'Family Affair' Star Anissa Jones' Awkward Interview | The Dick Cavett Show

Child Star Anissa Jones holds her cards close to her chest and Cavett on the spot in this classic interview!
Date aired - 02/25/1971 - Sammy Davis Jr. and Anissa Jones
#SammyDavisJr #FamilyAffair #AnissaJones #DickCavett
For clip licensing opportunities please visit www.globalimag...
Dick Cavett has been nominated for eleven Emmy awards (the most recent in 2012 for the HBO special, Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again), and won three. Spanning five decades, Dick Cavett’s television career has defined excellence in the interview format. He started at ABC in 1968, and also enjoyed success on PBS, USA, and CNBC.

His most recent television successes were the September 2014 PBS special, Dick Cavett’s Watergate, followed April 2015 by Dick Cavett’s Vietnam. He has appeared in movies, tv specials, tv commercials, and several Broadway plays. He starred in an off-Broadway production ofHellman v. McCarthy in 2014 and reprised the role at Theatre 40 in LA February 2015.

Cavett has published four books beginning with Cavett (1974) and Eye on Cavett (1983), co-authored with Christopher Porterfield. His two recent books -- Talk Show: Confrontations, Pointed Commentary, and Off-Screen Secrets (2010) and Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic moments, and Assorted Hijinks(October 2014) are both collections of his online opinion column, written for The New York Times since 2007. Additionally, he has written for The New Yorker, TV Guide, Vanity Fair, and elsewhere.
#thedickcavettshow

[@debishaw334]

I was a huge Family Affair & Anissa Jones fan when I was a kid. I saw her in person, promoting her clothing line, in front of Stix, Baer & Fuller Dept store (now Dillard's) at the old Crestwood Mall in St Louis County, MO. I was thrilled when my mother bought me an outfit from her clothing line. She died way too young. Hollywood needs to do a much better job protecting child stars, keeping them away from drugs & helping them adjust to life after stardom. RIP talented Angel.

[@RoseT-ru5cj]

She seemed to be on drugs maybe in this video. Very relaxed.

[@Juliet-y3g]

It's up to the children's parents to protect and prepare children stars. Hollywood is dangerous.

[@juliemnm8273]

@@RoseT-ru5cj Oh Brother....now I heard everything.

[@annerohrbacker6097]

Crestwood mall was my FAVORITE and I’m so jealous you got to see Anissa there! She was so talented and gone way too soon. ❤️

[@susannorman8061]

That's a wonderful story! I remember when she passed away. It was so sad. I loved this interview. Actually, I never thought Dick Cavett was a great interviewer, but I think he did a wonderful job in this interview! And Sammy helped make it wonderful!

[@jeanettemcdonald5779]

Kids are really honest when you interview them, no beating around the bush. She was a precious beautiful young lady, she is loved and missed.

[@j4kgang921]

@@sherrywilson44 what happened to her?

[@deannacodrey4589]

@J4kgang, sadly she passed away at the young age of 18 😖, she was a litte sweetie

[@deannacodrey4589]

@j4kgang, drug overdose. Her Dad and Mom had been through a divorce,Dad won custody and shortly after passed away from heart disease. She and Brother Paul went to stay with a friend, later moved with Mother awhile until she turned18 and received 180,000 from her career. Sadly, 5 months later, her Brother and her rented an apartment together and she had a new boyfriend. She was at a beach party with him and there were drugs, they found her dead in a bedroom at her friends house with various drugs,and an unknown bottle of blue liquid near her. 17,000 dollars of her money was spent in the 5 mths, her Dr. Was convicted of prescribing her an addicting drug, the Dr. Passed away before the trial. Then, in1984, her Brother Paul passed away at age 24 from drug overdose also. 😖, So sad. 2012 their Mother died, but from what I don't know,her Dad died from heart disease. Whole family gone now,so sad.

[@AE-yt4lx]

Wow what an amazing interview. So cute.

[@kaylasimpson3649]

I love Zach ppt

[@douglasford5904]

As a kid, I loved watching "Family Affair" during its five year run. Such a sad life for this little girl. At 65, I still remember the smile that she brought to my face years ago.

[@ariesleorising9421]

I’m 55 and I had a Mrs. Beasley doll like she did! Great show!

[@stevenchrisco4641]

I'm 55 and born on March 11 !!! I loved this show and I, also, had a marvelous Mrs Beasley!! She was my only doll! Maybe because she was a grandma doll!!! So sad.....

[@summer7858]

@@ariesleorising9421 I still have mine:) ❤️

[@TurquoiseStar17]

Lately I've been watching it for the first time on streaming, it's a couple decades before my time. I love it, but so sad to hear the ill fates of the 5 main cast. :'( Annissa overdosed at 18, Cabot had a heart attack and Keith shot himself. Only Jody and Cissy are still alive.

[@jackiechappell6970]

When I was a little girl, I loved her so much I named my pet rabbit Buffy. After her.

[@davidk.7023]

Breaks My Heart----- Anissa was slightly older than me, and I grew up with Her, watching her on TV. She passed away just North of me in Oceanside, CA. If you watch her on this interview, you can see how genuine she is------ God Bless You Anissa ---- You will always be Missed-

[@lmc2375]

I didn't know she died in Oceanside, ugh. A branch of my ancestors (Juan Maria Marron, Felipa Osuna, my 4th GA, initially had a Spanish Land grant, Aqua Hedionda in the 1800's. It was Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos, CA today. The list is growing of those I knew having died in anyone place, seems to be Oceanside.

[@barrywatts875]

Jodie and Buffy were my favorites growing up and Brian Keith was my idol. She overdosed at 18 and Brian Keith committed suicide. Hollywood is a den of inequity, and it will chew you up and spit you out.

[@brendencarlson5220]

@@barrywatts875 Maureen O’Hara didn’t believe he killed himself. Although one of his children did shortly before he died, so maybe it was too much for him.

[@Nicole-k7r]

Poor girl, she needed protection.

[@christened7425]

Aww. That's not an awkward interview. She's adorable, no filters. That's so cute, we found out a lot about her with the questions. She did a good job.. Honest.. Kids are funny 💜👏 Sammy was having a great time ☺️

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Christene, how are you doing?

