Once a household name in the 1970s, this child star stepped away from the spotlight at the height of his fame. Best known for his role in one of television’s most iconic family sitcoms, he ventured into uncharted territory, only to re-embrace his fame decades later.
As one of the Brady kids on the hit 1970s sitcom “The Brady Bunch,” he became one of America’s favorite child stars. The show, known for its lighthearted portrayal of a blended family, resonated with audiences across generations and remains a pop culture staple.
“The Brady Bunch” cast, circa 1969 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the fame it brought, he surprised fans by stepping away from Hollywood after the series ended, seeking a life beyond acting. Although he tried to leave the Brady name behind, the show’s popularity continued to follow him. Along the way, he also experienced several personal milestones.
The cast of “The Brady Bunch” | Source: Getty Images
The Rise of a ’70s Icon
His journey to fame began in the most unassuming way: a young boy with a knack for commercials and a family’s dream of making it in Hollywood. Born in New York and moving to California as a toddler, his father’s pursuit of acting set the stage for his own career.
By the time he auditioned for “The Brady Bunch,” he had already earned a handful of minor roles, but he had little idea of the impact this series would have on his life.
Debuting in 1969, “The Brady Bunch” quickly became a cultural touchstone, depicting the ups and downs of a blended family in a relatable and endearing way.
Publicity handout of the cast of “The Brady Bunch” television series, circa 1969 | Source: Getty Images
Playing Peter Brady, the mischievous middle son, he captured the hearts of millions. Decades later, he reflected on the experience, saying, “I’m a member of everyone’s family, and that engenders this great outpouring of brotherhood and love.”
Ann B. Davis leads the Brady family in a rigorous jog in a still from the television series, “The Brady Bunch,” circa 1972 | Source: Getty Images
While the show brought him widespread recognition, the fame came with challenges. He often felt defined by his role, admitting, “I wanted to get beyond that, but at the same time, I felt tethered to the show and it was going to create a burden in being considered a serious adult.”
Although the show cemented his legacy, it also fueled his eventual decision to pursue a life outside the spotlight.
Life After Hollywood
After “The Brady Bunch” ended in 1974, he initially continued acting, appearing in various television and film projects sporadically. However, as time passed, he began to distance himself from Hollywood.
“I went away and thought that ‘The Brady Bunch’ was going to do what most shows do, it would just disappear,” he explained. “But it became clear that this thing wasn’t really dying.”
The former child star poses for a portrait, circa 1984 | Source: Getty Images
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, he co-founded Visual Software, a pioneer in 3D graphics, and later established Kidwise Learnware, which produced interactive educational tools.
His innovative ventures continued as he founded Eskape Labs, a company specializing in TV tuner technology. He also served as Vice President of Marketing at iXMicro, a video hardware firm.
The former child actor autographs a vintage television set to be auctioned for charity at Paramount Studios on June 19, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
While he embraced his new path, his connection to “The Brady Bunch” was impossible to ignore. Even as he thrived in the corporate world, his fame as Peter Brady often resurfaced, sometimes serving as a conversation starter and other times as a reminder of his past.
He once shared, “As I was starting in my high-tech career, a good deal of it was this recognition thing that I had to just get over in order to conduct business.”
“The Brady Bunch” cast on September 14, 1973 | Source: Getty Images
Despite his attempts to move on, the show’s popularity continued to follow him. A memorable moment came during a business trip to Australia in the early 1990s when he was mobbed at the airport by fans of the series.
Reflecting on the encounter, he realized that his Brady connection was here to stay, whether he embraced it or not.
His Personal Life and Marriages
Beyond his professional life, his personal journey has been equally eventful. He has been married four times, with each relationship reflecting a different chapter of his life.
His first marriage to Julie Schulman lasted from 1989 to 1992. He then wed Toni Erickson in 1995, but the couple parted ways in 2000.
The ’70s child actor pictured on October 16, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
One of his most publicized relationships was with model, producer, and host, Adrianne Curry, whom he met in 2005 while appearing on MTV’s reality series “The Surreal Life.” Their whirlwind romance led to their own VH1 reality show, “My Fair Brady,” which documented their unconventional relationship.
The actor pictured with Adrianne Curry at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Although they married in 2006, their union ended in divorce in 2013. Reflecting on the show, he noted how producers added dramatic elements to keep viewers hooked, a dynamic he found challenging to navigate.
In 2016, at 59, he found love again with Cara Kokenes, whom he married that same year. His fourth wife, a fitness professional and businesswoman, has been a stabilizing presence in his life.
Their bond received a special endorsement from Florence Henderson, who played his TV mom on “The Brady Bunch.” Shortly before her passing, Henderson gave the couple her blessing, a moment he described as “very special.”
The actor poses with Florence Henderson on November 5, 2014 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Source: Getty Images
Through his relationships, he has weathered public scrutiny and personal growth. With Cara by his side, he seems to have found a lasting partnership, blending the lessons of his past with a hopeful outlook on the future.
Rediscovering the ‘Brady’ Legacy
Though he once distanced himself from the role of Peter Brady, the legacy of “The Brady Bunch” eventually drew him back to the spotlight. Initially, he resisted invitations to reunions and premieres, believing the series’ chapter in his life was firmly closed.
However, the show’s persistent popularity and the love of its fans made it impossible to ignore. Over time, he embraced his connection to the show, participating in its 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2019 and reflecting fondly on its impact.
In interviews, he has spoken about the show’s timeless appeal and its ability to foster a sense of community. “The Brady Bunch” represented an ideal of cooperation and understanding, values he believes resonate even more strongly in today’s challenging times.
“[It’s] a family we can all aspire to be more like,” he noted. He also emphasized how its simple, uplifting messages have left a lasting impression on audiences.
In 2023, his connection to storytelling took on a new dimension when he partnered with Former Prodigy Media to support a documentary titled “Truelove: The Film.” The project, centered around individuals with Williams Syndrome, reflected his desire to use his platform to bring attention to meaningful causes.
The ’70s child actor during 5th Annual TV Land Awards on April 14, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking about the experience, he shared how it “melted [his] heart,” further illustrating his evolving role as both an entertainer and an advocate.
Through reunions, retrospectives, and new projects, he has not only rediscovered his Brady roots but also found ways to connect them to his personal growth and passion for making a difference.
A Look at Him Today
At 67, Christopher Knight remains a familiar face to fans, with a life story that reflects both change and continuity. His recent photos show a man who has aged gracefully, still bearing the recognizable features of the boy who played Peter Brady.
These days, Knight divides his time between his business ventures, advocacy work, and appearances in media projects. His current marriage to Cara Kokenes also provides a strong foundation for his personal life.
Reflecting on his journey, he has expressed gratitude for the enduring love of fans and the opportunities that stemmed from his time on the iconic show.
