When Michelle Obama's brother, Craig Robinson, introduced her at last week's Democratic National Convention, he noted an important fact: His sis watched A LOT of "Brady Bunch" episodes when she was a kid. Really, who didn't? And, more to the point re: this week's Rich or Rehab, who didn't resent cousin Oliver, the supposed son of Carol's brother who randomly came to stay with the Bradys during the last six episodes of the show? 
The real reason he appeared, obviously, was because the actual Bradys were getting old. I mean, Susan Olsen was getting closer and closer to being mature enough to throw up during a live radio show. The sitcom needed a cute factor, and so entered cousin Oliver, a sweet, bespectacled kid who would start the time-honored TV tradition of exploiting an adorable child to reinvigorate a series. It didn't work for "The Brady Bunch." But in a way, you have to give props to good old Oliver. He was a pioneer, really.
And, by the way, he was played by Robbie Rist. So whatever happened to the kid who made "The Brady Bunch" take a big, flying leap over the shark?
My friend and colleague at washingtonpost.com, Liz Kelly, spoke to him a couple of years ago. Turns out Rist is not just sitting around, soaking up the benefits that undoubtedly come from being one of the most hated kids in sitcom history. He wears multiple hats as a musician, recording engineer, music producer and movie producer. He's played with numerous L.A. bands, including The Andersons. He produced, appeared in and composed the music for an independent horror film, "Stump the Band," that played at some smaller film festivals in 2006 and 2007.
Like many other child stars, he also has gotten steady voice work over the years on animated shows like "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and the "Naruto" anime series.
He blogs over on his MySpace page and occasionally uses some salty language. (Dang, cousin Oliver!) But here's what seems really cool about Robbie Rist: He has a sense of humor about his role on the "Bunch" and his career. And he's managed to keep working and not get into trouble. And for that, I don't care what anyone says. I salute you, cousin Oliver.
Rich or Rehab appears every Tuesday morning on Strollerderby.
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