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Christopher Knight: ''I never really had a social life''
Peter Brady on the struggles of being a middle child on TV.
There are few jobs more dangerous than that of the child star. It's a hard position to be in. Growing up is difficult no matter where you do it. Add to that the pressure and scrutiny of network TV, and you've got a recipe for disaster. It's no wonder that there are so few well-adjusted former child stars. The gig just isn't for everyone.
Although he made it through to the other side relatively unscathed, Christopher Knight still faced his share of hardships. Granted, that assessment only holds when comparing Knight to other child star casualties. But, Knight is alive and well and seemingly healthy. So, that sets him head and shoulders above the outcomes of some of his peers.
That doesn't mean, though, that Knight didn't have any struggles. As Peter, the middle child in The Brady Bunch, Knight's adolescence was under the microscope of worldwide fame. There isn't a way to navigate that while still staying normal. In a 1980 interview with The Chicago Tribune, Knight outlined some of the ways this made life for him hard as a youngster.
"I was almost 11 years old when the series began, and 16 when we went off the air. During that time I lived in my own little world. I never really had a social life and I didn't have a chance to hang out with other kids my age," Knight explained. "I think I missed out on a lot of experiences boys have while growing up because I was always working, and I went to school on the set."
However, thanks to the show's eventual cancelation, Knight was able to reintegrate into a normal educational environment and course-correct through the rest of his teens.
"When the show ended, and I had the chance to go to regular high school, I was excited. Even after I graduated I put off going to college so I could hang around the high school! I just didn't get enough of it in the 1½ years I attended. I felt I needed another year, especially since I had a chance to get into sports in my senior year. I started going to parties, dating, just hanging around with the guys. It was wonderful and I think the most mind-growing period of my life."
The fulfilling senior year experience gave Knight the chance to reflect on the time he had on The Brady Bunch. With all the abnormality it brought, though, how was Knight left feeling about the show?
"I don't think I would trade those years. In fact, I cherish them."
10 Comments
I enjoyed this article. Wish it mentioned what he does now, has children/family, etc. Last I saw he had some kind of home furnishings line for sale.
I enjoyed this article. Wish it mentioned what he does now, has children/family, etc. Last I saw he had some kind of home furnishings line for sale.
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You're right there Boris. However I think some lose sight of the difference between expressing free speech/offering opinion and belittling individuals. It's those looking for a thrill from belittling that should go elsewhere.
Nothing wrong with correcting errors in stories/quizzes ( I'm sure Weigel has no issue there. It's when an individual comes and belittles individuals/others in various forms that is unnecessary!
I'm glad that Knight was able to enjoy his early years.