The Tragedy of Anissa Jones Is So Sad

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

Dave, I never did a video about Anissa because it is a too sad story. I believe you did a very good job, a very respectful tone. Thanks, Steve

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks Steve! I know that if you ever did choose to make a video on Anissa it would be top notch. 🙂

[@goldenagenut]

Born in 1965, 'Family Affair ' was one of my very earliest memories. I remember loving the show, the kids were my favorites, being a kid. That is so sad about her and her family but she is definitely, fondly remembered!

[@dreadfulspiller8766]

I caught this show mostly in the reruns but I always thought that the kids were more real compared to the brady bunch. My favorite episode is where Buffy's friend played by Jan on the brady bunch was sick and they were celebrating christmas months early and Buffy couldn't understand. The end scene is Uncle Bill hearing Buffy crying in her room because at last she understood.

[@jdsundstrom]

Classic episode! And...great performances all around.

[@LisaN]

Oh I remember that one...

[@kathymartin7724]

Agreed. She had such a difficult life. Bless her heart. Rip Annissa Jones.

[@kevinpyne5808]

I loved Family Affair. They looked and acted like real twins. The show always had this sad underlying vibe.

[@jdsundstrom]

They really did seem like twins!

[@cmm2145]

It did have a sad underlying vibe. That’s because of the back story. Cissy, Buffy, and Jodie’s parents were both killed in a car accident. The 3 kids were separated, each one sent to live with a different relative. Then the adult who has one kid brings the kid to Uncle Bill. First just Buffy. Next someone brings Jodie to Uncle Bill. Then last someone else brings Cissy to Uncle Bill.

[@GentlemanAmerican]

I remember watching Family Affair as a kid. I knew Anissa died from an overdose at a young age, but the story is even more tragic than I knew. I didn't know about her parents breaking up and a custody battle. Sadly, all too often, the lives of child actors become tragic.

[@arleneliberti2949]

REST IN HEAVENLY PARADISE ANISSA . I LOVED FAMILY AFFAIR .

[@macconmara7252]

Anissa Jones was such a beautiful little girl and she was perfect as Buffy. It is so sad that she never got to experience adulthood and all that it entails. I hope that Anissa knew how much joy she brought to others with her performance in Family Affair. I find it depressing when actors/entertainers give so much to the world but are unable to find happiness and contentment in their own lives.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said, Mac!

[@collegeman1988]

Dave, I completely agree with your assessment of what happened to child actor Anissa Jones. There was no happy ending for her or her family. She was close to her dad, but he died young, and that may have been what led to her very premature death. According to Wikipedia, she left a fortune well over $100,000 (over 700 grand in today’s dollars). All that lifelong potential gone in a single night, which was very tragic.

[@mitchellbast7066]

Hey there Dave, thank You for this. I was in 8th grade when she died, and I remember EVERYONE, at my catholic school, talking about it. It was a big deal for us kids that watched the show in the late sixties. Drugs are this nations CANCER. No cure as of yet💔

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories, Mitchell!

[@mangot589]

Yeah, and I just had someone tell me on another site that the girl that dropped out of the olympics wasn’t allowed to take her Ritalin, and blah blah blah, because it’s banned in Japan. Good for Japan.

[@SnarkNSass]

A major favorite of mine from my early childhood. I call my sister Sissy💜💜💜💜

[@lincbond442]

I was almost 7 when Anissa passed away. I was an avid watcher of Family Affair re-runs and couldn't comprehend how the cute little girl on TV had died. I could only picture her as little Buffy on TV. It's been 45 years since her passing and it is still very sad to think about how life turned out for her and her family. May they all rest in peace.

[@Tim1963-u6n]

Thanks Dave I did learn something new about her and her family, back in the day there were all kinds of talk about how she passed away

[@scottmcgraw3749]

Always love it when you cover this great show. Anissa's story is a terrible and sad one. God rest her soul.

[@lavender1118]

Loved that show. Thank you for the video. I didn't know about her brother dying. So sad, so sad.

[@GunnyKeith]

GREAT COVERAGE Dave. Doing outstanding work sir.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thank you kindly, Keith!

[@virginiathomasakaicedragon6579]

I so loved that show when I was a little girl and her death hit home for me because I turned 18 in 79. Just very sad

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Virginia!