[@georginacat7667]

Would you have enjoyed a man you don't knows, face right up in yours for no reason when you were 11?

[@mjp96]

From the mouths of babes, and kids. Sammy looks phony to me.

[@heatherh.197]

​@@mjp96he WAAAY too close to her.

[@DustyTail]

@@mjp96what? 🙄.

[@angelblue7779]

The beauty and honesty of this child is absolutely heartwarming! What a shame her life ended so early.

[@marthamagruder3698]

Amen!

[@lindam7429]

Well, she's lying about her age! She hated those pigtails. She's probably there because an agent wants her there.

[@Theasworld1984]

@@lindam7429 on the Mike douglas show she said those pigtails were painful because they were pulled so tight it's so wonder she still had hair after that

[@strangevisions5162]

@@lindam7429 "Well, she's lying about her age! " born March 11, 1958, she was 12, about to be 13. did she LIE, or was she confused being on a televised talk show with two (famous) strangers? of course you know all.

[@judyfalcone9125]

And so tragically 😭

[@hongkongcantonese501]

Sammy Davis, a former child star himself, was masterful. It was a great interview but so sad given where she ended up.

[@williamcorcoran8842]

Sammy Davis did he classy best to make something big happen. He actually did as the interview was really good.

[@kelvinkloud]

sammy was troubled but had a kind soul. he was great with her.

[@edlawrence5059]

So obnoxious with his idiotic laughing.

[@lisamartin6847]

She lit up when she saw Sammy! I think he was terrific with her (and everyone). He was the greatest! Too bad he couldn't persuade her to sing. But he helped to put her at ease and joke around a bit. I suspect she was coached her whole life to behave much younger so she could remain in the Buffy child role. She was on the verge of puberty at this point whether 11 or 12.

[@kathyjohnson170]

Sammy was a pig! Where do you guys live under a rock?

[@kimthomas8717]

She was adorable and so funny & honest ❤️

[@speed8701]

freckle joke was top shelf. Sammy was one of the greats.

[@RosePetal17]

He is incredibly sweet to her! So gracious!

[@TheTonialadd]

Sammi was such a wonderful entertainer! I could watch him for hours.

[@salgaldenco]

We'd probably get vilified for laughing at it nowadays.

[@ToniHunterOne]

@@salgaldenco Why??? What a silly comment.

[@Dbschroeder]

Sammy was a Satanist.

[@janepolewchak731]

The only awkward ones were the adults. Seemed like a regular child. It was over 50 years ago and she was exactly what she should have been. It's poignant when you think that she'd only live another 7 years. RIP

[@friedrice7727]

This was a perfectly normal interview for both the adults and child. We simply expected children to be children and not know what our jokes meant and men were perfectly comfortable around girls and girls around men because people weren't perves.

[@obscurelyvague]

@@friedrice7727 Whoa

[@obscurelyvague]

"Jane Polewchak" Her co-star Johnny Whittaker was making movies with Jodi Foster in Disney's "Napoleon and Samantha," and in "Tom Sawyer" and he was also starring in "Sigmund and The Sea Monsters" on Saturday TV.

[@ritawayword]

@@friedrice7727 Yeah, good thing there were NO pervs back then! You MUST be kidding.

[@tommurphy4307]

wow- you really said an empty mouthful....@@friedrice7727

[@Floppyearsmomma]

I absolutely adored Family Affair when I was a little girl. I had a Mrs Beasley Doll even. She’s so adorable. RIP Anissa.

[@LauraELaine]

I’m 55 years old (and also named “Laura)-I still have my Mrs. Beasley doll. She will be 50 this year at Christmas. The last present I got from my dad before he died. I cherish her. So sad that Anissa didn’t live past age 18.

[@m.b.1702]

I had a Mrs. Beasley Doll too!!💕💖💕💖💕💖💕💖💖💕💖💕💖💕💖My childhood was wonderful!!😄💕😄😄💕😄💕😄💕😄💕

[@ToniHunterOne]

So did I, have the Beasley doll.

[@mrsa9130]

My brother was named after the father. Brian Keith

[@raphaela9978]

I dreamed of being adopted by a generous uncle and living a life like Buffy and Jody. Family Affair was a far cry from what my childhood was like. When I was young girl I had the opportunity to meet "Buffy". Not long after she died. I was heartbroken.

[@tresfielder3148]

I didn't learn about her death until the early to mid '80's. And it always haunted me thinking of her life being cut so short in the way that it was. To this day, I get extremely sad when I think about her and her death. Used to love Family Affair as a kid. I truly hope she's in a better place. Rest well Anissa, you are missed.

[@SlickArmor]

Well if you think a hole in the ground is better than living a full life then I guess she's in a better place.

[@johnkalap9314]

@@SlickArmor oh look, it's an atheist. How original. Probably a communist liberal deocrat with pronouns.

[@DanielKatzel]

Yup - used to watch the originals when I was little & couldn't even watch the reruns after she died.

[@kelle0285]

​@@SlickArmor you're disgusting.

[@kriscoe]

@@SlickArmor How long did it take you to conjure up that comment? : / : ))

[@maggiebridget126]

I would never put my child in show business. God Rest Her Soul.

[@michaelsix9684]

I did acting briefly, hardest part is constant rejection and how rough the competition is--I was over 40 when I did some acting, I found it discouraging and annoying, had a day job, and stayed there--acting is not a normal life. Talent is not enough to make it either.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

Power to you, Maggie Bridget. :-)

[@PauloBerni699]

Amen.

[@hollysorensen1711]

@@michaelsix9684 What else do you need other than talent? Connections? Do you have to be born into money?

[@michaelsix9684]

@@hollysorensen1711 you need luck, timing, talent, an agent, and the ability to take lots of rejection and patience

[@gerardinecizmar]

Kids don't belong in show business. Adults can't even handle it.

[@divakim206]

Or their parents should be there every step of the way! No less than 10 ft away at all times. These kids wouldn't be easy prey if their parents were ALWAYS present!

[@irishashlingr74]

Diva Kim exactly . All that’s coming out about Hollywood now - Sad so very Sad and it was only the start imagine what they got away with without the phones like today

[@robradical7213]

@@irishashlingr74 There are many more predators in the church.

