Kathy Garver’s Candid Take on the ‘Family Affair’ Remake
Kathy Garver recently discussed her views on the unsuccessful 2002 remake of ‘Family Affair’. In an interview with Fox News Digital, she shared her thoughts about why this version failed to capture the essence of the original series. Garver is set to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary with a marathon on Catchy Comedy.
Garver, who played Cissy in the original series, stated, “Excuse my language, but it sucked.” According to her, several factors contributed to the remake’s shortcomings.
A still from the original ‘Family Affair’, showing the chemistry and warmth that made it beloved.
The original ‘Family Affair’, which aired in 1966, followed the story of bachelor Bill Davis taking care of his late brother’s children: Cissy, Buffy, and Jody. Brian Keith brought charm to the role of Bill, while Sebastian Cabot played the family’s butler, Mr. French. The remake cast Gary Cole as Bill and Tim Curry as Mr. French. Garver acknowledged their talent but felt they brought different qualities to familiar characters.
The Challenges of a Remake
Garver remarked on the difficulty of remaking a series. “When people see Gary Cole, they think, ‘That’s not Uncle Bill,'” she said. While Cole performed well in ‘NCIS’, he didn’t match Brian Keith’s appeal, which came from his mix of toughness and tenderness toward the children.
Pictured: Brian Keith as Bill Davis, Anissa Jones as Buffy, Kathy Garver as Cissy, Sebastian Cabot as Mr. French, and Johnny Whitaker as Jody, 1966.
Garver also felt Tim Curry’s portrayal of Mr. French diverged too much from Cabot’s version. “Curry’s take was loud and boisterous,” she noted, contrasting it with Cabot’s more subdued approach. This difference, Garver believes, affected the show’s overall tone and warmth.
The Essence of ‘Family Affair’
Garver highlighted the emotional connection within the original cast, which she feels distinguished the show. “Each character genuinely cared,” she explained, crediting their authentic bond for the series’ uniqueness. The show also benefited from being filmed in color and having industry veterans involved.
Garver described the series as groundbreaking for featuring a single guardian unexpectedly caring for orphans. She emphasized its enduring relatability, with stories about family challenges that remain relevant today. “It shows how to handle family problems,” she said.
A scene from ‘Family Affair’, 1967, depicting the strong family connection.
Garver compared the show’s comforting nature to “taking a bite of the comfort cake,” offering viewers a respite from chaos. She is set to host a special marathon celebrating the show’s anniversary, sharing memories and featuring favorite episodes.
Looking Back at ‘Family Affair’
Garver concluded that the lack of yelling and the calm interactions contributed to the show’s longevity. She pointed to the guidance of the show’s creator, Ed Hartman, who valued acting that conveyed emotion through the eyes. For Garver, this warmth is what has sustained the series over time.
The upcoming marathon will highlight memorable storylines, showing Cissy’s growth from adolescence to adulthood. It promises to reflect on what made ‘Family Affair’ resonate with its audience over the decades.
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