[@scarletredmagic6724]

I remember watching some of the reruns such a precious sweetheart peace to her Blessings to her family ✌️🍀💚❤️💜😑

[@johnoksys7713]

Dave I can tell by your voice this was a real tough one I'm a big fan of your videos when you post one I'll watch it keep up the good work

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks John!

[@keithe2150]

You handled a very tough subject as good as anybody could thanks

[@steelyankee69]

Same as you, my brother and I used to call the show “Buddy and Jody”, lol! I was young watching this show in syndication during the mid 70s. Don’t really remember the storylines, but I do remember the names of the characters. Now, I’m watching the episodes on Tubi! Being 52 now, I see that the storylines are so emotional. This is a sitcom, but the stories tug on my heart. The actors/actresses are so brilliant in their roles! They make my eyes water almost every episode…and I’m just in season 1! I look forward to binge watching this classic tv show…which aired way before it’s time!

[@karenschlenker1241]

Dave thanks for keeping me posted on all the actors and actresses wether living or passed away. Love the updates and what they are doing today. Thank you great video.

[@GoldenRAGEofTV]

Toxic showbiz. Man what an example. Unfortunately it happened all too often. Great informative episode Dave.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks Pat!

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

Poor baby girl rest in peace love hi David

[@jdsundstrom]

Hi Rosie 🙂

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

@@jdsundstrom I had a suffered a major stroke last March but I have got a long way to recovery my dear brother and brother my left side of my body is very weak unfortunately but I'm going to try to not give up just yet

[@karenmartin7978]

In 1990 Paul Peterson, of The Donna Reed Show, founded A Minor Consideration, where former child stars help other former child stars transaction back into a "normal" life. Alas, this organization wasn't around to help Anissa.

[@figmo397]

I was shocked when she died. We were the same age. Thank you for not sugar-coating this.

[@scottburton9701]

"Family Affair" was one of my favorite shows when i was a youngster-Sad that Anissa's life was cut short.

[@1223jamez]

I remember hearing it on the news back in 1976. Very sad!

[@jackdavide5742]

I remember this show well and always liked it for its realism. Given that Anissa had no refuge--her private, work and public lives were ponderous-- she must have thought her time on set was an escape. Thanks for this video, Dave.

[@tammyevans7333]

Goodness, never knew any of this, thanks, Dave!

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome, Tammy. 🙂

[@farrellmcnulty909]

When I first heard of her death, it was the only time I ever heard anything new about her. I felt sorry for her because she wasn't acting anymore, but it was a bit relieving to find out she quit acting on her own for a more normal life. It's a tragedy she never did get that normal life.

[@markclare5222]

Thanks Dave for this wonderful video I really enjoyed it Anissa was a sweetie such a shame her life was cut short.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome, Mark!

[@stebaer]

Yes among the memories I recall best before her tragedy when there was a contest of which my older Sister Maureen showed a picture of her and she said "I'm going to meet Buffy" I asked my Mom if this was so? And she said "Yes if she wins the contest, but she didn't was next when she had a broken leg for 6 months as I was told by Maureen that's how long that it was too, and she still appeared on the show for all of that time. Among the episodes that stand out is when Jody appeared as a clown for the Davis Family Circus and as he even introduced it to be after blowing his trumpet.This was to entertain Buffy while she was laid up. It was a one ring Circus with an elephant too among other things if I recall this correctly.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories!

[@stebaer]

@@jdsundstrom :You're Welcome!

[@justinepurdham7128]

I loved Family Affair, I always thought the kids were twins back then. I really didn't know of Anissas death until many years later, we were the same age. Such a sad story for the whole family! May they all fly high with the Angels and RIP! ❤️🙏

[@dk60ish]

From the concept, the look, & even the theme, this show was unique, an atmospheric mix of comedy & drama that even comes off as a bit haunting, & not because of Anissa's death. And it really looks like it was filmed outside of California!

[@marpsr]

We watched Family Affair in reruns and my sister still has her Mrs. Beasley doll. Such a sad story.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, BWilliamson!

