Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Love and Laughter: Maureen McCormick Unveils Secrets to a 40-Year Marriage

Maureen McCormick opened up about the secret to her longtime marriage to husband Michael Cummings after celebrating their 40-year anniversary

MAUREEN McCORMICK OPENS UP ABOUT SECRET TO LONGTIME MARRIAGE: "LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT" AND A LIFETIME DEAL

It's not often that we get a glimpse into the private lives of Hollywood's golden couples, but Maureen McCormick is giving us just that as she celebrates 40 years of marriage to her beloved husband Michael Cummings. The Brady Bunch star, now 69, has been open about her struggles with addiction and personal demons in the past, but it's clear that she's found her rock in Michael.

The couple met in the 80s, and according to McCormick, it was love at first sight. "I didn't know who he was, but I liked what I saw," she gushes about Michael, who was oblivious to her fame as a child star on The Brady Bunch. It seems their instant attraction was just the beginning of a lifelong partnership that has seen its fair share of ups and downs.

She rose to fame as a child star at just 13 years old as one of the original members of the Brady Bunch family; pictured in December 1971

Fast forward to today, and it's clear that Maureen and Michael have done some serious work to make their marriage thrive. "It's a lifetime deal," McCormick emphasizes, "and you've got to be willing to put in the effort." For Michael, the key to their success is simple: "You can't take things too seriously. You've got to let things go and just love the one you're with."

But what about those pesky differences that can drive couples apart? McCormick reveals that they've learned to celebrate each other's unique qualities rather than trying to change them. "We prioritize our daughter, our family, our friends – and we love walking together," she says, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Of course, their 40-year anniversary wasn't without its challenges. McCormick has been open about her struggles with addiction in the past, and it's clear that Michael played a significant role in helping her get sober. In fact, he gave her an ultimatum: choose between getting clean or leaving him. It was a turning point for Maureen, who would go on to write candidly about her struggles in her 2008 memoir Here's The Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice.

The Brady Bunch star, 69, said it was love at first sight when they met and admitted they put in 'a lot of work' for their 'lifetime deal' to thrive

Despite the ups and downs they've faced, Maureen and Michael are still going strong – and it shows. They were spotted out together just last week, with McCormick even sharing a sweet kiss on the lips with a male friend in front of her husband. But don't let that fool you: sources close to the couple insist that their marriage is rock-solid.

So what's the secret to their success? For Michael, it's all about love and acceptance – and a healthy dose of humor. "You've got to be able to laugh together," he says, smiling at his wife. Maureen agrees, adding that they've learned to appreciate each other's differences rather than trying to change them.

As for their future plans? Well, let's just say they're not looking back – unless it's to reminisce about their 40 incredible years together. With a daughter in her mid-30s and a strong support system behind them, Maureen and Michael are ready to take on whatever life throws their way.

McCormick and her husband revealed how they deal with their 'differences' after celebrating four decades together in March earlier this year; pictured March 2018 in New York City

It's clear that this couple is truly meant to be. As McCormick puts it, "We feel very grateful and thankful to have found each other." And with 40 years of love and laughter under their belt, we're sure they'll continue to make us all green with envy for years to come.

A LOOK BACK AT MAUREEN McCORMICK'S ROUGH ROAD TO RECOVERY

Maureen McCormick's road to recovery wasn't an easy one. As a child star on The Brady Bunch, she was thrust into the spotlight at just 13 years old – and it took a toll on her mental health. She fell deep into addiction, struggling with cocaine and bulimia, and even traded sex for drugs in a desperate bid to feed her habit.

The longtime couple revealed that they were steadfast and sure about each other 'right away' when they started dating in the 80s. They said they fell in love at first sight; pictured September 1998 in Beverly Hills

But it was Michael who helped her find her way back from the brink. In his own words, he gave her an ultimatum: "I said, 'You've got to choose between getting sober or leaving me.' She chose sobriety – and I'm glad she did."

McCormick has spoken candidly about her struggles in her memoir, but it's clear that Michael was the one who helped her find her true voice. Today, she's a proud wife, mother, and advocate for addiction recovery – and it's all thanks to the love and support of her husband.

MAUREEN MCCORMICK'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

The couple, who share a 35-year-old daughter Natalie, now live a quiet life outside Los Angeles; pictured August 1997 in Los Angeles

Maureen McCormick may not be as busy as she was in her Brady Bunch days, but she's still making waves on screen. Here are some highlights from her career:

  • She reprised her role as Marcia Brady in various spinoffs after The Brady Bunch went off the air in 1974.
  • McCormick guest-starred on popular TV series and movies throughout the 70s and 80s, including Happy Days and Police Woman.
  • In recent years, she's appeared on Dancing with the Stars (2016) and has had smaller roles on TV shows like NCIS: Los Angeles.

MICHAEL CUMMINGS' SHINING CAREER

She charmed audiences as the pretty and popular Marcia Brady, older sister to siblings Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy ¿ for five seasons before the show went off air in 1974; pictured at the top left of cast portrait in 1972

It seems Michael Cummings was the one who brought out the best in Maureen – both personally and professionally. As a theater star and creator of The Scandinavian Theater Company, he's made a name for himself on stage and screen. Here are some highlights from his career:

  • He appeared on popular series like Criminal Minds, Fresh Off the Boat, Miracle on Ice, and Drop-Out Father alongside Dick Van Dyke.
  • Michael has had starring roles in TV shows and movies, including The Scandinavian Theater Company's production of Hamlet.
  • As a husband and father, he's clearly found his true calling – but we're glad to see him still making waves in the entertainment industry.

TheScholarlyNote.com is your go-to source for all the latest news and gossip from the world of Hollywood. Stay tuned for more updates on Maureen McCormick and Michael Cummings' love story – it's one you won't want to miss!

She charmed audiences as the pretty and popular Marcia Brady, older sister to siblings Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy ¿ for five seasons before the show went off air in 1974. She would go on to reprise her role in various Brady Bunch spinoffs; pictured in 70s portrait