[@Repomidnight]

Ron Howard turned out fine. Apart from him, I can’t think of anyone’s else. So Ron is essentially the exception proving the rule.

[@cvf628]

You mean 'shoe business" Sure kids belong in show business as much as they belong in sports.

[@shannonmcgrath4140]

When she said you were screaming like a cat, I lost it! 😂😂😂 that girl is too funny. Kids are always brutally honest.

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Shannon, how are you doing?

[@juliekadams]

Well, Dick asked where Art Linkletter was when you needed him. She eventually said the darndest thing!

[@Annie497-f5x]

Or the "How do we get Art Linkletter here?" comment! This was so hilarious.....a pleasure watching all three of them chat!

[@ZartmoBThoughtForms]

When they're not lying, of course.

[@teresalyons6297]

This is a great clip, Sammy Davis Jr. was such an icon of that era and an amazing entertainer. Anissa Jones was adorable. The chemistry of this interview was great. It's so sad Anissa had such a short life. RIP to all in this clip, you're all remembered still.

[@Luke91633]

He was a devil worshipper .stop idolizing this guy

[@theeggtimertictic1136]

His freckle joke was so cute 🥰

[@eileenthorp1539]

Church of Satan, Sammy?

[@RichieRichMD]

Dick is still with us.

[@christoph404]

she is 12 years old here with just 6 years of her life left to go, another tragic hollywood story of a child actor being overwhelmed by the lifestyle , dying of a drug overdose at aged 18 is just..very sad, she seems like such a sweet kid here.

[@steelstreet3765]

She probably had a bright future to go!!

[@evamastrianni4744]

😪

[@charlesritter6640]

Definitely one of Hollywood's saddest stories. I had the biggest crush on her when I was a little kid. My other childhood crush was Dana Plato from different strokes t.v. show also an early death from drugs.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

That whole situation was weird she was sleeping with her boyfriend and he didn't know she was dead and also took a long time to call the police or ems

[@kylefrost1166]

Mary Anissa Jones was an American child actress known for her role as Buffy on the CBS sitcom Family Affair, which ran from 1966 to 1971. She died from combined drug intoxication at the age of 18. Wikipedia Born: March 11, 1958, Lafayette, IN Died: August 28, 1976, Oceanside, CA Height: 4′ 11″ Parents: Mary Paula Jones, John Paul Jones Education: Paseo Del Rey Elementary School, Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets

[@kas_xo]

She's darling! What a funny kid. Frankly, it's refreshing to see a child who hasn't been forced to learn how to respond to an interview as an adult.

[@woodstyleah]

@71SgtMom she's dead

[@anglobostonian]

Google her career. You'll be surprised how it was with her.

[@georgcantor7172]

@71SgtMom , When did you first meet her? and how old were you and she at the time?

[@lockandloadlikehell]

@71SgtMom From what I read her mother wasn't either So she was entitled and nasty, huh? Interesting This was before my time

[@shipwreckedsailor586]

For sure.

[@chermayo2190]

She’s a doll. Wish we still had this kindness and innocence in the children now.

[@CarrinRenee]

When Dakota Fanning was this age she also just acted like a kid when interviewed. Cant say that now about any 11 year old.

[@woodentulike2no]

Smart phones and Social Media has ruined any chances of that happening.

[@indigowarrior1797]

Innocence? The girl was dead from an OD by age 18. She's drugged up here. You really need to get back into reality, honey. It's scary how you people are minimizing this sick situation!

[@lindam7429]

You know she is acting here? She hated looking like a little girl and did it because the series demanded it. She's even lying about her age.

[@seanstringer7603]

Don't vacante yours home school them and feed them organic fruits and vegetables and you will

[@davidk.7023]

Anissa Jones and Sammy Davis, Jr. together. Two of the most kindest people on earth. Genuine honest people. They both should have lived longer. They both had so much talent.

[@minivegana6516]

Both are so cute and special!🙏❤

[@tommurphy4307]

but sammy got to kiss archie bunker...

[@privatedeborah1004]

The way he interacted with her was so adorable!

[@gardenmom6180]

Kids back then were not "groomed" to sound like little adults. She sounds completely normal for a shy 11 year old.

[@Luispbringstheheat]

She was almost 13 when this aired

[@vpx23]

@@Luispbringstheheat So it must have been recorded before 03/11/1970? Either that or she just had her own age wrong and she was really 12 then. In the first case why would they air it 1 year later?

[@randythompson5154]

Exactly. You can’t get kids to shut up these days.

[@rocee1140]

She was 12. But yeah

[@tammycampbell7797]

@@Luispbringstheheat She said she was 11.

[@bigdogpete43]

Knowing what we know now about the perverts of Hollywood, there is no telling what this child had to endure.

[@universaltruth2025]

she seems a bit drugged

[@now591]

@@xtina1fan Absolutely and our entire society is sick because there are no boundaries any more! Hollywood is depraved & have infected our society.. Look at old shirley Temple films -you can see it back then !!

[@ChristopherJ655]

@@xtina1fan have a seat toy.... Wtf

[@robradical7213]

Yeah, sure. There are more pedos in the Catholic Church than Hollywood.

[@robradical7213]

@@ChristopherJ655 Toy (noun) "Something diminutive." Sorry you have such a narrow grasp of the human language. So sad for you.

[@sooz9433]

Oh man... that was an awesome interview! Kids are so honest. I loved all 3 of these wonderful people. Happy to see Dick Cavett is still around too!🖤

[@cherylg63]

What a cute little girl. I'm sad that she left this world so young. RIP Anissa.

[@somethingyousaid5059]

This world chews them up and spits them out is all.

[@brianbullivant4753]

Young or old, it's what the world does. "No one here gets out alive". (Jim Morrison, The Doors)

[@DA90027]

Lots of child actors went on to be normal and do other things not everyone is strong willed actors or otherwise.

[@MsThebeMoon]

@@DA90027 Ron Howard is a great example. I feel bad for Buffy. It was shock when she OD'ed.