[@emerybayblues]

I was too young to watch Family Affair in it's original run (born in 1968). I watched it in syndication on Saturday mornings.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rickkell123]

I May have mentioned previously I saw a show maybe 30 years ago or so where some of her friends were interviewed. Obviously a lot of regret. Male friend said we were sick people (drugs). Female friend remorseful - said she thinks about her every day. I can not find the show anywhere. Maybe E or Bravo. Great video by you. Thank you

[@patriciaw.5602]

I read that Anissa was also considered for the part of the young prostitute in Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver. "In 1975, Jones was invited to audition for the role of Iris "Easy" Steensma in Taxi Driver, but turned it down." I think she would have been good in that role if she set her mind to it. KZbinr Jamie Dlux takes on the sicko side of Hollywood and did an episode on Anissa. Hinted at an up and coming young famous director, in excerpts from the source Crazy Days and Nights piece, "His First Victim", Anissa may have been drugged at some party the said director had at his house and may explain why Anissa had so many different drugs in her system the night she died.

[@faithcastillo9597]

A lovely piece, Dave, but what a sad end cap to my day. Anisa was just a little older than me, so I felt like we grew up together, in a way, watching her on tv. Such a pretty girl. It's sad that there was so much turmoil in her short young life.

[@johncollins1884]

A sad video. However, thank you for telling the story...

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome, John!

[@bighouse6120]

Always enjoy your channel Dave🤓👍

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks 👍

[@thedailydanblog247]

Wow omg I knew none of this great video Dave

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks Dan!

[@joebondo2422]

I loved the way Buffy & Jody would say, “Uncle Bill.” Very sweet. 🙏 Also, I think Pamelyn Ferdin would’ve been a great “Reagan MacNeil” in the Exorcist, if she were given the chance and was cast.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yah. I loved the way they would say "Uncle Beoh" as well. 🙂

[@tomlavelle8518]

Such a sad life...

[@jdsundstrom]

Agreed.

[@JackNyberg-t2b]

I just watch the entire 5 years of family affair on tubi.. Im just about the same age as the two kids.. I remember seeing the show back in the late 60’s.. I didn’t realize what she went through or was going through at the time and after watching the 1st season it was just heart breaking.. But while watching a lot of the episodes with her it just brought tears to my eyes.. Some of the episodes where she thought Uncle bill was going to get rid of her I’m sure took a toll on her life.. And now after the fact because of her family issues and the part that she played it had to have had a traumatic effect of what happened to her.. I guarantee child actors today (especially that young) would have had counseling of some type that would of help them deal with situations.. It’s just a shame.. I just saw a KZbin of her at 11 on the Dick Cavett show with Sammy Davis and it just makes me cry because she was such an adorable human being..

[@DavidDatura]

I was not aware of this actress or her tragic story. So sad, this sort of thing just happened to often in Hollywood. May she and her family Rest In Peace.

[@cmm2145]

Every time I watch Family Affair I think about cute little Anissa’s tragic death. I remember exactly where I was when I heard it on the radio news. I was 9 and shocked. Now don’t think I didn’t hear you throwing shade at Mrs. Beasley. Aaaaaallllll the girls had one and mine was my favorite toy. I still have her. She’s in poor shape. She’s been tattered and sewn back together again. She was definitely loved and played with and she’s 50 years old.

[@brentcanfield8883]

Thanks for another great video, Dave.One quick question; you mentioned that the doctor who illegally prescribed pills to Anissa died. Do you happen to know how he died?

[@jdsundstrom]

I want to say it was something to do with his heart...but I'm not certain.

[@troyc4250]

I watched this a bit in reruns. I liked seeing Eve Plumb on this show and that was a tough episode to watch. Anyway, Anissa's story is so sad. My parents were so brokenhearted when they heard the news on the radio in the car that day. I remember mom telling me that drugs were destroyers of life...I never forgot that.

[@katrinajones8788]

That episode was the saddest one of them all.

[@patrickwagner4935]

Great job

[@ZooomaCW]

Being 49, this show was over before I was born but I do have vague recollections of seeing it from the womb? No, I guess it was in syndication in the mid to late 70s. I remember really well Judge Hardcastle and also the butler. I now wanna do some looking around to see if I can find this one to watch. Maybe it's out there. I pretty much prefer classics more than what's on TV this coming season. What will be on TV this coming season?!!? I can name maybe 5 current shows whereas in any given week I watch more classics than the # of current shows I can name!!

