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Barry Williams remembers Ann B. Davis: A 'wonderful woman, a great friend'

As fans know, Ann B. Davis' Alice on "The Brady Bunch" wasn't just a maid; she was a teacher of big lessons. But it turns out the actress, who died Sunday, was also a role model to the young actors on the show — particularly a teenaged Barry Williams."When she came on our set she was already a big star, having won a couple of Emmys," recalled Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, on TODAY
\"Brady Bunch\" co-stars Ann B. Davis (as Alice) and Barry Williams remained close for the rest of her life.
\"Brady Bunch\" co-stars Ann B. Davis (as Alice) and Barry Williams remained close for the rest of her life.Today

As fans know, Ann B. Davis' Alice on "The Brady Bunch" wasn't just a maid; she was a teacher of big lessons. But it turns out the actress, who died Sunday, was also a role model to the young actors on the show — particularly a teenaged Barry Williams.

"When she came on our set she was already a big star, having won a couple of Emmys," recalled Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, on TODAY Monday. "So I knew even as a young teenager she was someone I wanted to pay attention to."

He got a memorable lesson one day when he laughed while watching her rehearse backstage. "She turned and stopped the rehearsal — I guess I was interrupting her rhythm — and said, 'Barry, comedy is not funny!' and I was crushed. I thought I'd disappointed her," he recalled. "Later I snuck over to her and I said, 'What did you mean by "comedy is not funny"' and she said, 'Oh, I was just kidding with you.' Which was her sense of humor."

The Brady clan of actors, Williams said, stayed in touch over the years, and he described Davis as a "big part of the family" and "a wonderful, wonderful woman, a great friend." But one thing he did want to clear up: While Davis was as bighearted as Alice, she was her own person.

"Most people think of her as a really wonderful cook, but she didn't even know how to make meatloaf!" he revealed.

Williams wasn't the only famous fan of Davis, of course — celebrities and former co-stars have been tweeting their thoughts since Sunday:

I'm+so+shocked+&+saddened+to+learn+my+dear+friend+&+colleague+Ann+B+Davis+died+today.I+spoke+with+her+a+few+months+ago+&+she+was+doing+great

—+Florence+Henderson+(@ItsFloHenderson)+June+1,+2014+

Ann+B+Davis.+How+many+mornings+I+have+spent+with+you.+"+oh+Alice".+RIP

—+christina+applegate+(@1capplegate)+June+2,+2014+

We+all+loved+Alice+...+pic.twitter.com/1OcG2xV4yF

—+Rosie+(@Rosie)+June+2,+2014+

Alice-+i'm+sure+Sam+the+butcher+is+excited+to+see+you!!+++RIP+Ann+B+Davis

—+John+Stamos+(@JohnStamos)+June+2,+2014+


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