The Osmond Family: Everything You Wanted To Know

This family is anything but your average Utah Mormons! For over forty years, this musical family has graced us with their talents. But many fans do not know the real details behind their stardom and what the family has endured. Beginning with the four brothers: Jay, Alan, Merrill and Wayne. Later, Donny and Jimmy joined in. Eventually, Marie began a solo career and then even joined Donny for their famous duo. Despite, their fame, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. So yes, the family has been in the spotlight for decades and decades, but they started out as a little known barbershop quartet. Of course, then they were able to turn into a musical family known all over the world. From The Osmonds to Donny & Marie and even solo careers, it’s been quite a journey. However, the family began to see the most success once Marie Osmond joined them. From a young age, she was able to find her own success by going solo. Sadly, life in the limelight was really tough on the kids. Over the years, Marie and her siblings have persevered through dark times, trauma and other troubles. Not everything that came with fame was positive.

Lately, Marie Osmond has been speaking out about her past and current struggles. She hopes to be a guiding light for her fans. Many appreciate everything she has come forward with. Remember, the family was shot to stardom from a very early age. Things got pretty tough for them, especially with all of the outside pressures which did not conform to their strict Mormon beliefs and rules. While most of the Osmonds were able to steer clear of drugs and alcohol and that rock and roll lifestyle, that didn’t mean the family didn’t face hardship. Some of the family were taken of advantage of in various ways from older trusted adults. Here, we gathered the lesser known details of the family. From memoirs, interviews and other exclusives, we finally have the real story behind this famous family and their time in the spotlight. Using all of these little known facts, you’ll be able to get a true picture of who the Osmonds are and what they actually stand for. So, read on to learn about everything from dark times to their favorite charity.

Groucho Marx

Oh, did we mention the Osmonds also dabbled in television in the late 70s? Anyway on The Donny and Marie Show they welcomed some very famous guests. Unfortunately, Marie recalled one not so pleasant appearance with Groucho Marx. She recalled that he would pinch her.

This left a lasting impression on the young girl who later referred to him as a “dirty old man.”

Succumbing to Pressure

During their time with ABC, Marie suffered more than pinches. One of the producers threatened cancellation if she did not shed weight. Sadly, the 103 pound fifteen year old girl lost six pounds to bring her to a mere 97!

When recalling the traumatic time she said the produces called her, “obese, disgusting and a disgrace to my family.” Luckily, she survived that terrible time.

Tech Nerd

Perhaps, the one thing Donny loves more than performing would be technology. In the Flamingo of Las Vegas, you can find a special video control room. Indeed, this was designed by him! He also was responsible for audio and computer systems found backstage.

In addition, Donny created video montages for the show when not performing. Actually he is a self proclaimed “total nerd”, in particular when it involves Mac.

Secret Abuse

Revealed in her biography, Behind the Smile, Marie talks about her most painful childhood memories. One of these traumatic experiences was “most damaging, to be abused sexually.”

To this day, Marie has not disclosed who the abuser was, though she did confirm it was not any members of the family or even close friends.

Charity Work

After their worldwide success, the Osmonds have made sure to give back through charity. Naturally, as devout Mormons, they continually give ten percent of their earnings to the church. This charity money goes towards helping people in need worldwide.

In particular, Donny’s charity work involves the family foundation, Osmund Foundation for the Children of the World. Meanwhile, Marie has chosen to spend time working in the Children’s Miracle Network.

Larger Than Life

Donny sure brings this saying to life in Las Vegas. He makes sure to show off his outrageously large ad whenever he brings friends or family to the city.

Right near the Bellagio bridge, you will find Donny and Marie on the side of the Flamingo. His eye alone measures at close to seven feet wide!

Donny, Get it Right!

We all have our pet peeves, and Donny is no exception. In fact, he strongly dislikes when people spell his name incorrectly. More specifically, if they use an “ie” at the end of his first name.

Thus, the Flamingo crew wanted to have some fun with him and purposely spelled his name “Donnie” on his dressing room. Luckily, he was a good sport about it!

Dancing on Any Elevated Surfaces

Just give the guy some elevation and he’ll go with it! That’s right, Donny is famous for taking his performances to the next level, literally! Marie even commented on this during an interview, explaining when Donny gets a little too into the performance he will dance right on the tables.