[@jdsundstrom]

You and me both Zoooma! I'd much rather watch the classics.

[@bbarnhouse9022]

I watched a couple of seasons on Amazon Prime during the pandemic. It may still be available.

[@laurenscott4830]

Anissa went to my elementary school… she was 4 grades ahead of me. I recall her not being very nice. As an adult, I can justify she must have been weary of the fame, answering so many questions about her career. I also knew her brother. As a teen, I recall having a crush on him, as he was very handsome. He was a sweet guy.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Lauren!

[@mrled8555]

It's really bizarre how such a family show could almost seem "cursed" Drugs,alcohol,suicide.Its really sad how their lives ended.😪

[@jdsundstrom]

Aside from Kathy (and to a certain extent, Johnny), there aren't any happy endings out there for that particular TV cast.

[@cadeevans4623]

I've never watched family affair Dave I've heard of it but never saw it buffy anissa Jones she was a adorable little girl I'm not familiar with the show it anissa Dave I never knew about her tragic life a lot of the child stars when they grow up they get into trouble drugs turn out to be wild and have a ruff life or committ suicide and some don't I've never heard of any trash in Ricky Schroeder I believe he turned out ok I've never seen the exorcist and I don't attend to Dave I hate to hear about the drug overdose Dave and anissa tragic stuff never knew this thanks for sharing this Dave 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for the comment, Cade!

[@cadeevans4623]

Your very welcome Dave my pleasure

[@henryscafe8364]

Whitaker said about Annisa, "Hollywood doesn't take care of their young."

[@Farrah300]

It seems that in a manner os speaking, Hollywood chews them up and spits them out.

[@lindatober9580]

Eats them alive!

[@hooper4581]

There’s a deep rabbit hole about her death on internets. There was a crowd of young people in the house that night. It’s pretty sad.

[@jdsundstrom]

...and she'd been dead for a few hours before it was ever called in.

[@TheLocutus70]

Anissa was so beautiful and talented. Another tragic loss was Bridgette Andersen at age 21 of an overdose. I loved her in Savannah Smiles. When will people learn not to put that garbage in their bodies?

[@flilguy]

I remember this happened at the beginning of my 2nd-grade year (1976). I also remember consoling with a schoolmate that was sad because the show would probably end. She didn't understand that the show was in reruns. I explained to her that the shows were actually a few years old like the "Brady Bunch" and will probably continue to air. Although I was confused as well as I thought it was the older sister "Cissy" that passed. It didn't seem that Buffy would be old enough to take drugs. I also thought she took some kind of pills with wine and that made the situation worse.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories, flilguy!

[@chrishand259]

Rural purge? Wasn’t this show set in NYC? Otherwise great video as always. So sad 😢

[@jdsundstrom]

Very true. It still gets lumped into the whole "Rural Purge" because, like those shows, it was simpler family programming that stayed away from topical issues of the day. Also, like those rural shows, it was on CBS.

[@taylordowning2533]

Very sad.....😪

[@mikesilva3868]

Great show sad what happened to this actress 😥

[@brentstantonfun]

It’s funny how many of your stories are so coincidental to some of my own deep dives into the web looking back on my own. I also looked up Anissa a few months ago. I Realized I used to ride my bike past the house she grew up in in Playa Del Rey all the time. Once I learned it, I made a point to go and purposefully take a look again. It’s been facades but the home is still there. Right at the ocean. I can imagine she loved it there and enjoyed that life at least a little bit. I’ve worked in TV and film for 34 years. I’ve worked with a few child actors. Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Elizabeth Moss, Jessica Biel... They all turned out okay. Thankfully they had good families to help them stay grounded. Yet there were those that didn’t. Jeremy Jackson ran into troubles almost right away. It’s not easy, and I never recommend anyone even consider setting their child down this course. :(

[@nrnoble]

The show was originally just to have Anissa Jones, Brian Keith, and Sabaton Cabot, but CBS requested some changes after the pilot, Johnny Witaker, Kathy Garver were added. For Jones, she grew tired of doing the show during final two seasons and was glad when the show was cancelled. She commented during an interview "Doing the show was my job and not fun, I just wanted to be with my friends". Kathy Garver stated in an interview that the producers started having Jone's chest wrapped and dressed her to look younger to hide her maturity, which Jones did not like. Oddly, I remember exactly the day when I heard on the radio that she had died. At that time it was a huge shock because she was the first TV child actors to die so young and from a drug overdose. Since her death, many other child actors have had significant problems after they were past their prime as child stars.

