Kathy Garver, the teenage heartthrob from the hit series Family Affair (1966-1971), was no one-hit wonder, but a journeywoman actress who appeared in such classic films as Night of the Hunter and The Ten Commandments long before she became a television icon.
This memoir is a recollection of a working actress's experiences, from the many films, television shows, and stage plays in which she performed, to her second career as a voice-over specialist in popular animated films and audiobooks. Featuring anecdotes, Hollywood history, and details of her relationships with such stars as Charlton Heston and Jon Provost, Surviving Cissy is a veritable quilt of Kathy's exciting life.
Industry Reviews
Kathy is determined. She is smart. She's someone who has been in your house since she was a young girl. Mother, wife, actress, voice-over artist-she never seems to stop! But there is much more to Kathy than Cissy-she's a lot of talent in a small package. Surviving Cissy is well worth the read to see the depth of a woman who can make anything happen and still keep smiling. -- Dawn Wells
Kathy Garver didn't just survive after Cissy, she thrived after Cissy! All too often we hear of child stars whose best years were their first years. This was not and is not the case for the talented author of this book. Kathy shines as an all-too-rare exception of how to be a young star and gracefully transition through a life filled with normalcy . . . Hollywood style. -- Neal Sabin, creator, MeTV Network
With the perfect balance of delight and candor, Kathy Garver tells the story of her life and career. She is a tribute to her profession, an icon of humanity, and an inspiration to behold. -- Herbie J Pilato, writer, producer, and founder of The Classic TV Preservation Society
An entertaining read for anyone looking to catch a glimpse of behind-the-scenes show business and the iconic success of Kathy's career as 'Cissy.' -- Angela Cartwright, actress whose work includes The Danny Thomas Show, Lost in Space, and The Sound of Music; artist; author of Styling the Stars
Kathy not only gives us the insider's look at TV's classic, Family Affair; she also shares the affairs of her own family with detailed accounts of their influence and guidance through her journey. The result is an uplifting message to guide all of us to get the most out of life. -- Paul Lisnek, WGN-TV; host of Broadway in Chicago Backstage
I have known Kathy Garver since I was 16 years old-which is to say that I have known Kathy a very long time. In fact, for five years, we were next-door-neighbors of sorts, as Family Affair was shot on a soundstage right next to My Three Sons-the show I appeared on as 'Chip Douglas.' Kathy and I remain fast friends today, and I think it's safe to say that she is not content to rest on her laurels. Surviving Cissy tells the story of a true Hollywood survivor. For those who've wondered how some of us survived the cold and indifferent world of show business and Hollywood, this book will illuminate that mercurial ride. Surviving Cissy is a fun read that's full of great stories for fans and non-fans alike. -- Stanley Livingston, actor, My Three Sons; producer whose work includes The Actors Journey and Checkers; director, Cory the Clown
Kathy is a thriving member of the fraternity of child actors who has maintained a working relationship with the entertainment industry. Her knowledge and stories about television in the 1960s as well as her experience in today's business shed unique insight into both the industry and her life in it. A great read. -- Tony Dow, actor, Leave it to Beaver; director, Babylon 5; sculptor
If you like a great book, you'll love Surviving Cissy. I was producer/production manager of all Don Fedderson's family shows, including Family Affair, and can attest that Kathy was the talented and hardworking backbone of that show. She has continued her acting career with films, TV, the stage, and voice-overs. In this book, she has transferred her experiences onto the page so everyone will know where the multitalented Kathy Garver has been! -- John G. Stephens, executive producer and production manager whose work includes My Three Sons, Family Affair, and Simon and Simon; creator and producer of Major Dad; author of From My Three Sons to Major Dad
There are very few former child stars lucky enough to continue working in Hollywood in their adult years. Kathy is one of those-but luck had nothing to do with it. This book could have been called Surviving Cissy: The Art of Reinvention, because, in it, she proves to be a master of that craft. Kathy is someone who has garnered both experience and friends with each surprising twist and turn her life has taken. -- Jon Provost
