35 Facts About Anissa Jones

Early Life and Family Background

Anissa Jones' journey began in a small town, but her life quickly took a dramatic turn.

1. Anissa Jones was born Mary Anissa Jones on March 11, 1958, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Her parents were John Paul Jones, an engineering graduate and faculty board member at Purdue University, and Mary Paula Jones, a zoology student.

2. The family moved to Playa Del Rey, California, when Anissa was young. Her father took a job in aerospace engineering, and Anissa attended local schools, including Paseo del Rey Elementary School and Orville Wright Junior High School.

Rise to Fame

Anissa's acting career took off early, leading her to become a beloved child star.

3. Anissa's first television appearance was in a commercial at the age of six in 1964. This initial exposure opened doors to more opportunities in the entertainment industry.

4. At eight years old, Anissa was cast as Ava Elizabeth "Buffy" Patterson-Davis in the CBS sitcom "Family Affair." The show premiered in September 1966 and followed the lives of three orphaned children living with their wealthy uncle.

5. Despite being cast as a six-year-old, Anissa grew and aged as a normal adolescent during the show's five-year run. Her character, however, remained a child throughout the series.

6. Anissa was sent on numerous publicity appearances to promote "Family Affair"-affiliated products. These included paper dolls, lunchboxes, coloring books, and a cookbook featuring her picture on the cover.

7. The doll "Mrs. Beasley," which Anissa claimed talked to her, became a central part of her character. Mattel later marketed the doll, making it the best-selling doll in America at that time.

Impact on Pop Culture

Anissa's role in "Family Affair" left a lasting impression on pop culture.

8. During the height of her juvenile pop cultural celebrity, Anissa made her only film appearance in "The Trouble with Girls" starring Elvis Presley in 1969. This small role added to her fame.

9. As the show ended in 1971, Anissa felt typecast as the adorable little girl and struggled to find other roles. She turned down an audition-free role in Brian Keith's new sitcom, "The Brian Keith Show."

10. Anissa decided to live a normal life away from the spotlight. She enrolled at Westchester High School in Los Angeles but dropped out due to personal issues and the pressures of her acting career.

Personal Struggles

Life after fame proved challenging for Anissa, leading to a series of personal struggles.

11. After the show ended, Anissa's personal life suffered. She began to rebel against her mother's controlling behavior and eventually moved out of her mother's house.

12. Anissa started shoplifting and taking drugs. She briefly worked at a doughnut shop in 1975 but continued to struggle with addiction.

13. When Anissa turned 18, she gained control of approximately $180,000 in the form of a trust fund and U.S. Savings Bonds. This money was part of her earnings from "Family Affair."

Tragic End

Anissa's life came to a tragic and untimely end, shocking her fans and the public.

14. On August 28, 1976, Anissa attended a party in Oceanside, California, with her boyfriend, Allan Kovan. She was found dead in the bedroom of a friend's house the next morning.

15. The coroner's report listed her death as an accidental drug overdose. The combination of cocaine, PCP, methaqualone, and Seconal in her system led to her tragic demise.

16. The autopsy report described her death as one of the most severe drug overdoses the coroner had ever seen. The presence of multiple drugs in her system contributed to the tragic outcome.

17. An investigation into Dr. Don Carlos Moshos, who had prescribed some of the drugs found in Anissa's system, was initiated. However, no charges were filed against him.

18. Anissa was given a small, private service. She was cremated, and her ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean.

Legacy and Reflections

Despite her tragic end, Anissa Jones' legacy continues to be remembered.

19. Anissa Jones remains best remembered for her role as Buffy in "Family Affair." Her performances continue to be celebrated for their naturalness and believability.

20. Kathy Garver, who played Anissa's older sister Cissy, described Anissa as intelligent and talented. Garver believed that Anissa's death was not a suicide but an accidental overdose due to her young age and the sheer amount of drugs she took.

21. Unlike her co-stars, Anissa displayed a convincing range of feeling and emotion in her acting. Her co-star Johnny Whitaker, who played Jody, was noted for his amateurish acting but managed to evolve into a career in Disney feature films.

22. The cancellation of "Family Affair" was a significant event for the cast. Brian Keith went on to star in another series, while Sebastian Cabot passed away in 1977 due to a stroke. Brian Keith later took his own life in 1997.

23. The doll Mrs. Beasley, which Anissa claimed talked to her, became a cultural icon. It was marketed by Mattel and remains a nostalgic reminder of the show for many fans.

24. Despite her struggles with addiction and personal issues, Anissa was seen as a darling little girl and a lovely teenager by her co-stars and fans. Her untimely death shocked many who remembered her from the show.

25. After "Family Affair," Anissa auditioned for significant roles but was unsuccessful. She was turned down for the role of Regan MacNeil in "The Exorcist" and missed an opportunity to audition for Iris in "Taxi Driver."

26. At the time of her death, Anissa left behind $63,000 in cash and more than $100,000 in savings bonds. This amount is equivalent to approximately $872,765 adjusted for inflation.

27. The investigation into Dr. Moshos revealed unusual activity at his practice. Long lines of patients waiting outside his office were noted, but no charges were filed against him related to Anissa's death.

28. The autopsy report detailed the presence of cocaine, PCP, methaqualone, and Seconal in Anissa's system. A small vial of blue liquid was found next to her body but was never identified.

29. The party where Anissa died was attended by people ranging in age from 12 to 22. The police report indicated that the party was a typical gathering for young people in the area.

30. The coroner who examined Anissa reported that she died from one of the most severe drug overdoses he had ever seen. This statement underscores the tragic nature of her death.

31. Anissa was cremated, and her ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean. This private service reflects the intimate nature of her final days.

32. Despite her tragic death, Anissa left behind a significant financial legacy. Her trust fund and savings bonds provided for her family and friends after her passing.

33. The news of Anissa's death shocked the public and her fans. It highlighted the risks and challenges faced by child actors transitioning to adulthood.

34. Anissa's performance as Buffy remains iconic in pop culture. Her character's doll, Mrs. Beasley, continues to be remembered fondly by many who grew up watching "Family Affair."

35. Kathy Garver reflected on Anissa's talent and natural acting abilities. She believed that Anissa's death was a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act.

Remembering Anissa Jones

Anissa Jones' life was a mix of early fame and personal struggles. Known for her role as Buffy in "Family Affair," she captured hearts with her natural acting. Despite her success, she faced challenges like typecasting and addiction. Her untimely death at 18 from a drug overdose shocked many. Anissa's story highlights the pressures child actors face and the importance of mental health support. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances and the iconic Mrs. Beasley doll. Fans and co-stars remember her as a talented, intelligent young actress whose life ended too soon. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame and the need for support systems for young stars. Anissa Jones remains an important figure in TV history, reminding us of the complexities behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.