musician Mitch Markwell, and together they had a son named Michael in 1997; Michael was later diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.
Susan and Mitch divorced in 2004. Susan current partner is Chris “Crazy Legs” Fonseca, a comedian and entertainer. She spends her time between Los Angeles and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Alongside her partner and son, she remains devoted to animal welfare charities and migraine advocacy, drawing from personal experiences to raise awareness and funds.
Final Thoughts on Susan Olsen Net Worth
Susan Olsen journey illustrates resilience, creativity, and personal growth. From her breakout role as Cindy Brady to her later ventures in design, radio, authorship, and advocacy, she has carved out a diverse and enduring career.
Her current net worth of $2 million reflects not only her child-star salary but also her ongoing commitment to creativity and social causes. While she faced setbacks such as limited residuals and a public controversy, she has evolved and sustained her relevance.
Today, Susan is celebrated not just for her iconic early role but for her multifaceted contributions to entertainment, art, and philanthropy.
