John Kappas, Florence Henderson’s Former Husband: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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Florence Henderson, best known for playing the role of Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch, has died at age 82, reports the Associated Press. According to the outlet, her manager, Kayla Pressman, released a statement late Thursday saying that the actress died surrounded by family and friends.

Henderson was married to Ira Bernstein from 1956 to 1985. She was married to her second husband, John Kappas, from 1987 until his death in 2002. Read on to learn more about Henderson’s second husband, John Kappas.

1. He Was a Hypnotherapist

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John Kappas was a hypnotherapist and founded the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) in 1968. His bio on HMI’s College of Hypnotherapy website reads, “Dr. John G. Kappas (1925-2002) unknowingly distinguished himself as the father of Hypnotherapy as a distinct and separate profession when, with the help of the AFL/CIO International Union, he authored the definition of ‘Hypnotist’ and ‘Hypnotherapist’ for the Federal Dictionary of Occupational Titles.”

Kappas’ institute has been around for more than 47 years. The HMI College of Hypnotherapy’s website reads, “Dr. Kappas literally defined the profession of hypnotherapy in 1973, when he wrote and defined the profession of a ‘Hypnotherapist’ in the Federal Dictionary of Occupational Titles. That definition remains in force and unchanged today.”

2. Kappas Died of Lung Cancer

Florence Henderson during the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade part of the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Getty Images)

According to Next Avenue, Kappas died in 2002 of lung cancer from cigarette smoking. He and Henderson had been married for 15 years at the time of his death. In her interview with Next Avenue, Henderson discussed what it was like looking after her sick husband before he passed. “Caring for my late husband was a privilege and a challenge, so my heart goes out to caregivers. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t done it realizes how much work it takes.”

Kappas passed away at the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte. He was 77.

3. He Wrote Five Books on Subconscious Behaviorism

Florence Henderson and her son Robert Bernstein, arrive for the formal Artist’s Dinner honoring the recipients of the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors hosted by United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S. Department of State on December 3, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Getty)

According to a 2002 article in Variety, Kappas was the author of “five tomes on subconscious behaviorism.” One of those books was titled Professional Hypnotism Manual. A section of the book’s synopsis on Amazon reads, “In his private practice Dr. Kappas has worked with more than 30,000 individuals from all walks of life with different needs and problems. The Professional Hypnotism Manual is the culmination of his research and success helping others achieve the quality of life they desire.” Another one of Kappas’ books was titled Improve Your Sex Life Through Self-Hypnosis.

4. His Son Is the Director of HMI College of Hypnotherapy Today

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George John Kappas, MA, is the Director of Behavioral Science Centers and its college/clinic, the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI). In an interview with Coming Together to Fight Cancer, George was asked why he believes there is such a resistance to hypnotherapy. He responded, “For the vast majority, the only exposure we have had to hypnosis is how the media has portrayed it in film. From Svengali forward it has not been an accurate or flattering portrayal.”

5. Henderson’s Fear of Flying Led Her to Meet Kappas

This photo, captioned, “Happy Thanksgiving-what are you most thankful for,” brings us back to the innocent times of when The Brady Bunch aired.

In a 2009 interview with Life Extension magazine, Henderson revealed that while rehearsing for and filming The Brady Bunch, she commuted by plane to Los Angeles. Over time, Henderson developed a fear of flying. “I thought to myself, ‘all of this responsibility and I’m on a plane.’ It made me very anxious.” She  decided to resolve those fears through hypnotherapy. Henderson stated, “I took classes at The Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) and eventually became a certified hypnotherapist. Hypnotherapy is such a powerful tool, with many potential benefits.”

Through HMI, Henderson met Dr. John Kappas. She told Life Extension, “I just adored him. His work continues to help people today.”