Maureen McCormick’s life after The Brady Bunch was anything but easy. Although she became a household name as Marcia Brady, the child star faced significant personal challenges. In the years following the sitcom’s conclusion in 1974, McCormick struggled with a series of issues, including drug addiction, bulimia, and mental health problems. Despite her fame, McCormick found it difficult to transition from child stardom into adulthood, which took a toll on her personal life and career. Her struggles with cocaine addiction were particularly difficult, and she spent time in rehab and even in a psych ward.
During this period, McCormick often turned to prayer, seeking guidance to navigate the turmoil she was facing. As she later told People magazine in 2016, she learned and grew from these experiences, despite how difficult they were at the time. Her journey to recovery was far from linear, but she was committed to overcoming her challenges.
A Chance Meeting Leads to a Lifelong Commitment
Amid these struggles, McCormick’s life took a positive turn when she met Michael Cummings, the man who would eventually become her husband. Their first encounter happened at a concert when McCormick noticed Cummings from across the crowd. She felt an immediate connection, and later described the moment in her autobiography, Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice. “I looked straight into his eyes and thought, ‘This is the man I’m going to marry.’”
Determined to get to know him, McCormick began attending Bible study at the same church as Cummings. She even strategically sat near him, hoping to learn more about him. Over time, their relationship grew, and they went on their first date, which sparked a passionate romance. Despite her ongoing battles with addiction, Cummings was supportive and stood by her side.
A Relationship Built on Honesty and Faith
McCormick describes their relationship as “quick and passionate,” though it wasn’t without its struggles. She continued to face challenges with addiction, which often led her to push Cummings away. However, Cummings remained steadfast in his commitment to her. He was never concerned that she would fall back into her old habits, as he believed they could handle any issue together.
In her autobiography, McCormick reflects on how Cummings was committed to making their relationship work. “Michael said that he’d made a life-long commitment and decided he was going to work at it until it’s unworkable,” she wrote. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, honesty, and, most importantly, faith. Both believed that their love was strong enough to withstand the ups and downs that came with McCormick’s struggles.
Raising a Family and Overcoming Adversity
Throughout their relationship, McCormick and Cummings faced several hurdles. In 1989, they welcomed a child into their family, but that didn’t mean the challenges stopped. McCormick’s battle with addiction and her recovery continued to test their marriage. However, Cummings never gave up on her, and McCormick appreciated his unwavering support.
She later credited their enduring relationship to their shared faith. “I know there’s one reason that Michael and I managed to stay together through all the heavy-duty ups and downs: our faith,” McCormick wrote. Their belief in each other and their faith in their love helped them navigate the toughest moments of their lives. It was this strong foundation that allowed them to stay together, despite all the difficulties they faced.
Celebrating 37 Years of Marriage
Today, Maureen McCormick and Michael Cummings are still happily married, preparing to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary in March. Their story serves as a testament to the power of love, faith, and commitment. Despite the challenges McCormick faced throughout her life, including addiction and the pressures of being a child star, she and Cummings have managed to build a strong, enduring relationship.
In her writing, McCormick shares that the key to their lasting bond was their shared belief in their love and the strength of their faith. Their story is not just about surviving the hardships but thriving together through them. Their ability to overcome adversity and remain united is a refreshing reminder of what true commitment looks like, especially in the world of celebrity where relationships are often fleeting.
Maureen McCormick’s story shows us that love, when nurtured with faith and perseverance, can withstand even the toughest trials. Their journey together is an inspiring example for others to follow, proving that with the right support and a shared vision, a lasting partnership can be built.
