Ann Bradford Davis was born May 5, 1926 in Schenectady, N.Y. along with her twin sister, Harriet. She originally wanted to be a doctor and studied pre-med at the University of Michigan. After seeing her older brother in the play "Oklahoma!" Ann was bitten by the acting bug and switched her major.

Davis ended up performing at theaters around the country before heading to L.A. in 1954. A casting director discovered her acting at a coffeehouse on Sunset Boulevard and suggested she audition for the role of Schultzy on The Bob Cummings Show. She got the part, which she kept for five years, earning her two Emmy Awards (and four nominations). With her theatrical roots firmly planted, Davis appeared on the dinner-theater circuit in many plays, including "The Matchmaker," "Three on a Honeymoon" and "Everybody Loves Opal." She was also in a play called "The Nearlyweds," written expressly for her by Lloyd Schwartz, producer of The Brady Bunch. Ann thrilled troops when she toured Vietnam, Thailand and Korea with the USO.

Since 1969, Davis has been known to the world as Alice, the loveable housekeeper from The Brady Bunch. Davis continues to return to the various Brady reunions, including The Brady Bunch Movie -- she also been seen in touring companies of "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Crazy for You." Though Davis is mostly retired from acting, she did reprise her role as Alice in 2004 for a Swiffer commercial.

Character Bio

What would the Bradys do without Alice? She's the glue that holds the family together. Alice is a graduate of Westdale High, the same school that the Brady kids attend. Her professional life began as a housekeeper for Mr. Brady before Bobby was born. She's a sensitive woman and never mentions the boys' first mom in front of them or the new Mrs. Brady, and never plays favorites with the kids.

Alice is also a clever woman, capable of writing catchy, contest-winning jingles -- and a champion at doing the Charleston and bowling. Aside from making great flapjacks and being friends with Lucille Ball's housekeeper, Alice amazes us most with her loyalty: She's hopelessly devoted to her main man, Sam the Butcher. Alice is truly the keystone of the Brady clan, and has earned her spot in the center square.