She warns fans to, “Hold on to your beverage.” Sounds like practical advice!

A Day in the Life

Typically, Donny rises early at six in the morning to drive his son to the airport. Not to mention, he does this on a mere four hours of shut eye! Anyway, his manager often receives a call before Donny attempts to get some more sleep, and before he knows it, time for a Disney voice recording!

Just before his show with his sister, he makes sure to work out. Obviously, the schedule varies when he tours since it becomes rehearsal heavy included with travel and show time. Though he makes sure to read while riding on the tour bus. Wow, we can barely maintain a workout and reading routine in our mundane lives. Kudos to him!

Health Conscious

Donny is not the only one concerned about his health. Marie shed an impressive 47 pounds while performing in Vegas and also on TV’s Dancing with the Stars. She maintains such a positive attitude about it, “I had to be healthy. Heart disease runs in my family.”

She also received a nudge to act when her son said, “Mom, you’re all we have.” Apparently, both her mother and grandmother passed away due to heart disease.

Trimming Down Too

As we mentioned, Donny also pays attention to his physical fitness. Since beginning at the Flamingo, Donny trimmed his waist by a whole two inches.

From the ninety minute performance, he sure gets in a ton of cardio! Yet, as we said before, he makes sure to supplement this with his gym routine.

Solo Career

There was a time that Donny and Marie chose to go their separate ways.

After the dynamic duo in the 1970s, they went solo in the 80s. Then, Donny called Marie when he saw the Flamingo, knewing this would be the perfect reunion of the sibling duo.

Easing Tensions

Despite fan excitement over the reunited duo, things were not easy for the two. In fact, Donny realized he was not in complete control of the act as he had been.

He commented on this saying, “I’m dealing with somebody who is in control of her own career now.” With tensions high, they brought Barry Leather in to mediate conflict and fix their working relationship. Leather clearly went above and beyond his role as director and choreographer.

Keeping Work and Leisure Separate

Things definitely changed after their high times in the 1970s. The pair admits they rarely see each other when not performing. Of course, they still spend a fair amount of time on stage or in adjacent dressing rooms.

Yet, during off time, Donny chooses to be home with his family. Hey, at least they have remained amicable. No one wants to spend twenty four/seven with someone, that’s understandable.

Odd Habits

Next, we have to share this strange behavior that Donny notoriously enjoys. Marie confessed in an interview that her brother enjoy’s licking salt.

“Donny licks the salt off pretzels before he eats them.” Well, I guess that’s not the weirdest thing one could do. Marie said he has always done this. Hey, we could live with it, but please don’t give us the desalted pretzels!

Gold on Gold on Gold

The Osmonds have gone gold a total of four times! Back in 1974, they earned the first gold with Leaving It All Up To You.

Next, came Featuring Songs a mere two years later. Fans have been deprived an albums since 2011. Hopefully, since the duo remains in tact, audiences might see a future release!

High Fashion

Probably, the only person to pull off curlers and an apple so glamorously.

I mean, she’s had years of practice to be fair! She seems to always have a Louis Vuitton attached to her side. If you got it, flaunt it I guess?

Family First

Despite a rough childhood, Donny decided to have his own close-knit family.

During his peak of stardom, he married Debra Glenn. Together, the couple has five sons. If they’re not enjoying vacation together, the family can usually be found at church.

To Broadway and Back

It’s not all Vegas for this showman! Donny took his talents to Broadway for three shows.

In fact, he played the lead in both Little Johnny Jones and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Recently, he played Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Unsurprisingly, Donny was a natural on Broadway’s stages.

Unexpected Admirer

Seriously, who doesn’t love Donny? His fans span worldwide and you may be surprised who crushes on him. While Donny guest starred on The Kumars at No. 42, Sanjeev Bhaskar revealed a secret admirer. In fact, his wife always hoped to tie the knot with Donny and even convert to Mormonism when she was little.

Thus, Sanjeev jokingly told her she could enact her plan when he came on the show.

That Voice Does More Than Sing!

Okay, seriously, what can’t this man do? Throughout the years, Donny voices characters in TV and movies.

Remember, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan? Yup, that’s Donny. You can hear him in Johnny Bravo and naturally, The Osmonds (1972).

