Eve Plumb Reflects on Auditioning for ‘The Exorcist’

Eve Plumb recently shared her experience of auditioning for the iconic role of Regan MacNeil in the 1973 horror classic, The Exorcist. Despite ultimately losing the part to Linda Blair, Plumb expressed relief over the outcome, confessing that the film ‘terrified’ her.

Known for her role as Jan Brady on The Brady Bunch, Plumb explored opportunities beyond television during the show’s run from 1969 to 1974. One such opportunity was her brief brush with The Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel.

“I went in for a reading and that was it,” Plumb stated during a podcast appearance. She added, “So I don’t think I was even put on film.”

Despite auditioning for the role, Linda Blair was cast as Regan MacNeil. Blair’s performance as the possessed girl is iconic in horror movie history. The film also starred Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Jason Miller, becoming a significant success.

Despite the film’s acclaim, Plumb revealed her disdain for it during the podcast, stating bluntly, “Yeah, I’m so glad I didn’t get that. It’s a pretty awful movie. Terrified me.” In her memoir, Happiness Included, she recounts being so frightened by the movie that she slept in her mother’s bed for several nights.

Linda Blair’s portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination, cementing her status in Hollywood. However, the role’s success came at a cost, as Blair was often identified solely with the character of Regan. Plumb acknowledged this in her memoir, expressing sympathy for Blair, saying, “I have compassion for what the movie did for Linda Blair and how it would be the role the press would never let her leave behind.”