[@TheIndependentLens]

Twaddles McGee and lots went on to be burn out, drug addicted losers too,

[@brianbullivant4753]

@@TheIndependentLens You mean like Elvis or Johnny Cash, "those drug addicted losers too"? Must be easy for you to pass judgement from your high horse.

[@cathyl4953]

She was just a little kid acting like a little kid. Nothing awkward about that. Kids are wildly inappropriate in today's time.

[@blancobaseballbreaks2525]

Ain't that the truth. This is a prime example of why children should be seen not heard. It teaches respect and manners

[@arthurnorton284]

You are right, she was perfect. It was caveat and Davis were awkward and creepy

[@liorajimenez3085]

The FIRST mistake was allowing children to call adults by their first name. The second was the removal of corporal punishment (note, I didn't say beating).

[@katarinask139]

@@liorajimenez3085 children don't call adults by their first name, that's ridiculous. And yes, they are punished. And beated. Just not in amazing land of the US.

[@liorajimenez3085]

@@katarinask139 Yep. We know EXACTLY who your ill-bred spawn are. Yessiree!

[@lanazak773]

I think the title means Cavett is awkward, because Anissa clearly is not.

[@laurellynn8496]

My thoughts exactly

[@haliaeetus8221]

She was very at ease, sharp, articulate with a soothing voice.

[@indigowarrior1797]

Yowzers Creeper. She is a drugged-up girl about to become a teenager and dressing like she’s 8. Sammy was in the Church of Satan. What about you?

[@indigowarrior1797]

Laurel Lynn Low IQs barely think alike.

[@Donna777]

I think they titled it "awkward" because Anissa told Cavett she sent him a letter but he never replied. That was the awkward part.

[@hamsterdiving7593]

I really loved "Family Affair". When I was in the 5th grade, my town had a grand opening for the first-ever indoor shopping mall in our area, and to help celebrate, they invited Anissa to be there... I got there early so I could get up close to the stage, which was T-shaped. Anissa was sitting by herself on this big throne-like chair in the middle of the top part of the "T"... She looked miserable. Our eyes met for just a second, and all I saw was sadness. Even as a fifth-grader, I felt something was not right. She was a lonely young girl who died way too soon. I couldn't watch "Family Affair" after that... RIP, Anissa ❤

[@bostoncop71]

Man, Sammy Davis Jr, was an absolute classic!! What a great guy!

[@philipprovo1599]

Sammy Davis Jr belonged to The Church of Satan

[@AndySalinger33]

There are plenty of ways to describe Sammy Davis, Jr, but “great guy” isn’t one of them. A better, more precise one would be “satanist”. He was a proud member of the church of Satan, under the “spiritual guidance” of Anton Lavey. Some other appropriate terms would be “tyrant” and “unkind”.

[@jesusslushies2192]

Her innocence is so sweet❤️

[@alisonmorgan7238]

Kids were so much more innocent then than now. The Internet changed everything

[@TimeToAwaken777]

​​@@alisonmorgan7238 And parents going woke, mutilating their kids, etc

[@pba1219a]

This was adorable and I love Sammy Davis Jr, he was a class act.

[@HelloKitty-wi1jl]

He was a satanist. Google it.

[@dinodasbunce6224]

@@HelloKitty-wi1jl So what if he was? And no, I am not a satanist. It is just another stupid religion like all the others.

[@carmelcorreale3211]

Dinodas Bunce Well NO not just another religion, this one has making live human children sacrifices and pedofilia Surprised your still sleeping

[@JPMJPM]

Hello Kitty He was Jewish. Not everyone in Hollywood or D.C. worships the devil. Go outside and get some fresh air. 🙄🙄🙄

[@aceofspades9785]

Great segment

[@lexietalionis]

Aw, I love how Sammy tried to connect with her on a kid level! Welcoming and funny. Love the freckle joke 😄

[@mothershelper1981]

She was adorable and the interview had me laughing out loud. She was so unaffected.

[@lemurianchick]

You're probably on mother's little helpers. She lolled her tongue out in a disturbing manner. On ludes or something and you paid shills write that it's darling :/

[@robertgodlewski8553]

This will go down as one of the funniest interviews I have ever seen. My wife and I were in stitches. 😂

[@universaltruth2025]

Why? ….

[@jehouse61]

She's freaking hilarious. I wish she could have had a whole life and that we could have been besties.

[@marthamagruder3698]

She was hilarious when she co-hosted with Mike Douglas in 1969! I wish it was on You Tube!

[@michelmurphy7152]

I envied her back then because she was a TV star. We were about the same age. Shocked when I read about her death. Years later, I read about the reality of her personal life and realized we shouldn't waste time being envious. We never know what someone's life is really like.

[@tommurphy4307]

i'm sure she wishes she could have been your best friend, too. just remember- it was HER life- not yours.

[@chipdamutt108]

She was adorable. This made me smile and sad at the same time. RIP Anissa.

[@2008PLS]

She was a sweetheart and a product of the times, not all groomed for public appearances. Kids had more of an innocent nature then, the culture was less cynical and less geared for adult content

[@fhuckyhou4294]

But I totally agree nowadays children are being placed in adult situations in movies and TV you know

[@kristenchandler9030]

There was plenty of perverted stuff in the old days...Brooke Shields and Jodie Foster playing child prostitutes...those Baby Burlesque movies Shirley Temple was in and who knows what else. Family Affair was age appropriate but it's too bad they wouldn't let Anissa be herself (fudging on your age at 12?) or at least let Buffy ditch the doll and ponytails.

[@lancedukel3436]

Family Affair was a sweet show and everyone was terrific in it.

[@kirstenbaisner215]

Watch her tongue action again with that raspy/whisper voice and tell us again she was not ever “groomed.” 🤦‍♀️

[@anitahopkinsla]

@kristen baisner.... you are reading that right! So obvious to me I want to 🤮

[@onemercilessming1342]

Sammy Davis, Jr., had a good time during this interview.

[@HomeAtLast501]

I thought he acted a fool. Not at all appropriate for such a sweet, dignified kid.

[@SilkSouffleProductions]

I liked Sammy Davis in this interview. He seemed more at ease talking to a child than Dick Cavett did. He was friendlier, more relaxed, and seemed rather fatherly to me.