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

Thank you but yes it’s sad 😢

[@jdsundstrom]

It sure it.

[@donnicholas7552]

What a sad and tragic story. :-( I liked the show. It was not a normal sit-com. Some of the topics on the show could and did get a bit heavy.

[@rawbacon]

Didn't know she was up for the Exorcist, I was just listening yesterday to "Finding Peter" by William Peter Blatty. It's about his son that died young and the alleged contact he had with him afterwards.

[@jdsundstrom]

Sounds like an interesting read, RB!

[@SINCITYJIM1]

Sad. I remember when she died. So young. She was such a cutie.

[@lovesallanimals9948]

Loved this show

[@upta-q.a.m.p343]

I never knew, it's very sad what happens to child stars.

[@jdsundstrom]

It really is, Randy.

[@eloiseockert6561]

It is sad when addiction takes over all lives. Child stars or not! Adult performers or not...

[@jdsundstrom]

@Eloise Ockert - Very true!

[@miltmarhoffer729]

I remember Johnny Whitaker singing one of his tunes in the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade"

[@jdsundstrom]

He had a bit of a singing career going there for a little while. 🙂

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

@@jdsundstrom He was in the musical version of Tom Saywer with Jodie Foster.

[@babybro70]

So cute & pretty & so deserving of so much more. Very Sad

[@retrocereal]

Yeah, very difficult to end on a happy note with that story!

[@jdsundstrom]

Tell me about it

[@yooperlooper]

Wasn't a big fan of Family Affair although I did watch it on reruns from time to time but this certainly was a sad ending for a beautiful young woman.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for the comment, yooperlooper!

[@pamelamays4186]

Part of the problem child stars endure is that once a child star becomes "too old", or "not cute enough", the industry throws them away and forgets them. And, Hollywood tries to squeeze every penny out of a child star's personality. Another issue is, the public has trouble accepting the fact that kids do grow up. Only a handful of former child stars have found success as adults, whether involved in the industry in some way, or totally going in a different direction. Stories like these are so sad, yet, parents still try to put their kids into show business. Things really haven't changed since the days of Judy Garland.

[@jdsundstrom]

Very true. And...with this case, the other part of the problem was that both Anissa and her brother, Paul weren't happy at home.

[@diamondtiara84]

Some of those parents probably want to get their 15 minutes of fame through their kids. The movie studios saw them as commodities, not people. They started Judy Garland taking amphetamines so they could keep her working more, and that sure messed up her life.

[@jackkircher1755]

In an interview several years ago Jonny Whitaker said that when they saw Alissa laying there bombed with drugs, none of them took any action to help her out. No, there is NO SUCH THING AS AN ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE. They KNOW what they are doing with the stuff!

[@jerrygillespie1214]

Most of the Family Affair cast had suffered tragedies and untimely deaths. Brian Keith shot himself Sebastian Cabot suffered a fatal heart attack. The only one who seems to have escaped those tragedies was Kathy Garver (Cissy) I did meet her at a convention a few years ago. She was very nice

[@jdsundstrom]

So very true! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4GTgHR6m7-ZqqM

[@gilloera8912]

Yup, she was always prim and proper

[@southamcaballero]

Thanks for doing this story. I know that must not have been easy. But there were more positive things that happened with at least one other cast member. Kathy Garver, who played Cissy, went on to at least do cartoon voice roles, ranging from children to adults.

[@arthurgearheard4701]

Brian Keith committed suicide!

[@southamcaballero]

@@arthurgearheard4701 That's true. Thank you. I edited my message

[@mistermusic140]

Very tragic and sad. Brian Keith's life also ended tragically.

[@LisaN]

I didn't know whether to watch this video or not, since it's so sad. We also loved that show when we were kids. I never heard anything about her until I was much older - I think a friend told me about it and I sure was shocked and saddened. I can't even watch the show now even though I see it's been on. Wait - the doctor who prescribed her drugs died while waiting for trial? How?

