In today’s world, most people meet their significant others through dating apps, swiping left or right from the comfort of their homes. But not too long ago, finding your soulmate meant stepping out into the real world, making genuine connections, and often taking a leap of faith. This was especially true for celebrities, who, just like everyone else, had to navigate love the old-fashioned way—face-to-face, through shared experiences, and heartfelt conversations.
One shining example of this is the love story of Maureen McCormick. Now 67, McCormick is best known for her iconic role as Marcia Brady on the beloved sitcom The Brady Bunch, which aired from 1969 to 1974. Following the end of the show, she continued to appear in various Brady Bunch spin-offs and became a familiar face to many households across America. But while her professional life was often in the spotlight, her personal life told a different story—one of struggle, redemption, and ultimately, love that stood the test of time.
Born on August 5, 1956, Maureen McCormick faced a difficult journey after The Brady Bunch wrapped up. Despite the fame and recognition she received as a young actress, she endured deep personal struggles that affected both her mental health and career. She battled drug addiction, episodes of depression, and an ongoing struggle with bulimia. These challenges tarnished her reputation in Hollywood and made it hard for her to find acting roles.
“I’ve been through a lot of hard times, but I take all those experiences and learn and grow from them,” McCormick told People magazine in 2016. “I received treatment in a psych ward, entered and exited rehab, and prayed to God for guidance.”
It was during this turbulent time that she had a chance encounter that would change her life forever. While attending a concert, McCormick noticed a man standing behind her. That single moment sparked something deep within her.
“I turned around and saw this guy behind me,” she recalled in her autobiography, Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice. “I’d never seen him before. He had dark hair, a great build, and chiseled features. I looked straight into his eyes and thought, ‘This is the man I’m going to marry.’”
That man was Michael Cummings, and true to her instincts, he would eventually become her husband. But winning his heart wasn’t an overnight success—it took intention, patience, and a bit of faith. Determined to get to know him, McCormick began attending the same Bible studies and made it a point to sit near him at church. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, and over time, the two grew closer.
Eventually, they went on their first date, and from there, their relationship blossomed. Despite the whirlwind start, their love was built on honesty and openness. “She was very honest with me from day one,” Cummings told the Daily Mail in a 2015 interview. “She has always been honest with me, an open book. And I was never worried about her reverting to her old behavior as I figured, whatever comes up, we will just deal with it.”
Still, their relationship was far from easy. McCormick continued to face the challenges of addiction, and at times, her struggles created distance between her and Michael. But he never gave up on her. He stood by her side through the most difficult moments, showing a level of commitment and loyalty that is increasingly rare.
In her 2008 autobiography, McCormick wrote, “Michael said that he’d made a life-long commitment and decided he was going to work at it until it’s unworkable. He thought child stardom had arrested my development, and in many ways he was right.”
Their love, while tested repeatedly, endured. They welcomed a daughter in 1989 and have built a life together that many would admire. Through every challenge, their bond only seemed to grow stronger.
Today, the couple is preparing to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary on March 16—a remarkable milestone for any couple, let alone one that has endured such intense public scrutiny and personal hardship. Reflecting on their journey, McCormick attributes their lasting love to one foundational element: 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,” she shared. “The two of us had faith that our love, despite all of our problems, was real, strong, durable, and worth sticking around for. Our faith made us believe our love was real.”
In an industry where relationships often fall apart under the pressures of fame, McCormick and Cummings have shown that enduring love is possible. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the toughest of times, love can triumph with honesty, perseverance, and belief in something greater.
Their journey—from a chance meeting at a concert to a shared life built on love and spiritual faith—offers hope and inspiration. In a time when many romantic relationships feel fleeting or transactional, their enduring bond is not only heartwarming but also proof that true connection is still possible. For anyone struggling with love, addiction, or faith, the story of Maureen McCormick and Michael Cummings is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing power of love.
