This week on brioux.tv: the podcast, meet a former child star who continues to impress — Kathy Garver, best known for playing oldest sibling Cissy on Family Affair. The series premiered on Sept. 12, 1966 — 60 years ago next month. It ran for five seasons and 138 episodes and starred Brian Keith as Uncle Bill, a Manhattan bachelor. With the help of his gentleman’s gentleman Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), he was suddenly tasked with raising three kids.
At 20 (though playing 15), Garver was already a showbiz veteran when the series began. She boasted credits in everything from Our Miss Brooks, The Millionaire, Father Knows Best, The Big Valley, Adam-12 and, “The Ten Commandments.”
Unlike many former child stars, Garver never stopped working, pivoting to voice work in animated shows such as Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends and The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang to a 2025 Grammy nomination. Then there are her books, including “Surviving Cissy: My Family Affair of Life in Hollywood,” and one out this past Valentine’s Day entitled, “Romancing with the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories.” Add several upcoming projects and Garver at 80 is busier than ever.
She’s even hosting a luxury Mediterranian cruise in May of 2027 and, yes, that’s her in those hearing aid ads playing in high rotation in Canada!
