From playing Carol on The Brady Bunch to killing it on Dancing With the Stars, Florence Henderson was a true gem and role model. While Henderson didn’t claim to have any miracle solutions, she once talked about how she stayed fit as she aged. Everyone seems to have different tricks when it comes to staying healthy, and Henderson was no exception.
Florence Henderson’s Healthy Habits
It’s no small feat to compete in Dancing With the Stars at 76 successfully, but in 2010, Henderson did just that. Henderson took on the challenge, inspiring many along the way. She even outlasted competitors such as David Hasselhof and Michael Bolton!
And when it comes to how she did it, she gave a great answer. “I work out three times a week,” she said in a 2011 interview. She also said, “I try to be aware of nutrition; I take vitamins. I try to pray a lot.” She concluded with some profound advice. “I think the secret of life is balance: mentally, spiritually, and physically. I try to keep those things as balanced as I can.”
It’s advice that many can relate to and the artful balancing of her faith, physical health, and mental health proved quite fruitful for her because her joyful and exciting run on dancing with the stars captivated the hearts of the audience.
Henderson’s Life and Passing
Unfortunately, though, nobody is immune to mortality and illness. Florence Henderson passed away on Thanksgiving in 2016 at 82 years old. Henderson provided entertainment and joy to millions for decades. Her starring role as Carol Brady on the Brady Bunch made her one of America’s favorite TV moms.
Though she was born from humble beginnings, Florence Henderson started her career in the 1950s on Broadway before being the “Today Girl” on the NBC Morning program. In 1962, Henderson made history as The Tonight Show’s first female guest host, subbing in for Johnny Carson.
Florence Henderson played Carol Brady from 1969-1974. She almost didn’t take the role. She discussed what happened in a 1999 interview. “I said, ‘I don’t want to do a series. I live in New York,’ .” Though thankfully, her agent persisted, and she agreed to do a screen test. She admitted her experience as a young parent brought her a certain knowledge to the role.
Florence Henderson’s history-making and impactful career spanned from the early 1950s through the final years of her life. Her acting and singing skills and her hands-on experiences with motherhood made her a perfect candidate to win over the audience. Her practical health advice on balancing physical health, mental health, and spirituality is a kind reminder to stay healthy.