[@frannyleyden7988]

@@HomeAtLast501 I thought he was fine. We'll agree to disagree.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

@Jim Stark "lame brain" Don't go too savage, Jimmy 😅

[@ilovecornell]

J'nai Walker Right. Sammy is a legend, for someone to disrespect him like that makes me kinda sick really. During the interview I was thinking to myself I bet she doesn’t realize she’s sitting next to a legend.

[@southernepic1738]

Sammy was just tickled.. He found everything hilarious.. Definitely was a cool guy

[@joecommie4890]

@M G maybe you saw a black man getting too close to a little white girl.

[@brett6905]

I thought his laughter looked forced and fake... I dont believe for a second he found the things she says that funny... She was cute.. But not roll on the floor over the top laughing funny.

[@brett6905]

@liberty mom I agree Joe is creepy, but why do people feel the need to make everything political... Its a strange phenomenon that's really only popped up in the last ten years. People will take something completely unrelated to politics and find a way to tie it in to politics and use it in an attempt to rile people up, like its a sporting event. I have yet to figure out the psychology behind that.

[@AuntStina]

Brett I think he was really enjoying Dick Cavett’s awkwardness. This little girl was able to make a seasoned interviewer feel awkward.

[@brett6905]

@@AuntStina To me it just looks like acting. I think he could have just as easily sat there and not have cracked a smile. That's just my opinion. I'm a public school teacher so I've seen allot of deception and acting.

[@mikekennedy4572]

Such a cute little girl. Reminds me a bit of my own 8 year old daughter. It makes me sad that this young lady died a few years later. Rest in peace.

[@donnabrown4349]

She was almost 13 when this aired. A month before her 13th birthday. She was born in 1958.

[@carolynmiller2563]

to me it just looked like she didnt want to be there, or be talking to two adult men.

[@veronicavallee4645]

I. Wanted to be sick when he called her his little TOY.

[@blindsquirrelsnut9996]

Sammy Davis Jr. Was acting like a drunk creep!!

[@rocket7697]

Its more than sickening actually. Talking above her , but there is just something about her. Street smarts perhaps.

[@elvicare35]

@Danny Timms Huh???

[@elvicare35]

@Danny Timms She's just a REALLY sweet person who has a super-sharp wit, sharp as a tack, and is SO adorable!!!!!

[@ivan4087]

This most adorable interview ever, watching it at least one a day to cheer up

[@debbietoornman5780]

That looked more awkward for the men than for her. Her honesty kept Sammy Davis, Jr. laughing.

[@Mdelbeck1]

Didn’t seem “Awkward” to me! She was a bit shy and quite charming.

[@JJJZANESVILLE2]

But it pulled you...and me...in, as it was meant to do! I have been fooled before by this marketing tactic. BUT....I totally enjoyed it.

yes i agree. i did not find it awkward. she actually did very well speaking to 2 grown men who were strangers

[@OllieByGolly]

The OP just HAD to throw in some click-bait.

[@dakert40]

Glad the click bait got me as this was fun and Anissa seems so sweet and looks so cute in her outfit

[@raea3588]

I think she got tired too. I heard while watching her biography that her work never stopped off camera. Public appearances, interviews, etc. I'm sure after awhile all of the interviews seemed the same. And Family Affair made sure she acted young for her age, she looked young for her age, she was sheltered... it was easy for people to speak to her like she was 5 years old. That would get awkward and annoying to me.

[@stevepd1]

5:58 She's very intelligent. What a sweetheart. Poor child. She died too young.

[@lisamartin6847]

Everyone is disputing her age here. She was born 3/11/58. This show aired 02/25/1971. Just was just about to turn 13! As I wrote elsewhere, her family/handlers/manager were likely trying to keep her looking "young" to continue the child role of "Buffy." She was likely already in puberty (or on the verge of it).

[@nicoleackerman205]

I saw her E! True Hollywood story they tried to make her look like a little kid even though she was in junior high and it drove her nuts.

[@anonymoussources8803]

Great point. Dick Cavett said she was 11 and when Anissa was asked by Cavett about her age she "confirmed" that she was 11. Terrible that a child is coached to lie and behave like a child many years younger when she is not filming her own show.

[@cindymcmillan609]

She was every bit 13. Sadly, she was being sexually exploited. No by these two men, but by the people who profited from her working.

[@3crx3]

@@anonymoussources8803 Dick Cavett says shes 12.She said she was 11.

[@pirjocheerio4016]

He keeps asking too... "How old are u again?" Creepy.

[@queenofsheba7063]

I had a mutual "friend" of Sammy Davis Jr. EUGENE . They new each other from the rat pack days! He said Sammy was the best !! Even visited him in the hospital!! Frank did not!! EUGENE & I were very close, many stories Wow!!!! RIP my friend ❤

[@raptureready5004]

I think Frank was a jerk. Am I right?

[@Hassan_Omer]

i liked the interview and then read in the messages that she died at 18 years of age, very sad!

[@tommoore9400]

I love this post! Thanks for including this!!!

[@kathyh4804]

Poor Anisa! I can only imagine what that poor child went through as a child in Hellywood

[@xrayiiis13]

Kathy H I know, I was thinking all her tongue movements were really odd, too. At 11 you don’t normally act like a 5 yr old, it’s very weird. I also think about how Eddie Murphy said that Sammy D was a satan worshipper. This is so flipped out.

[@Pat3342110]

Jamie Dlux put together a great good video on Anissa and her brother’s horrible childhood with their mother, and the A-list HoIIywood director who might have sexuaIIy abused Anissa as a teen and provided her with the drug that ended up kiIIing her 👇🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/omXQoJmHr9WIask

[@CassieCrochets]

@@xrayiiis13 yes he was part of the church of satan

[@xrayiiis13]

Cassie Contino They really put these freaks in everybody’s face. It always felt like something was wrong but then it was played off like these are normal fun people. And everyone inside gets scrambled and thinks guess my inner knowing is scrambled, this person is probably fine why do I dislike them so much? Our Spirits know the truth, it all makes sense and it was all done to keep everyone confused. Trust God to let us know, they don’t get that about us. We have inner alarm bells that go off to them and we’re not shutting them down anymore. If you feel it in the pit of your stomach, trust that small voice that says run, it could be saving your life.

