Stepping into an antique mall recently, a peculiar doll caught my eye from within a glass display. It was Mrs. Beasley, instantly recognizable, triggering a wave of nostalgia for the classic TV show, Family Affair. For many, the show is synonymous with the adorable Buffy, played by Anissa Jones, and her inseparable doll. But Family Affair was more than just a cute doll and pigtails; it was a heartwarming story brought to life by a talented cast. Let’s take a closer look at the stars who made this series a television staple and explore the enduring appeal of the Family Affair TV series cast.
Family Affair graced television screens from 1966 to 1971, captivating audiences with its premise of a bachelor uncle, William “Bill” Davis (played by Brian Keith), suddenly becoming the guardian of his orphaned nieces and nephew. Set in the heart of New York City, the show revolved around Bill, a successful engineer, adjusting to family life with the help of his quintessential British butler, Mr. Giles French (Sebastian Cabot). The children, Cissy (Kathy Garver) and the twins, Jody (Johnny Whitaker) and Buffy (Anissa Jones), brought youthful energy and poignant storylines to the series. For three of its five seasons, Family Affair ranked among the top five programs on television, embedding itself into the cultural fabric of the late 1960s and early 70s.
The heart of Family Affair lay in its cast, each member contributing uniquely to the show’s charm and success. Brian Keith, already a seasoned movie star, took on the role of Uncle Bill, initially hesitant but ultimately loving guardian. His portrayal brought a gruff yet tender sensibility to the character, anchoring the family dynamic. Keith’s star power undoubtedly contributed to the show’s initial draw. Interestingly, much like Fred MacMurray in another Don Fedderson production, My Three Sons, Keith’s scenes were often filmed in blocks, a testament to his established film career and efficient work style.
Sebastian Cabot, as Mr. French, provided the perfect foil to Uncle Bill’s sometimes-overwhelmed demeanor. His portrayal of the fastidious and proper English butler, initially thrown into disarray by the arrival of the children, evolved into a figure of warmth and affection. Mr. French became an integral part of the family, his exasperation melting into genuine care for Buffy, Jody, and Cissy. Off-screen, Cabot’s health issues, including bleeding ulcers, led to a temporary absence from the show, highlighting his commitment to the role despite personal challenges.
Kathy Garver, portraying the teenage sister Cissy, brought a relatable adolescent perspective to the family dynamic. While Garver was actually nearly 21 when cast as the 15-year-old Cissy, her portrayal captured the nuances of teenage life amidst the backdrop of an unconventional family structure. Cissy’s storylines often explored typical teenage experiences, adding another layer of relatability for viewers.
Johnnie Whitaker, with his red hair and ability to cry on cue, was perfectly cast as the endearing Jody. His casting as Buffy’s twin brother shifted the original concept slightly, but the on-screen chemistry between Whitaker and Jones was undeniable. Jody’s innocent curiosity and brotherly bond with Buffy were central to many heartwarming moments in the series. Whitaker reportedly adored Brian Keith, further cementing the familial atmosphere both on and off screen.
And then there was Anissa Jones, the child star who became synonymous with Buffy. Born Mary Anissa Jones in Indiana, her youthful appearance and natural talent charmed audiences from the moment she appeared on screen. Even though she was eight years old when she won the role of the six-year-old Buffy, her portrayal was so convincing that viewers readily embraced her as the younger twin. Buffy and her Mrs. Beasley doll became iconic. The doll, treated as a confidante by Buffy, even became the best-selling doll in America at the height of the show’s popularity.
Jones’s personal life, marked by her parents’ divorce, mirrored the orphaned circumstances of her character in some ways. This real-life experience may have contributed to the poignant and sometimes forlorn qualities she brought to Buffy in the initial episodes, where the children were adjusting to their new life with Uncle Bill. Despite the demanding schedule of filming up to 30 episodes a year, Jones remained grounded and kind. Stories from the set illustrate her generosity, such as insisting on identical gifts for her younger brother Paul and taking out an ad in Variety to mourn a set janitor she considered a friend.
The cancellation of Family Affair in 1971, despite its earlier success, came as a relief to a teenage Anissa Jones, who was eager to shed the pigtails and Mrs. Beasley doll and experience a more normal adolescence. Her desire to step away from the spotlight marked the end of an era for this beloved cast and TV series.
Family Affair’s legacy extends beyond its ratings success. It paved the way for other unconventional family sitcoms that followed, such as The Brady Bunch and Diff’rent Strokes. The show’s gentle humor and focus on family bonds resonated with audiences, and the talented cast, led by Brian Keith, Sebastian Cabot, Kathy Garver, Johnny Whitaker, and especially Anissa Jones, brought these characters to life with warmth and authenticity. Remembering the cast of Family Affair reminds us of a gentler time in television, and the enduring appeal of a show that celebrated family in all its forms.