Childhood Star

The Osmond’s work fared well in the United Kingdom. Actually, Jimmy Osmond, the youngest, set a record with his song, “Long Haired Lover From Liverpool” (1972). This single reached number one when he was nine, making him the youngest to reach number one in England.

When reflecting on this time Jimmy said, “The home I grew up in was a string of hotels across the world. I don’t remember my first home, which was somewhere in Los Angeles.” A childhood like that will definitely shape a person!

It All Began with Sibling Charity

Their love of charity started very close to home. You may not know this, but the oldest brothers, Tom and George are deaf. Unfortunately, the parents did not have money for hearing aids.

Thus, the family performed to raise money for them. Therefore, they began performing initially just to help their brothers. Wait, did we mention that they used sign language during these performances to make sure Tom and George understood? So sweet!

Packed Schedules

Obviously, the Osmonds had anything but a normal childhood. While peers may have worked local jobs after school, Donny was only seventeen when his show began, thus working well over the normal hours of kids his age. Both him and his sister worked 20 hours daily!

Between memorizing dance routines, new songs and scripts, the kids had their hands full. Not everything was always appropriate for these young performers to be exposed to on set though.

Fear for Her Daughter

Marie got very personal in her book when speaking about her adopted daughter. Her daughter Jessica came out of the closet. When Marie spoke with Diane Sawyer after being name Person of the Year, she told Sawyer about crying when Jessica told her the news at seventeen years old.

Her tears came from fear of judgement. Marie added that watching her friends who were part of the LGBT community made her think, “I didn’t want that for my child.”

Religious Devotion

Due to his Mormon beliefs and feeling too young, Donny isolated himself from some peers. They poked fun at him for not being cool with rock and roll or lots of girls. Unsurprisingly, Donny stayed clear of smoking and drugs and even cursing. He stayed celibate until marriage.

After all these years, Donny praises his younger self for resisting peer pressure. He even gave advice to stars who sought counsel in him like Prince and Michael Jackson.

Reflections on Religion

What else would you expect from devout Mormons? God first, say the Osmonds! When reflecting on success, Donny always points to his faith in God. Next, he cites his family.

Between the two, he believes he has been able to survive and thrive. He needed something to help him all those years because as he put it, “You’re not naive growing up in this business. I grew up fast.”

A New Chapter

Marie too, has dealt this many struggles over the years of her stardom. In later years, she has found a new peace. In the past, it was difficult for her to maintain a normal childhood, including friends or a normal dating life.

She doesn’t seem to harbor regret, “I don’t know that anyone’s life is perfect.” Clearly, Marie keeps a positive outlook on life.

Friendship with MJ

Being famous meant encounters and even friendships with other celebrities. Among their famous friends was none other than Michael Jackson! In particular, Donny was close with Jackson and remembers MJ warmly. Apparently, after the AMAs when Donny was only seventeen, he happened to ask if MJ was hungry.

Next thing he knew it, they got into Donny’s limo and were munching on tacos in the sunroof as they sailed along Sunset Boulevard. We can see why a memory like that would stick with a person.

Unfair Business

Not everything is good and fair in show business. Sadly, Jimmy Osmond knows this all too well! At the youngest number one performer in the United Kingdom, one would think Jimmy made off pretty well. Actually, the 9 year old did not see a penny from his record’s million copies sold. Jimmy has said that it’s not a very fair business, but luckily things changed for him later on.

He said, “We sold 100 million records, and the money we made on record sales is peanuts.” However, he’s done fairly well for himself since then, which we’re getting to…

Making Their Fortune

Actually, he did more than just well for himself. Jimmy made an impressive 80 million dollars! Where did all this come from, if not from those record sales?

Turns out, he amassed this fortune from live shows, movies, TV shows and other ventures. Through the Osmond fortune, the family gained more freedom to take their talents into new forms and lead very comfortable lives with their families.

Special Request

Like other celebrities, Marie has her own special request when performing or being interviewed. Can you guess what it could be?

No, it isn’t for 32 roses or only yellow Starbursts. She just wants the right lighting. Donny exposed her preference for particular lighting. I mean, that seems reasonable. We have definitely heard worse!