[@paulcarpenter999]

If you go to the intersection of Rees and Trolleycar in Playa Del Rey, California, you can still see were she wrote her name in the sidewalk cement in the mid 1970s.

[@jstnxprsn]

Man, that WAS a really sad one, Dave. Good job on it though. I did have one (rhetorical) question. HTH did that show fall into the Rural Purge? It was about a rich guy in a fancy New York (?) apt raising these kids, with the help of his manservant. That's about as far from He Haw as possible. LOLOL Seems more like the networks just took a suicide pill by eliminating popular shows.

[@Thresher]

Such a tragic life.

[@jdsundstrom]

So much potential. Indeed...a true tragedy. Thank you for your continued support, Tom!

[@eloiseockert6561]

I know that Anissa was taking drugs but her manager took advantage of that. When the autopsy was done the MDs were so disgusted at how much of drugs were found in her system. So sad. The manager was going to be brought up on charges but before.the court case came up he had died also from my understanding an addiction overdose. So horrid how drugs are the villain taking people. Oh so it was her MD...

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. It was a doctor.

[@macconmara7252]

I don't know if you have ever seen the show Autopsy but it is a great show(always respectful no matter how the person died) and they covered Anissa's death. I was glad to see she is not forgotten.

[@katemaloney4296]

From what I've heard and read about Anissa, her mother was a horrible, horrid, not likeable at all, abusive human being. I even heard that she had been stealing Anissa's hard-earned money. When Anissa turned 18, she was relieved to finally gain control of the remainder of her trust fund and rescue her brother and herself. But the years of emotional abuse had taken its toll and she turned to drugs. If there is a silver lining to Anissa's story it is that the woman who bore her and her brother had to live out the last remaining years of her pathetic life all alone. I can't think of a more deserving person for that to happen to.

[@kevingiven3463]

So many child actors have horrible lives despite fame and fortune, I'm reminded of Dana Plato and Gary Coleman from Different Strokes, both of whom died prematurely, poor Gary had to become a security guard because all the money he made was squandered by his parents. Hollywood isn't all glamour after all.

[@toddfowler4017]

We all know about the "rural purge" that CBS invoked, but apparently it also included the "family purge"! Taking out Family Affair and My Three Sons, but at the same time The Waltons was beginning a long run that would stretch into the 80's!! I guess they figured The Waltons could be their "token" rural-family show! The Anissa Jones story is so incredibly sad 😥, Mr. Dave, but it's nice that you are able to keep her memory alive! As for Buffy's friend, Valerie's friend, and your nemesis, MRS. BEASLEY, I think you should have mixed it up a bit! You always hid Beasley herself! Sometimes you should have just hid her glasses 👓! At least that way the creepy character couldn't see 👀 anything!!📺🎬🌳👨‍👩‍👧‍👦😢👓🇺🇸

[@mibeatleman6767]

I heard that Anissa's mother suffered from bipolar which might have caused her turn to drugs to cope.

[@alwrig]

At least Mrs. Beasley wasn't as creepy as that clown doll in "Poltergeist". Talk about nightmare inducing...

[@cherieamor6377]

Thank you for all these videos you make. They are truly interesting and enjoyable. But, I must say with all that is coming to light today I cannot help but to think there are so many holes in all these stories. Not to mention the same things keep happening to the actors of today. (all ages).. Hollywood is NOT a good place. So easy to blame drugs..& suicide... There are a lot of stories that go along with that too. It is also a big wonder about the parents of these kids. These types of things are as old as Hollyweird it self... These doctors are on speed dial & these actors can have anything... Then the Dr's always mysteriously end their life before they go to jail etc... I'm sure there are other stories but they always seem to go the same way.. It is very sad & really who can truly vouch for any of this? After all they are all "Acting". That is what they sign up to do..

[@jdsundstrom]

You're most welcome, Che'rie A'mor. You're right that Hollywood can be a dangerous place for both young and old. I don't think there is any story more sad than Anissa's.

[@cherieamor6377]

@@jdsundstrom she was the most adorable little girl on a tv show. (That lives on) It's very sad & tearful to watch her (stand still in time) and know that she was not able to have a whole life and grow. Then also knowing that her brother was to lose his life shortly after her.

