Kathy Garver Reflects on the Disappointing “Family Affair” Remake
Kathy Garver is candid about her thoughts on the unsuccessful 2002 revival of “Family Affair.” In a recent discussion, she shared insights with Fox News Digital as she prepares to commemorate the show’s 60th anniversary by hosting a special marathon on Catchy Comedy.
The initial “Family Affair,” which first aired in 1966, depicted bachelor Bill Davis taking on the unexpected role of guardian to his late brother and sister-in-law’s children—Cissy, Buffy, and Jody. Brian Keith, embodying Bill, is fondly remembered, along with Sebastian Cabot as the butler, Mr. French.
In contrast, the 2002 version starred Gary Cole as Bill and Tim Curry as Mr. French. While Garver commended their performances, she pointed out that they brought something entirely different from what fans cherished about the original characters.
“It’s really tough to do a remake,” she remarked. “When people saw Gary Cole, they thought, ‘That’s not Uncle Bill.’” Though she acknowledged his talent, she felt he didn’t match the essence of Brian Keith’s portrayal. Keith’s appeal came from his rugged exterior balanced with a nurturing demeanor towards the kids.
Garver added, “Gary was fantastic in ‘NCIS,’ but as we know, he’s no Brian Keith.” That contrast, she believed, was fundamental to the charm of the character.
Furthermore, she expressed concerns about Curry’s interpretation of Mr. French, which felt jarringly different from Cabot’s subtler take. “Tim Curry had his own interpretation,” she mentioned, calling it entertaining yet misaligned with the show’s spirit. “It was more like the Tim Curry show than a sitcom.”
She described Curry’s performance as “loud and boisterous,” contrasting it with Cabot’s more reserved and affectionate style. Garver felt this lack of connection undermined the original series’ core theme of love among the family members.
In her view, the original cast’s authenticity created genuine family dynamics on screen. “Every character on the original show had a family they cared for,” she observed, attributing much of the original show’s charm to that emotional resonance.
Garver believes “Family Affair” was pioneering, being one of the first sitcoms to depict a single male relative raising orphaned children. Its production quality also set it apart, as it was filmed in color early in television history and benefited from a crew with deep roots in the film industry.
“So, it was a well-made show,” she commented, adding that its themes remain relatable today as they touch upon family relationships and problem-solving.
Reflecting on the overarching warmth of the original, Garver noted, “People really liked each other—what a concept.” The calm, positive interactions among characters contributed significantly to its appeal.
Garver reminisced about the chemistry amongst the cast and shared insight from their creator, Ed Hartman, who emphasized the importance of expressing emotions through the eyes in acting.
Ultimately, Garver believes the lasting affection for “Family Affair” lies in the comfort it provides to its audience. She characterized the experience of watching the show as akin to “taking a bite of comfort cake,” appreciating its beauty and watchability amid the chaos of modern entertainment.
The 60th anniversary celebration airing on Catchy Comedy is set for September 13, featuring Garver sharing fond memories and highlights from her years portraying Cissy, including her pick of eight favorite episodes that showcase significant story arcs.