Not a Diva

Seriously, this next request by Marie makes logical sense. It’s definitely not enough to qualify her as a diva. When she signed onto performing in Vegas, she just needed one thing. She requested a larger dressing room in order to fit her family.

When she sits there before her shows, she needed to make sure there was enough room for about 15 to 20 people. With her kids and even dogs in there, that seems pretty reasonable to us!

Passion For Cars

Everyone has their special thing and for Jimmy, that’s cars! He absolutely loves cars and collecting them.

Actually when he was just 14 years old he bought his very first home, perhaps, just a place to store all of his cars! Here, you see him with a DeLorean that resembles one he bought back in the 80s.

Mysterious Purple Socks

Fans would often speculate theories behind Donny’s bright purple socks. Some said they were his lucky charm, while others claimed he must have OCD. Finally, Donny spoke out.

Apparently, his mother assigned each child a color for practical reasons. That way, they knew which socks belonged to which child. Thus, purple was his assigned color. How cute!

Tips From Lucille Ball

How amazing was it that Marie Osmond got to be up close and personal with legendary Lucille Ball?

Well, that’s not all! During Marie’s guest appearance on her show, Lucille gave the young star some important tips on makeup and lighting. Perhaps, that’s the reason Marie is so particular about her own lighting!

Staying Clean

Everyone knows how committed the Osmonds are to their religious faith. Naturally, many tried to tempt Donny into drugs. Actually, Donny confessed to interviewers that some wanted him to simply get involved in a drug scandal to boost his credibility. This odd suggestion happened when Virgin Records had signed him, as a favor to musician Peter Gabriel.

They wanted to do something to change things since his name wasn’t being announced during song play on the radio. Fortunately, Donny resisted the pressure and stayed clean during the entirety of his career.

His Brother’s Girlfriend

Apparently, there was more truth to their song “Could She Be Mine?” than fans realized. Back in 1975, Donny was dating a girl named Tammy. His brother was dating a girl named Debbie. In an odd turn of events, the four went to an Elton John concert, and Donny remembers clearly exactly how he felt looking at Debbie.

During Elton’s “Your Song,” he looked at her and thought, “I’m going to marry her someday.” Surprisingly, after she rejected him twice, Debbie went out with him and Donny has been happily married to her since 1978!

Separating Work and Home

Work Donny and home Donny are completely different. According to him, he stays focused at work. Of course, he’s still very passionate about the performing arts.

Yet, at home he’s a dedicated family man. No, he does not have a huge staff cleaning up after him and doing his tasks. In fact, he’s very handy at home and acts as his own electrician.

Nutrisystem Diet

Naturally, with age, Marie Osmond found herself growing a bit in clothing sizes. She decided she wanted to get slimmer for her health and career. She promoted her weight loss on commercials with the nutrisystem diet. Though, many remember at that same time she began the diet, she was training and performing on the hit show Dancing with the Stars.

Thus, we cannot discredit those six hour a day practices and her new membership with a running club. So, be sure to remember the totality when creating your own weight loss plans.

Donny’s Expansive Family

So, we’ve told you a lot about the famous duo, but now, we’ll get into Donny’s family. Debbie and Donny have five sons. There’s Donald Clark Osmond, Jr., Jeremy James Osmond, Brandon Michael Osmond, Christopher Glen Osmond and Joshua Davis Osmond.

Between the oldest and youngest, there’s close to 20 years difference. Second eldest, Jeremy got married and had the first grandchild while Donald Jr. and Brandon married later.

Helping New Mothers

Something was very off with Marie after the birth of her son Brandon. Her feelings of sadness did not go away.

Well, the reason for this was postpartum depression. Currently, Marie is very open about this suffering she endured. She even encourages other new mothers to seek the help they need if they too have it.

Disneyland Roots

Here’s a fun fact about the Osmond’s first attempts to sign a record deal. The day that they were supposed to meet with big record executives in LA, the producer canceled. So, their father ended up taking the family to Disneyland. There they came across the Dapper Dan Disney barbershop quartet.

Once the family joined them in song, a crowd soon gathered. One crowd member, Tommy Walker was none other than the director of Disneyland’s guest relations! After seeing their stunning performance, he asked them to sing that very night for Disney After Dark. You never know who’s watching!