[@skiprockjr.6881]

It's very sad Anissa only made it to 18. What is slightly less sad is the original Arnold Ziffel, played by Arnold the Pig, only made it to 8 years old, which is about half the average life span for a domesticated pig. Arnold the Pig's remains were cremated and held onto and then buried with his owner Frank Freeman upon his death.

[@jdsundstrom]

Skip - You clearly are the world's number one Green Acres fan!

[@skiprockjr.6881]

@@jdsundstrom Darling, I love you, but give me Park Avenue!

[@gogoyubari366]

She was so pretty!

[@henryscafe8364]

Several yrs ago Whitaker was on a dating show called Elimidate and chose someone. I hope all went well with them.

[@simplydanlrene4276]

I watch the shows even today. I go to sleep watching them. I just wonder how many of you knew there was two different Mrs. Beasley. She used the older looking one....is on the beginning of this video for at least one series and then it switched to the newer one. Anissa when she got her money, she brought her brother over to live with her as family life was not so good. Sadly he died of an overdose too.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@prycerobertson4695]

Even during the pre-9/11 age, it's been hard for child actors to continue their careers into adulthood. You need to do a video on Jay North. Like most other child stars, he often struggled to find more TV and film work after Dennis the Menace left the air in 1963, though he did manage to snag a role in the adventure series Maya in 1967, which lasted just one season. During Dennis the Menace's run, he was left in the care of his aunt and uncle, who were far from giving, never allowing him to socialize with fellow cast members or children his own age (with the exception of little league baseball games). His life took a turn for the bizarre around the late 1970s, when he became fascinated with serial killers. At one point, he was under consideration for the role of Ted Bundy in the TV miniseries The Deliberate Stranger in 1986, but lost the part to Mark Harmon. Before that, he optioned the book Burn Judy, Burn for $5,000, hoping to play the lead role of executed killer Steven Judy. He even attempted to write a screenplay, about a 1984 prison break by six death-row inmates from Virginia's Mecklenburg Correctional Center, but the screenplay was never completed. The turning point in this dark period of North's life was the suicide of Rusty Hamer, who played the young son on The Danny Thomas Show in 1990. His old Dennis the Menace co-star Jeanne Russell and Paul Petersen of Donna Reed Show fame stepped in to help Jay break out of his shell. North eventually left Hollywood for Florida in 1991, and began attending memorabilia shows a few years later.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for the comment, Pryce!

[@prycerobertson4695]

@@jdsundstrom Not long before Rusty Hamer's suicide, Jay North discovered false reports of his death as well as several impostors masquerading as him.

[@kennethwilkinson8244]

good day dave, my friend. i thought of a question the other night, during your live stream. who is a better comedy team abot and costelo laurel and hardy or the three stooges? my vote goes to abot and costelo.

[@jdsundstrom]

Of the ones that you listed, I would select Abbott and Costello as well.

[@skiprockjr.6881]

Right now I'm squeezing Kenneth's nose with a pair of pliers with one hand and I've got Dave's head in a vice with the other. Of course the Stooges are the best. Even Sammy "May Day" Malone agrees with me.

[@marlanaedwards5296]

RIP Anissa Jones.

[@bridgetmccracken1381]

Child stars need responsible parents. Too many have either died or got swallowed up because they did not have a parent to help guide them. This beautiful young soul was lost way too soon :(

[@catlover2652]

She was older then me,but I started watching FA in reruns,I thought she was the best actress on the show I cried when she cried,the first time she came to uncle Bill and cried her self to sleep,that was it for me. I loved the chemistry with anissa and Johnny as twins. They looked and acted like twins with a special connection. I preferred them over cissy ,she seemed like an entitled spoiled brat every other show had do something with her boyfriend, or puts her boy toys ahead. Annissa and Johnny had kid problems that most kids have in school.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing Cat Lover!

[@markgerard3674]

aka Jerry Gillespie Brian Keiths second show The Little People co starred another child star Shelley Fabres from The Donna Reed Show

[@MsPrecious61]

I wonder if Anissa understood how much the average American little girl wished to be her. She had her own line of toys, dresses. She had so much and it was thrown away. Her life was far from perfect but so we’re ours

[@jdsundstrom]

You're right. We all have our struggles.