Robert Reed biography

Synopsis

American actor Robert Reed played the quintessential family man Mike Brady in the enduring sitcom The Brady Bunch, a cultural icon of suburban family life in the 1970s. While still working on The Brady Bunch, Reed concurrently acted in the L.A-based detective series Mannix and in the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man (1976), Roots (1977) and Scruples (1980).

Profile

Actor. Born John Robert Rietz, on October 19, 1932, in Highland Park, Illinois. A classical actor trained at Northwestern University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Reed's early credits included starring roles in the Broadway productions Barefoot in the Park, Avanto, and Doubles. In 1961, he made his TV acting debut playing a young attorney in the courtroom drama The Defenders (1961-65).

In 1969, Reed was cast as quintessential family man Mike Brady in the enduring sitcom The Brady Bunch. With a syrupy, albeit charming view of suburban family life The Brady Bunch (1969-74) became a cultural icon of the 1970s. During its five-year run, the popularity of the series swelled to a phenomenal level, becoming increasingly well known through re-runs in syndication.

While still working on The Brady Bunch, Reed concurrently acted in the L.A.-based detective series Mannix (1969-75). In his role as the dour Lt. Adam Tobias, Reed was part of the cast for its entire six-year run. For the duration of his career, Reed continued to find success in TV work, most notably in the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man (1976), Roots (1977), and Scruples (1980).

Reed died on May 12, 1992 at age 59. Initially attributed simply to colon cancer, his death was later revealed to have been hastened by AIDS.