Almost Bankrupt

Things were not always going well for this talented family. Back in 1975, things were very tight for them. Two of their albums did not sell well at all. So, the fmaily tried to revive things with The Donny and Marie Show. Unfortunately, the network canceled the show.

Next, they attempted to do two studio albums to make up for the TV set they had built for the failed show. Those two albums also did poorly. Somehow, the family made it through and repaid every debt, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy!

Move to CDs

If you acquired an Osmond CD in the last decade or so, maybe you should check that out. You see, the Osmonds only began selling CDs in 2008.

So any CDs sold before then, were sold illegally. Well, now CDs are becoming obsolete, so maybe you already tossed your Osmond collection.

Choosing the Army

Alan Osmond made a very tough decision back when he chose to quit the band. He initially wanted to go on a Mormon mission trip, but it wasn’t quite right for him. After fasting and a lot of praying, he decided this was not the right move.

Surprisingly, he chose to join the army instead and head to Vietnam. After his interview with a Colonel, he was chosen as the Colonel’s secretary thankfully, at a base close to his home.

Choreography Prepared Alan for Army

With his position, Alan knew fighting was not in his future. Yet, all soldiers must complete basic training. Funny enough, his years in performing arts helped him in boot camp! All of those years practicing choreography truly prepared him for bayonet training.

Not to mention, sleep deprivation during training only reminded him of his crazy entertainment schedule. At the end of it, Alan left with three trophies. Who knew the army and entertainment industry had so much in common?

David’s MS

Tragically, David Osmond, Donny’s nephew, got diagnozed with multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, when he was just 26 years old. David’s crippling MS even bound him to a wheelchair for some time. A large shot of steriods helped him walk down the aisle at his wedding to wed his bride.

Since that huge shot, his health has improved significantly. Though, he still endures some pain, he no longer needs a wheelchair!

Jay Osmond’s Autobiography

Jay Osmond, the family drummer, actually wrote his own autobiography. The book is called Stages. Through the book, Jay details the family’s challenges while they toured in the 70’s. He also includes how it was to work with famous musicians such as Elvis and The Beatles.

With a play on the title, pun intended, Jay used the format of a theatrical play to detail all the stages his family got to perform on. How creative!

Jackson 5

The other biggest family musical group from back in the 70s that America loved was none other than the Jackson 5. As we know, the two fmailies were good friends.

In fact, the two would coordinate their shows! Once while staying at a hotel together in Canada, all of the kids played a football game together. How adorable!

The Ever Expanding Family

To say the Osmonds are a big family is a gross understatement. Let’s recap for you…Olive and George had nine kids. Then by 2013, the two had 55 grandkids and furthermore, about 70 great grandchildren. So in summation, 124 descendants. Not everyone joined the music industry though!

Some of Wayne Osmond’s kids became PhDs and doctors, and one daughter published her father’s book, Laugh Lines.

Osmond Fans

Die-hard fans went to the extremes to meet their favorite band! The Osmonds dealt with some pretty wild stuff throughout the years.

Get this, one fan even mailed herself to their hotel room! Wow, that’s a bit extreme.

MJ and Jimmy

As we previously mentioned, the Jacksons and Osmonds spent some time together performing and hanging out. In fact, Jimmy and Michael were good friends. Through Jimmy’s friendship with MJ, he learned many songs initially written for the Jackson Five ended up being passed to his family band and even vice-versa!

Actually, the two families watched each other perfrom on variety shows, to observe techniques and get some tips.

Extreme Fans

During their time on tour, things sometimes got a bit out of control with those wild fans we spoke about. One particular incident occurred in Florida while the Osmonds were performing. Close to the end of the concert, the family returned to their hotel. Upon their return, they saw ropes leading to their room’s balcony.

Immediately, they phoned the lobby to inquire. Well, if you believe this, two fans had climbed up onto the roof and tried repelling to the Osmond’s room. Talk about scary.

Musical Influences

People speculated that this musical family must have had a hard time learning from other musicians and having musical influences since they were so tight knit. Of course, another factor was that CDs and MP3s did not exit back then.

However, as we talked about with the Jackson Five, exposure to other musical talent via variety shows helped bands learn about other gneres that would influence their music.