[@kellynottellin4002]

Agreed. Just creepy af.

[@geoffreyr2356]

I love this! She seems like a very nice child, unspoiled and polite.

[@mikedonley7568]

Sammy Davis ,”I had one freckle that’s how I started , classy guy and cute girl too.

[@lemurianchick]

And don’t forget he was a satanist. A classy satanist who is acting creepy towards Anissa here. Meanwhile Anissa died of a drug overdose. “Child star” used to be synonymous with someone who becomes effed up as an adult because they lose the adoration of celebrity being considered “washed up.” Now that we know about #Pedowood, we can see that it’s more sinister than we even suspected.

[@jxchtajxbt53]

@@lemurianchick Lunatic

[@lemurianchick]

john anthony And yet you’re a grown-ass man watching this. I need a shower.

[@withgoddess8029]

@@jxchtajxbt53 except she's correct he was a Satanist. And he is hanging all over her inappropriately.

[@lemurianchick]

@FoxIslanderSteve What are you up to?

[@DrD2You]

Bless her heart. May Anissa's memory be forever a blessing. We were both "patients" of Dr. Moshos. Fortunately, I survived.

[@michaelward9880]

Knowing what we know now about the entertainment " industry" , this all seems really creepy. Poor little girl. I used to watch " Family Affair" a lot.

[@sandragrolock3147]

I agree. Something like this might have not seemed as creepy back then, but nowadays this is a real eye-opener.

[@BeyondInfinitePlains]

@James Brice And stuff like that have been going on for decades !! Or since "helly-weird" (hollywood) been around. What make you think predators only start preying on kids in the 2000's, late 90's ? Pedos been around since the dawn of time.

[@michaelward9880]

@@sharonmorine5407 would not doubt it a bit.

[@elizabethfreshour4828]

I agree. I hate to offend anyone but Sammy Davis Jr. is especially creepy after things I've heard about him. I saw a show where he did a bit where he threatened to lock young Michael Jackson in a box and grabbed him by the arm. And Cavett asking her if she's sore and her shrugging bothers me now too. We were all so innocent back in the day. Thinking these cute kids where having fun. I wish we could have helped them.

[@judyfalcone9125]

I agree 💯%! I am from that era and those guys creeped me out back then. Sure they were considered great entertainers but as the saying goes "No one knows what goes on behind closed doors" One can only imagine.

[@lisalindsey277]

Bless her heart. She seems like just a genuine little kid.

[@asaintpi]

She was hilarious and adorable. What a terrible loss that this talent is gone.

[@JR-dr2up]

Poor thing! She was about 13 years old when this interview was conducted. She was born in early 1958. She died about 5 years after this interview. When she was 18 years old. She had a massive drug overdose. Apparently she got some of the drugs from a drug mill doctor. Sad!

[@anncarper8163]

She was very genuine and down to earth.

[@johnshepard629]

Those kids on Toddlers and Tiaras make me feel WAY more uncomfortable than this sweet girl!

[@rossmunoz4742]

This girl is one of the most adorable, honest , humble littlest girl I’ve ever seen ....wish she had lived a long life to see her bring more adorable little kids into this world...rip Anissa

[@dahawk8574]

...and quails too.

[@davidhenschel1990]

@rossmunoz4742 After her 18th birthday, was her only function making babies? Was she not eligible for a career?

[@jwayne73]

Poor girl! Very sad, the regret was not seeing her grow up

[@Xtiansldrs]

I read that she was a genius. She seems a bit naive for her age actually. They had her dress like that and wear those ridiculous pig tails well into puberty...and she said she couldn’t stand it. Sucks they had her looking like that even when not filming. That poor little girl had such a tough short life..

[@lamujermaslinda]

Nothing wrong with pigtails

[@mytruth3777]

lamujermaslinda but the person said “she couldnt stand it” (meaning the pigtails) So they made her wear her hair like that

[@lamujermaslinda]

@@mytruth3777 regardless, there's nothing wrong with pigtails. I'm entitled to my opinion. Even if she didn't like them they were still cute on her.

[@lamujermaslinda]

@Nokie N. Beyhi wow seems like you have a lot of time on your hands

[@lamujermaslinda]

@Nokie N. Beyhi go away karen

[@DA90027]

How is this awkward I think she was funny cute and smart. The audience loved her.

[@cate4338]

Anissa outclassed the seasoned adults

[@UberLummox]

Yes I thought she seemed very composed for her age.

[@now591]

an 11 year old girl sitting between 2 young adult men who are almost flirting with her, - one of them is actually leaning in and invading her personal space.

[@sharondelaney9153]

It was awkward for Dick, trying to figure out what questions to ask. That’s what I saw anyway.

[@UberLummox]

@@sharondelaney9153 Good observation.

[@TheSilvergold45]

11 year old ANISSA JONES acted more mature than most ADULTS TODAY. SHE WAS SO ADORABLE.. I am a big fan of " FAMILY AFFAIR " I grew up on that show and I still watch and love it today..

[@SandraWade666]

Same here. Sad to know, tho, that she ended up dying of a drug overdose less than a decade after this

[@lorraineforte9175]

She looks high there

[@TheSilvergold45]

@@lorraineforte9175 That is her mature personality there.not drugs She does not act goofy like most kids do.

[@tommurphy4307]

jody and cissy are the only ones left....

[@bdgannon1473]

It was Cavett's job to make her comfortable, not use her for cheap laughs. RIP Mary Anissa Jones.

[@shawnm3941]

There will only be one Sammy Davis Jr. He was always a class act.

[@natalyd9674]

Bless him.

[@krystallovern6752]

Creepy

[@jeepliving1]

Ham sandwich.

[@annesmith9642]

This was quite adorable AND Sammy Davis, Jr. THE Coolest Cat. And yet, there he was, cracking up just like I was. Thank you for this gift. I remember them all with great fondness.

[@trhansen3244]

I thought Dean Martin was the Coolest Cat. Peter Lawford came in at #2. And Frank Sinatra #3. Sammy Davis Jr came in at #16.

