Ann B. Davis, the actress who became famous for playing Alice, the housekeeper from the Brady Bunch, has died at the age of 88.
While well-known for her iconic television work, what is less well-known is that Ann was a devout Episcopalian. She had been living in a religious community with Bishop William Frey and his wife Barbara since 1976. The community was first located in Denver, then moved to San Antonio.
Interviewed numerous times in the press, Ann was never preachy about her faith, but quiet and matter of fact, continuing to make occasional public appearances in movies and television until recently.
For the NY Times writeup, go here.
May her rest this day be with the saints in light.
Addendum: See the feature article by Episcopal News Service.
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Noted, that since this a blog comment, it MAY just be gossip (but friendly gossip):
http://www.joemygod.blogspot.com/2014/06/brady-bunch-star-alice-dies-at-88.html#comment-1415453733
“It’s not mentioned, but it is generally known in a quiet manner that Ann B. Davis was gay/lesbian. She never married, and her sexual orientation was discreetly not discussed in Hollywood and in general because she was raised back in the day when such things were not voiced.
A number of years ago she had fallen on hard times and an Episcopalian Bishop took her under his wing and put her in a church-oriented group for people who were having a difficult time. The Reverend was asked if gay and lesbians were allowed in his group and he said Yes.”
[Since I assume that’s Bp Bill Frey being referenced above, he could comment whether that attributed quote is at all accurate.]
What’s indisputable is that she was a Wolverine! [University of Michigan: my dad was there (on the GI Bill) at the same time she was there. Go Maize, Go Blue!]. May Ann rest in peace & rise in glory…
JC Fisher
More here from Bishop Frey and others.