Always Check the Drums

Next, we have another wild fan story. One young girl desperately wanted to meet the family. So, her plan was to hide under the stage. No, not backstage….but actually underneath the family.

Well, under the drum set to be exact. While the drummer was performing his solo, the young fan jumped up and wrapped herself around his legs.

Trying Opera

Despite never being trained for opera, the youngest Osmond, Jimmy, decided to try it out! He went on the British reality show, Pop Star to Operastar to learn how to sing opera.

Although he said it was probably one of the hardest things he ever tried, he loved the experience. Since Jimmy was three years old, he learned how to sing one way, thus, he said it was remarkable to listen to how his voice sounded different.

Family Curse?

Due to the ongoing tragedy around the Osmonds, many empathetic fans shared concern about a possible curse on the family. Marie surely has had to cope with a lot during her life. Back in 2010, her adopted son, Michael, committed suicide.

His suicide note spoke about struggling with depression, alcohol and drugs and wanting to end the suffering. Even Marie tried to kill herself in 2006 during her battle with postnatal depression.

Biggest Pet Peeve

Fans were shocked to hear this odd pet peeve of Donny’s. Turns out, this singer especially hates when his sister Marie pokes her thumb into his back. Donny admitted that this stems from a negative experience during childhood. When he was younger, if he sang off-key, Merrill or Alan, his brothers, would stick their thumbs into his back.

At one point on their show, Marie stuck hers into Donny’s back and he cut to commercials, stormed off stage and fought with her!

Taking Matters Into His Own Hands

Most musicians understand that only small amounts of money can be earned from song royalties. Donny did not passively accept this truth and instead he started his own record label. He explained, “I make more money on record sales today that I never made in the heyday of the Osmond’s because I own my own label.”

After years of working under a big label, Donny decided to reclaim his success and make the majority of profit from his own music instead of his representation making the bulk.

Donny’s Investment Tips

Clearly, Donny has a thing or two to say about money tips with his mullions. Despite losing close to $2 million during the property crash in 2008, he advocates for property investment. Donny firmly believes one should not invest in shares and stocks, but the more profitable option: property.

Actually, this Osmond owns four properties, there are two in Utah, one in Idaho and a fourth that he chose not to disclose because this condo is the secret family getaway.

Family Values

You may be thinking how could a man this wealthy understand the value of a dollar? Well, Donny credits his sensibility with the values his own father instilled in him from an early age.

He explained, “When I was eight, I thought I was big stuff and I remember telling him: ‘Hey Dad, my record is number one, isn’t that cool?’ He responded by giving me a stick with a poker on it to pick up litter and said: ‘Go clean the yard.’”

Mental Hospital

During the peak of Marie’s postnatal depression in 1999, she sought drastic measures. Between fears of suicide and losing her career, she requested that her family take her to a mental hospital. The hospital was a legitimate institute with straitjackets, electric shock treatment and padded cells.

Though shock therapy has shown results in some, Marie ultimately chose not to endure the treatment and opted for a safer method without the risks of severe memory loss.

Building A New Future

Donny’s father actually told him “there goes your career,” once he chose to wed his wife, Debbie. In a way, Donny understood the senitments in his father’s statement.

No longer could he sell himself as the heartthrob and single singer. Despite affecting his hot-selling image, Donny chose to marry the love of his life, a woman who fully understood him. He was hopeful to build a future with her, and even admitted that without her in his life, he felt his life would truly be a mess.

Drake Fan

Although, they’re wholesome Mormons, they have listened to rap and actually enjoy some of it. Surprisingly, Donny enjoys Drake. Well, not his lyrics, but he does appreciate the music.

In reference to his son, Donny said, “He and I were listening to Drake the other day for just some inspiration for a groove that we were working on. But he has some very compromising lyrics, so we don’t agree with it in that respect, but we were both admiring the musicianship of Drake.”

Difficult Interviews

Of course, Donny had to learn from a young age how to cope with the media attention and fame. He reflected on interviews he had as a young kid and why they could be so difficult. In fact once he really got offended. Donny explained, “At times, interviewers hit buttons which really hurt.

In England, when I was 10, I was asked what it was like to be the fattest Osmond. I just broke down and cried. It was terrible.” Since then, Donny has toughened up and learned to keep his self-image separate from what the media reports.