Windy City Times: Hello, Florence. First off I grew up watching the Brady Bunch and even dreamed I was the seventh kid. I am not sure if Oliver counted or not…
Florence Henderson: Well, Oliver was a cousin. [Laughs]
WCT: I interviewed Christopher Knight and he was great to meet. Do you keep in touch with most of the gang, still?
Florence Henderson: Yes. Susan Olsen just came to DWTS to watch and cheer me on. Barry [Williams] and Chris are coming, too. Eve [Plumb] is doing a new play in New York and is not able to make it.
WCT: That’s great. Do you think of the other books that the cast has written when writing your own?
Florence Henderson: No. My book covers a lot more years than the others already written, and The Brady Bunch is just one chapter.
WCT: Do you know the name of your memoir yet, and can you give any choice tidbits?
Florence Henderson: It’s called It Will Never Be Noticed On A Galloping Horse, due to be released [on] Mother’s Day, 2011. I think you’ll find it funny, tearful, joyful and a bit surprising.
WCT: I have always wanted to ask you, what did you think of Shelley Long playing your part in the Brady Bunch movies?
Florence Henderson: I thought she was great!
WCT: How do you stay looking so young, exercise, diet?
Florence Henderson: I have always exercised and watched what I ate. I have been doing Pilates for the past few years, but dancing five hours a day on DWTS will certainly keep anyone in shape.
WCT: Are you filming any more of the Florence Henderson Show?
Florence Henderson: I hope to, but not at this time.
WCT: How long did you have to wait to be on Dancing with the Stars? I heard there is a long waiting list.
Florence Henderson: It wasn’t a waiting list per say. I was a fan of the show from the very beginning. I had attended several of the live shows in the audience. The producers knew I was interested and they finally made me the offer this year. I am thrilled to be a part of it. It is a dream come true.
WCT: What are rehearsals like? Do you still get nervous?
Florence Henderson: The rehearsals are four to six hours long four days a week. Prior to rehearsal or right after, I do package interviews for the show and costume fittings. One day a week, I do an hour-long interview. The other three days are consumed with camera blocking, and dress rehearsals. So it’s pretty much 24/7. I absolutely get nervous before each dance, and especially on the “results show.”
WCT: Any chance that we might hear you sing on the show.
Florence Henderson: No. It’s clearly a dance competition.
WCT: Who do you see as your biggest competition as far as the other celebrities on the show?
Florence Henderson: Everyone!
WCT: When can we see you hosting Saturday Night Live?
Florence Henderson: Wouldn’t that be fun.
WCT: It has been an honor to interview you. I look forward to seeing you Dancing With the Stars. Should I say “break a leg” or not?
Florence Henderson: Thanks, it’s a pleasure to have been asked. “Break a leg” is OK. It’s the tradition!
Watch Florence Henderson in action on Dancing with the Stars and check abc.go.com for listings and information. For more on Henderson, see www.FloHome.com.