[@tommurphy4307]

at least dino's variety show lasted for years- and wasn't cancelled during the first season

[@dondoyle8474]

That was an absolutely priceless interview 👍👍

[@1moredayof]

That was worth listening to. Never heard an interview with her before. She seemed like a nice kid. Thanks for posting!

[@shimatetsuo2019]

This here was her last ever appearance on TV. What a tragic life and death for this poor girl.

[@mediterraneanworld]

SHE DIED IN 1976 ! THIS IS 1970.

[@Alecmonster3]

She is adorable. The only awkward part is when Sammy gets too close to her face when he talks to her. The interview was precious and pure. She acted like a little girl should.

[@ren7ee]

Not as bad as Biden though.

[@viralbuthow000]

Sammy had a fake eye so he had to get close.

[@viralbuthow000]

@@augmentedkeys5971 Somebody needs a hug.

[@JJosephS1]

Sammy was just trying to get into the camera shot. He could see that they were focused on her.

[@l1706nca]

Sammy didn’t mean anything by it. He was very sweet to that little girl.

[@krueger92]

Not seeing any awkwardness. Everyone here is being quite charming in fact.

[@ToniHunterOne]

I completely agree. If there was any awkwardness it might have been from the adults . It was a precious interview.

[@katrostorm3075]

I agree. I enjoyed that interview

[@haikubandit2607]

Title is clickbait It's a precious interview Completely agree

[@anthonystroman8407]

Maybe you are awkward and that's it.

[@rpkinchen]

Those were the days!! I wished they would come back!! Back then we knew to be respectful ... today not so much!! Love how sweet SDjr was to her..tragic her life ended at such a young age...💔

[@SharonBell6123]

That’s funny she was talking about writing. I was Anissa’s age and wrote to her. She wrote back and we were pen pals for a while. She was very sweet, just a regular child. Rest in peace.

[@mumbles215]

Nice to hear she was no hypocrite. The fact you continued for a while made me smile

[@buffielorah9946]

My mom named me after this young lady. What a tragic ending for such a young woman.

[@Twan1985]

Aww that was sweet of ur mom that she named u after her 💕

[@rhondacadotte371]

She named you after her character, because her name was Anissa but it was still sweet of your Mom. I always loved Family Affair. I have watched every episode.

[@dahawk8574]

Glad to know your mom didn’t name you Mr French.

[@minivegana6516]

​@@dahawk8574 😂😂😂

[@tommurphy4307]

hey, anissa!

[@andydixon2980]

She's a adorable. A real straight talker. Really funny.

[@bluestate69]

i dunno.

[@elvicare35]

Well said!!!!!

[@noelio67]

Poor girl.....she died of a drug overdose in 1976 aged 18, her only sibling died if a drug OD in 1984 aged 24. Her father died in 1974 aged only 44. Finally her mother died in 2012.....RIP to all

[@hooper4581]

Sad story. But something happened that night and the kids that were involved are still alive maybe one day they will come clean

[@philipmay3548]

@@hooper4581 The website "Crazy Days and Nights" makes interesting reading.

[@GGiblet]

Some families seem to be cursed Perhaps it's mischief in the blood 😢

[@frankpaya690]

@@hooper4581none of them were "clean" when it happened, so they may not really remember. she wasn't sleeping alone that night, her boyfriend woke up, and didn't bother taking a close look, and assumed she was still asleep and he left, and when he came back in the afternoon, there was all kinds of pandemonium, because somebody else tried to wake her and found her Stone Cold and stiff. And before calling the authorities, they clumsily dressed her corpse.

[@elizabethrobinson8615]

Stop commenting about her passing! Yes that was sad. But she had many happy moments.

[@MichaelPazsoldan-d4i]

This is the best interview i have seen in a while. Truth speaks loudly when spoken so truthfully. She was an old soul and knew what was going on. Too bad she had to work so much and later have a tragic outcome. She will live 4 , and we shall continue to learn from her today and for time to come.

[@Doublemg12]

Thought she was Drew Barrymore for a second. She could be her twin.

[@JPMJPM]

Or even a little like Shirley Temple!

[@gypsywoman9140]

I thought the same when she first walked on stage. Very much a young Drew!

[@tammycampbell7797]

Looks nothing like Drew. Has the E.T. pigtails but that's all.

[@jaiwhi]

Melissa Goodloff Yup Mee too

[@jaiwhi]

Carama Gambino that’s my thought. Too.

[@onemercilessming1342]

"Never work with children or animals" is the famous quote from W.C. Fields. This interview is why.

[@lindaackerman3507]

Anissa was the cutest little girl, sammy Davis jr was the sweetest man, he really could talk to kids, so sad about 7 years later Anissa died from a drug over dose. You would never have had a clue here..god bless Anissa and Sammy Davis jr, rip🙏😢

[@tommegalis]

So sad

[@michaelsix9684]

Once she left acting, she had a trust fund to spend and she got involved with a loser bf who was into drugs. She didn't have guidance to enter adult life safely.

[@damonjarvis9398]

Good old Sammy was a card carrying member of the church of satan

[@MR-xo6sh]

SDJ a sweet man? 😂😂😂😂

[@josephmoore7420]

Sammy was in the church of Satan Not a sweet man

[@johnsoncalvin8851]

When I was a little boy, I got to meet her and Jodi at a special event ! I was so excited to meet them until I did, then I felt sad for them because it seemed they were encouraged to be accommodating when they clearly were missing out on the simpler things in life.😢

[@richardtaylor8595]

This has to be the most adorable interview I have ever seen. I loved the show Family Affair.

[@radic888]

The only awkward thing about this interview was the ridiculous questions from the two adults.

[@willisingo]

It's a TV show! relax!

[@HomeAtLast501]

I marvel at the fact that Cavett had a show. He was a completely socially awkward dork.

[@annesmith9642]

@@HomeAtLast501 That's what made him so relatable to so many of us.

[@spydersmom1]

Almost like she is drugged and the way she looks at him is odd for a child.

[@digitalwasabi2]

Nicole and Entourage Sammy Davis Jr is right up in her face. Very uncomfortable to watch.

