Who’s Still Alive From ‘Family Affair’?

Lauren Novak April 21, 6:24 pm

Family Affair cast — Gene Trindl/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

While Family Affair only ran for five seasons between 1966 and 1971, it left a lasting impression. The show followed the story of Bill Davis, a successful bachelor living in a New York City high-rise whose life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his late brother’s three children: teenager Cissy and young twins Buffy and Jody.

With the help of his traditional English butler, Mr. French, Bill navigates the challenges of parenthood while learning to embrace a more meaningful, family-centered life. It was part comedy, part drama, and leaned into themes of family, grief and resilience in a memorable way.

With so many decades gone by, it begs the question: Who from Family Affair is still around today — and what are they up to?

Kathy Garver (Cissy Davis)

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Gene Trindl/TV Guide/Everett Collection; Rich Fury/Getty Images

Born on Dec. 13, 1945, Garver played Cissy, the oldest of the three siblings. By the time she joined the cast, she was already a seasoned performer, having appeared as a child in The Ten Commandments. After Family Affair, Garver continued acting in both live-action and voice roles, including work on cartoons like the Happy Days animated spinoff and Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.

She also appeared in shows such as Matlock and Nash Bridges and authored several books, including her memoir Surviving Cissy and a cookbook called The Family Affair Cookbook. Now 79, she remains active on the convention circuit and enjoys connecting with fans who grew up watching her.

> Kathy Garver Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Stories of Being in ‘The Ten Commandments’ as a Child Star (Exclusive)

Johnny Whitaker (Jody Davis)

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Ken Whitmore/TV Guide/Everett Collection; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Whitaker, born Dec. 13, 1959 (yes, the same birthday as Kathy Garver, just 14 years apart!), played freckle-faced Jody. He was just 6 when he joined Family Affair, and afterward, he continued to act in projects like Tom Sawyer and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. Later in life, he struggled with addiction but found recovery and now works as a certified drug counselor.

These days, he’s focused on helping others and occasionally attends nostalgia events celebrating his early career. He has also said that he is working on a memoir.

In Memoriam: What happened to the other main cast members?

Brian Keith (Uncle Bill)

FAMILY AFFAIR, Brian Keith (1966 photo by Ivan Nagy)

Ivan Nagy/Everett Collection

Keith passed away on June 24, 1997, at age 75. He died by suicide after struggling with health problems and the recent loss of his daughter. His portrayal of bachelor-turned-father-figure Uncle Bill made him a household name, and he later starred in Hardcastle and McCormick.

Sebastian Cabot (Mr. Giles French)

Everett Collection

Cabot died of a stroke on Aug. 23, 1977. He was 59 years old. Cabot was also known for his work in Disney films like The Jungle Book, where he voiced Bagheera, and as the narrator in Winnie the Pooh shorts.

Anissa Jones (Buffy Davis)

FAMILY AFFAIR, Anissa Jones (with Mrs. Beasley), 1966-71

Everett Collection

Jones stepped away from acting after Family Affair and lived a more private life. She tragically passed away from a drug overdose on Aug. 28, 1976, at only 18 years old. Her death was one of the earliest celebrity overdoses to make national headlines.

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