'Family Affair': What Happened to the Stars of the Iconic Series through the Years

The popular sitcom "Family Affair" aired from 1966 to 1971 and was a household name. However, after the show ended, many actors faced unforeseen struggles and tragedies that led to unexpected events.

Some stars became victims of the so-called "Family Affair curse," while others experienced happy outcomes.

Let's take a closer look at the lives of the "Family Affair" cast, from their joys to their heartbreaks, and how they changed over the years. Fans will be stunned to learn about the fates of many of their favorite stars!

Kathy Garver as Cissy Davis

Kathy Garver, who played the role of Cissy Davis in "Family Affair," has had a rich personal life after the show. She aged with grace and met her husband David Travis while playing tennis in Palm Springs. The love birds have been happily married for four decades.

However, Garver's pregnancy at 45 was risky as she was an "older mother" and had gestational diabetes. Although her son, Reid Garver Travis, was born a healthy and happy baby, Garver struggled with postpartum depression.

The star's life took another tragic turn when Reid fell off a step and suffered third-degree burns on his face. Garver remained vigilant in his care, always ensuring he wore a hat and sunscreen to protect his skin.

Despite these challenges, Garver and her family live a wonderful life together, sharing meals and activities. Garver also likes writing and gardening, enjoying a peaceful and fulfilling life beyond her acting career.

Garver has often spoken about her love and appreciation for her family, including her parents. Her mother encouraged her to pursue acting and helped her land her first role in a play at just 9 years old.

In addition to her love for family, Garver is passionate about dogs. She is the proud owner of several rescue dogs and frequently posts snaps of them on her Instagram page.

Garver's passion for work and life made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a motherly figure to admire. When asked about the iconic series she starred in and its long-lasting legacy, the actress stated:

"Not only were the stories very good, but the audience felt comfortable knowing what they were going to see. It's a bite of nostalgia, a bite of comfort. There is so much unsureness. It's nice to go for 22 minutes and just sit and watch something simple and about love."

Johnny Whitaker as Jody Davis

After the show's successful run, Johnny Whitaker, who played the lovable Jody Davis in "Family Affair," struggled with addiction and personal challenges.

Despite portraying a member of a small and happy family on-screen, in reality, things were much different. Losing his co-stars from the show and a failed marriage pushed Whitaker towards addiction.

The addiction resulted in the loss of his apartments, jobs, and childhood earnings. It also nearly estranged Whitaker from his family. However, their ultimatum, "Either get off drugs, or we are divorcing you as a family," was a wake-up call.

Whitaker checked into rehab and earned a certificate. Today, he is a loving father to three children and has taken back control of his life, overcoming his past struggles to find success and happiness.

By listening to his family's advice and support, Whitaker overcame his addictions and positively changed his life. The actor now uses his platform to educate others.

He is a counselor, and he shared that he is part of a group on Facebook called "Ex-child actors," adding, "We help others [and say] let's talk." Despite all he has been through, the actor wouldn't change a thing about his life.

Anissa Jones as Buffy Davis

Anissa Jones started acting in commercials and TV shows at a young age, gaining fame at six when she was cast in "Family Affair." She quickly became a beloved character on the show, and her charming personality and acting skills cemented her celebrity status.

Jones went on to appear in several TV shows, including "The Trouble with Girls" and "To Rome with Love." While she charmed audiences as Buffy on "Family Affair," her life after the series was far from idyllic.

Jones failed to shed her child-star image and was rejected by many producers who struggled to imagine her in more mature roles. These disappointments slowly led the actress to turn to drugs and shoplifting.

The star's life took a turn for the worse following her parents' divorce and custody battle, which only added to the stress in her life. Tragically, Jones died from an overdose at the young age of 18, cutting short what could have been a promising career.

Although her passing was a significant loss to her loved ones, her reputation as a gifted and lively actress remains untarnished by the unfortunate circumstances of her untimely death.

Sebastian Cabot as Mr. Giles French

Sebastian Cabot was a British-born actor best known for his role as Mr. Giles French on the popular TV show "Family Affair." However, Cabot had a long and illustrious career before and after the show.

He began his acting career in England, appearing in several stage productions and films before moving to the United States in the 1950s. Cabot was more than just a talented actor who played a beloved butler.

He had a difficult childhood, leaving school at 14 to support his family after his father's business failed. He worked as a cook and mechanic before turning to the silver screen.

Cabot had a successful acting career; his voice was his most famous asset. The star lent it to numerous animated films and TV shows.

He was the voice of Bagheera in Disney's "The Jungle Book," and his final film role was as the beloved narrator in "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh." He noted that in his personal life, he was very different from the characters he portrayed on screen:

"I am not at all like them. I have one suit. This is it. I am not happy unless I am dressed in old clothes with my shirttail out."

Sadly, tragedy struck when Cabot suffered his second stroke in three years and passed away on August 22, 1977. His talent and powerful presence will remain in the hearts and minds of fans even though he is no longer here.

Brian Keith as Bill Davis

Brian Keith, known for his role as Bill Davis in "Family Affair," was a beloved star in Hollywood. He adored spending time with children, which drew him to the role on the beloved sitcom. However, his life after the show was marked by immense personal tragedy.

Losing two children is a heartache no parent should ever face, but Keith endured the loss of both his son and daughter. His daughter's suicide, in particular, profoundly impacted him.

The actor also had to undergo chemotherapy sessions for his own lung cancer and emphysema diagnosis while also dealing with the pain of his daughter's passing.

Sadly, the weight of these events proved too much for Keith to bear, and he took his own life only two months after his daughter's suicide.

Keith's colleagues spoke highly of him after his death, paying tribute to the spirit that characterized his life. The fact that he left the hospital to die at home demonstrated his desire to live on his terms until the end.

Although Keith's life was tragically cut short, he is still revered as an iconic figure in television and film, leaving behind a legacy of incredible talent and touching the lives of countless people. His co-star Garver sang his praises and said:

"Brian Keith was just a wonderful man. So talented and so giving of his time. He was a very loving person, and he loved kids. At the same time, he was this macho man and an ex-Marine. Those were kind of his duality, and it was really appealing."

Keith was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor his legacy and a few of his "Family Affair" co-stars attended the event.

Whitaker and Garver were all smiles as they stood before the star's plaque on June 28, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. The moment was significant and proved that although life dealt the cast different fates, the bonds formed between them were unbreakable—even after death!

"Family Affair" may have been a hit sitcom during its time, but the lives of its stars tell a different story. From struggles with health issues and addiction to devastating personal losses, many of the show's actors experienced unexpected hardships after the series ended. However, some overcame these obstacles and found happiness in their personal and professional lives.

There were many ups and downs, but the television series "Family Affair" remains a classic. It serves as a reminder of the value of spending quality time with our families. We should cherish the little moments with our loved ones, as they are precious and irreplaceable.

Click here for more details about what happened to the cast of another beloved American sitcom. The stars of "Full House" went on to live exciting lives but not without struggle.