Mrs. Beasley lives on post FAMILY AFFAIR

Mrs. Beasley was the doll that became famous because of the CBS television series FAMILY AFFAIR that ran from September 12, 1966, to March 4, 1971. Baby boomers, (those born between 1948 and 1964) grew up on that show and have many fond memories of Buffy, Jody, Sissy, Mr. french, Uncle Bill, and Mrs. Beasley. The doll became so popular that the Mattel corporation reproduced and sold many of the Mrs. Beasley's. The dolls can still be purchased today online and cost between $95.00 and $289.00 for originals from 1967.

Buffy talked to Mrs. Beasley and often answered her family members with comments that she said were told to her by her companion. It was common to see Buffy put the doll close to her face and announce, "Mrs. Beasley says". This is why Mattel introduced a talking version of their doll which was voiced by Georgia Schmidt, an American actress of German descent. Schmidt is best known for portraying the first Talosian alien in the very first episode of the original STAR TREK series titled "The Cage"

FAMILY AFFAIR centered around Bill Davis (Brian Keith) who was a bachelor and an engineer. He had an English gentleman's gentleman/butler by the name of Giles French, (Sabastian Cabot). who cared for him. They lived in a luxury apartment in New York City and their lives were turned upside down when the orphaned children of Bill's brother showed up at the front door. Five-year-old twins Buffy and Jody were portrayed by Anissa Jones and Johnny Whitaker. Their 15-year-old sibling Sissy was played by Kathy Garver.

The theme song to the show is popular among baby boomers who enjoy all things retro. FAMILY AFFAIR ran for five seasons and 138 episodes The show was created and produced by Edmund Hartmann and Don Fedderson, who were responsible for MY THREE SONS AND THE MILLIONAIRE. Mrs. Beasley was in the first episode and what fans may not recall is that her glasses were not added until episode 2. There was also one show where Mr. French accidentally knocked the doll over the balcony and Buffy became frantic.

Uncle Bill did not understand the big deal and assumed he could replace Mrs. Beasley with any other doll. Sissy later explained to him how the doll gave Buffy comfort after their parents died and then Uncle Bill knew her significance. Buffy carried this doll around just like Linus and his security blanket from PEANUTS. Mr. French was uncomfortable being considered as a nanny and often was embarrassed when he was seen with Mrs. Beasley in hand.

Anissa Jones was actually 8 years old when she began her role on FAMILY AFFAIR and was 13 portraying a 10 year old when the series ended. In later interviews, Jones expressed how glad she was to be able to put that doll down. Fans of FAMILY AFFAIR, Buffy, and Mrs. Beasely have fond memories and can watch the show on streaming services or when TVland or MeTV airs reruns. Sadly, Anissa Jones who warmed the hearts of viewers as Buffy holding her beloved doll had a tragic end to her life.

Like child stars before and after her, Jones was typecast as Buffy Davis. The actress auditioned for and lost the role of Regan in the EXORCIST to Linda Blair. Jones really wanted to portray that character but was told that the viewing audience would think that Buffy was being possessed. I can only imagine how fans of FAMILY AFFAIR would have been shocked to even consider that sweet, innocent Buffy could be possessed by the devil.

Mrs. Beasley came along at a time long before Annabelle and Chucky. This as an era where little girls adored their "doll babies". Anissa was born on March 11, 1958 and died on August 28, 1976 from an accidental overdose of a combination of drugs. Kathy Garver who portrayed Sissy continues to act and has written 2 books related to FAMILY AFFAIR.

Carver has embraced rather than run from her fame as Sissy and appreciates her fans. She even once posed with a Mrs. Beasley doll and that image is priceless. Johnny Whitaker dealt with addiction but with the help of his family was able to beat it and he continues acting and also producing. In spite of the way Anissa Jones died, fans of FAMILY AFFAIR and Mrs. Beasley will continue to hold on to their fond memories.