[@JakobSeidl]

Sammy Davis Jr. was such a national treasure

[@sunset6010]

He was photographed many times with Anton LaVey, a Satanist Look him up

[@anitayoung4812]

Sammy Davis Jr. was a 100% Satanist, being buddies with Anton LaVey and all. There's pics of Davis and LaVey smiling away in each other's presence. And we know what Satanists do to children. Davis had loads of talent but not much character.

[@somethingyousaid5059]

To be damned doesn't require one to be a Satanist. Even so, it helps.

[@andrewsmith3737]

He was a Satanist. Watch the doc Out of Shadows before KZbin takes it down again.

[@bholaoates1542]

@@anitayoung4812 I've never heard of Sammy Davis Jr. doing anything bad to anyone. So he flirted with Satanism for a while -- he probably was attracted to the loosey goosey sex scene associated with it. I've heard nothing but great things about his character, including his generosity. It's a shame that you choose to judge and slander this very decent human being over this relatively trivial association.

[@Bonana1965]

She died August 28, 1976, at 18; I did not know that. So sad. I loved Family Affair when I was little.

[@toneman335]

Anissa seemed like a charming and intelligent girl...RIP

[@leonardu6094]

She then went on to die at age 18 from drugs lol

[@kirastarrs1693]

She seems like her handlers gave her a mild sedative. Her eyes are glassy. This entire cast was cursed. Abuse. Addiction. Early death.

[@JojoQuik]

Dick Cavett is still alive though?

[@kirastarrs1693]

@@JojoQuik No, several actors on *her& show had dreadful fates.

[@JojoQuik]

Oohhhh gotcha!

[@MineCraftDadnSon]

That dude on the show is also a satanist I believe.

[@LiddyDoo22]

HA!

[@kingofcomments4832]

Now that we know what was going on in Hollywood in those days, I wish we could hear the real story of Anissa.

[@hugh1297]

We know the real story. Her father died of a heart attack, so she had to go live with her mother. She and her brother both OD'ed due to toxic mother.

[@TD-py4qy]

D S Still going on today. Pedowood? Wonder if we will ever know

[@watchman1178]

True. I wish this girl would've had somebody to look out for her and protect her. Seems like she didn't have that, much like nobody was around to protect a young Judy Garland.

[@TD-py4qy]

WATCHMAN 117 It’s part of the way it works kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4qbf5mwmNNkp7M

[@occdoc8423]

Watch Jamie Dlux' video "Her Name was Anissa". That video tells the real story.

[@endicotto]

Two weird adults with a normal child. Creepy.

[@jubalcalif9100]

How were Dick or Sammy weird of creepy? They just weren't used to dealing with kids, that's all. And she was obviously a shy child.

[@rochellerauchberg6342]

A young little girl forced to be cute with two old men. In particular Sammy Davis was hovering over her. Laughing as he kept leaning over her. I agree. Weird and creepy.

[@equine75]

They're mocking her and she doesn't appreciate it- although she tries to remain polite and respectful. I know the feeling.

[@olliefoxx7165]

Theyre teading her not mocking. Teading is good natured and playful. Mocking is degrading or putting another down.

[@ArmenianBishop]

Nope, they weren't mocking her at all. I think she enjoyed the humorous atmosphere, and vast amount of attention, from the audience, as well as the two adult interviewers (Dick Cavett and Sammy Davis Junior).

[@equine75]

@@olliefoxx7165 Semantics. Teasing in a condescending way.

[@equine75]

@@ArmenianBishop her body language suggests otherwise. Not everyone is capable of reading others. Don't feel bad. 😉

[@elvicare35]

I didn't like the audience laughing a couple/few times for NO reason!!!!!

[@raulmacias1311]

I love Anissa Jones and the Family Affair TV Series. Anissa possessed such pretty eyes. She was simply adorable! I was heartbroken when I heard of her untimely death.

[@96amarone]

What a little sweetie. Shy but still pretty confident. And the whole freckle thing, omg I cracked right up

[@andredupuis5461]

👍

[@kjones7561]

I don't think he was very good at interviewing kids. They both ( he and Davis Jr) were foolish the entire time. She was adorable and deserved better than this BS.

[@DeirdreBaker-zo9gl]

It may have been awkward but she was hilarious 😄 I sure wish she had had a much better life. Precious soul

[@cocolu815]

I don't know, I think the interview worked out pretty good. Davis was sweet and kind to her, actually... Nothing offensive or rude. WOW

[@bluestate69]

Sammy saved the interview.

[@Stevemc452]

Video is a funny shy 11 year old. Not awkward to me.

[@theroyalsunmusic]

Her shoe question was the most intellectually curious part.

[@Katie-qg7xz]

I met Sammy when I was her age. He was so kind and did everything to make me comfortable. This didn't surprise me.

[@AverageMe]

I found that to be charming. Sammy was doing his best to put her at ease. Imagine being asked to sing with him!

[@elvicare35]

I love her natural shyness!!!!!

[@davidedgar2818]

My god poor Sammy, " you were screaming like a cat" never underestimate a child. That was the funniest thing I've ever seen on Cavet 😆😆😆😂😂😂😂

[@nataliedelagrandiere4022]

I feel sorry for this adorable little girl who is not at ease here.

[@cate4338]

she was so much more 'cool' and smart than this pair of adult idiots

[@tednorton5150]

What are you talking about? She's got them peddling for dear life. It's hysterical!

[@eltoro969]

She was probably just a little upset about the letter still. If you can't tell she is just overdoing things a bit to get laughs you shouldn't have children lol

[@alwa6954]

@@cate4338 Hardly idiots. It's a show, they have to keep things moving. She kept up with them and certainly did her part though not entirely with conscious intent as she's a child and didn't understand everything, but it was still entertaining. But calling Cavett and Davis idiots is asinine. They were trying to get interesting responses out of her and they did. She was funny without meaning to be because of them.

[@t.b.a.r.r.o.]

@@tednorton5150 My take exactly... Sammy was setting them up for her, and she was knockin them down. Plus, when Dick said, "How fast can we get Art Linkletter here" he knew he was in trouble. And that was only 1 minute in.

[@Laura-df8tz]

Still watch Family Affair! What a Sweet interview of all of them😊 Ty really enjoyed it I was only 8 when this aired! So sad she passed away so young!