'Brady Bunch' Star Maureen McCormick Makes Emotional 'DWTS' Debut, Florence Henderson Cheers Her On

Cue the nostalgia!

This will warm your heart!


The Brady Bunch
star Maureen McCormick made her debut on the season 23 premiere of Dancing With the Stars on Monday, and even before she stepped onto the dance floor, the 60-year-old actress was already getting emotional.

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During rehearsals with her “hot” pro partner Artem Chigvintsev, McCormick -- best known for playing Marcia Brady -- broke down while talking about how she’s always been afraid of diving headfirst into dance.

“Dance has always been one of my biggest insecurities. In so many things that I have gone through, it’s like you’re so afraid but like you can do it,” McCormick says, voice cracking as she wiped away tears. Chigvintsev admitted that he felt a need to “protect her,” something he’s “never felt that way before towards my partners.”

In another sweet rehearsal moment, McCormick got emotional after tackling the Viennese waltz with Chigvintsev, saying she felt like she was “floating.” When she had to take a second to wipe away more tears, Chigvintsev adorably piped in: “Stop it! No crying!” “Happy tears!,” McCormick reassured her partner.

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When it came time to dance their waltz, McCormick looked radiant in a long-sleeved, burgundy gown with an intricate updo, though she and Chigvintsev only managed to score just a 22 out of 40.

What made it worthwhile, however, was the heartwarming Brady Bunch family reunion! McCormick spotted her TV mom, Brady Bunch star Florence Henderson, proudly cheering her on in the DWTS audience and immediately went over to hug her, once again getting emotional.

“You were fabulous! I’m so proud of you!” Henderson told her TV daughter, who said to host Tom Bergeron, voice cracking, “I love her.”

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“This is such a dream!” McCormick said, her eyes wide with amazement. “It doesn’t feel real and it’s just so amazing to be on this set. It’s so beautiful!”

Aww, we’re rooting for you Marcia!


Dancing With the Stars
next airs Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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