July 2023

Guess Who?
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories
recently ran into an old friend at an autograph
I show in Marshfield, Missouri.
If you recall the TV show
from 1966-1971 called “Family Affair” then you’ll
remember Johnny Whitaker. He played the little
twin Jody.
Family Affair starred Brian Keith and
Sebastian Cabot. And Johnny was one of the most
adorable child actors there ever was!
Johnny had previously worked with Brian Keith in
the comedy movie “The Russians are Coming, The
Russians are Coming.”
When the TV Family Affair was getting started,
Keith remembered him and suggested him for the
role. Interestingly, the role was not meant to be for a
twin, however, the role was changed when producers
interviewed Anissa Jones, who looked very much
like Johnny did at the time.
Sadly, Anissa died at the age of 18 due to a drug overdose. And just
as tragically, Brian Keith committed suicide after a long battle with
cancer.
The older sister Cissy was played by Kathy Garver. Unfortunately,
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she and Johnny don’t speak, and haven’t for many years. By the way,
Kathy doesn’t speak to many child actors (myself included) which is a
little disheartening, but that’s the way it goes.
Johnny did quite a bit of work as a child and
appeared on such shows as Gunsmoke, The
Virginian, Bewitched and Green Acres, just to
mention a few. He also had the starring title role in
the musical Tom Sawyer 1973.
Fans may also remember him in the 1969
Hallmark show The Littlest Angel. Another popular
children›s show was called Sigmund and the Sea
Monsters in which Johnny also starred.
Johnny’s life was also filled with some sadness as
he wrestled with drugs and alcohol. But I’m happy
to say that he is now fully clean and sober and is a
certified drug counselor.
Over the years, I’ve always been so happy to run
into him at various events. He always gives wonderful
bear hugs and greets everyone with a warm smile.
I am one lucky lady to have so many wonderful friends.
Until next time, remember: You will never have this day again, so
make it count.
Beverly Washburn graced the silver screen as a child actress and
is the author of Reel Tears. You can contact Beverly at: bjradell@
hotmail.com.
Bodacious, Bold & Baritone
Tony Arias along with Music Director Michael Dubay autograph show
poster before their show last month at Sun City MacDonald Ranch. The
capacity audience roared with approval over their “Beyond Spectacular”
performance.
What a great way to end our Vegas Voice entertainment season. Rest
assured we’ll be back in September.
Proud Sponsor of Beverly Washburn,
Hollywood Memories
Luxury On-Site Dining Movie Theater Housekeeping Salon
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C a r n e g i e L i f e . c o m
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July 2023