Anissa Jones charmed audiences across America with her cutesy performance as Buffy Davis on CBS’s Family Affair. But as Hollywood has shown us all too often, the glamourous life of a child star often obscures troubling darkness beneath the surface. Jones, tragically, was no different.
1. She Was The Grandchild Of Immigrants
Mary Anissa Jones was born on March 11, 1958, in Indiana. But this adorable, blonde, all-American girl actually had roots in the Middle East. Her maternal grandparents had moved to the United States from Lebanon. They would leave a cultural mark on their grandchild.
2. Her Name Marked Her Heritage
It seems Jones did not have too much exposure to her Lebanese roots. Nonetheless, she honored her heritage in a significant way. She went exclusively by her middle name Anissa, both professionally and personally. This is, in fact, a Lebanese name, which means “Little Friend”. Jones’ birth itself was somewhat scandalous.
CBS Television Network., Wikimedia Commons
3. Her Parents Had An Interesting Meet Cute
Jones was born to parents John Paul and Mary Paula. The two had met at Purdue University in Indiana, in quite a scandalous way. John Paul was a faculty board member and Mary a student. Perhaps their courtship did attract some negative attention, because they got out of dodge pretty quickly.
4. She Moved Across The Country
Not long after the birth of Anissa’s younger brother, John Paul Jr, the Jones family moved to Playa Del Rey, California. The move would set Anissa’s destiny in motion, but hardship began before her acting career did.
Smith Collection/Gado, Getty Images
5. Her Parents Split Up
Jones’ parents divorced soon after their relocation to California. This kicked off a bitter custody battle over their two kids that would last for years, resulting in an eventual victory for Jones’ father. But while the battle still raged, Anissa was stuck with her mother.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
6. Her Mother Worked Her
Jones’ mother may have recognized her daughter’s talents early, and she set to work trying to nurture them, though perhaps a little heavy-handedly. Mary was pretty hard-driving in general and enrolled Anissa in dance classes at the young age of four. The work didn’t stop there.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
7. Her Neighbor Set Up Her Career
The Jones’ new neighbors in California clearly found the young Anissa charming too. With their exposure to Anissa’s mother’s ambitions for her daughter and knowledge of local industry, they suggested Mary start bringing Anissa to TV commercial auditions. It would prove fruitful.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
8. Her Career Took Off
Anissa Jones had immediate success with the auditions, and by the age of six, she was appearing in TV commercials for cereal. She would star in three more commercials over the next two years. But this was only the prelude to her stardom.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
9. She Got A Big Role
At eight years old, Anissa Jones got her big break. She was discovered by a producer and cast in the role of Buffy Davis on CBS’s new sitcom, Family Affair, in 1966. The show followed three orphaned children sent to live with their wealthy uncle. It was a wholesome premise, and Jones was perfect for the role.
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10. She Played Younger
Jones’ adorable demeanor meant she was a shoo-in for the role. The young actress was physically suited too. She was small for her age which meant that, although she was eight years old when she landed the role, she could passably play the six-year-old Buffy. And audiences were smitten.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
11. She Charmed The Masses
Viewers received Family Affair—and the character of Buffy—rapturously. Her blonde hair, tied up in pigtails, and charming smile immediately made her a hit among America’s increasingly larger TV audience. Anissa Jones was easy to love, but the show was anything but easy to make.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
12. She Worked Like A Dog
As Familiar Affair grew in popularity, so did the demands on the cast—and it hit Anissa particularly hard. The production schedule for Family Affair was grueling and she found herself dedicating most of her life to it. The show filmed all year round and the young starlet would often work seven-day weeks to meet network deadlines. But her hard work paid dividends for the network.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
13. Her Show Was A Hit
Family Affair only continued to gain in popularity as time went on, and CBS execs considered the show a bona fide hit. It didn’t take long for it to hit number one in the ratings and Buffy and the rest of the characters became household names overnight. The network continued to capitalize.
14. She Launched A Merch Empire
Jones’ character Buffy was rarely seen without her onscreen doll, Mrs Beasley. She was so popular that the network released a real-life version which became the best-selling doll in America. The merch didn’t stop there.
There were Buffy coloring books, lunch boxes, a line of children’s clothing, and even a cookbook with Jones on the cover. Through it all, she didn’t forget her real family.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
15. She Loved Her Brother
Anissa Jones became known for her deep kindness and her undying love for her brother Paul, who would always accompany her to set. Whenever she received gifts, she would insist that her brother get one too. If this was not possible, she would graciously give her gift away, wanting to share equally with her brother. Her kindness didn’t stop with her family.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
16. She Made Time For Everyone
When an on-set janitor for Family Affair, Earl Graham, passed unexpectedly, Anissa Jones showed her compassion in the most heartbreaking way. She had considered him a close friend, and convinced her mother to take out a $400 ad in Variety magazine just so she could publish a goodbye to Graham. This compassion extended to everyone.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
17. Everyone Liked Her
Cast and crew members alike on Family Affair continually praised Jones’ talents and kind-heartedness. One co-star later gushed about her intelligence and natural ability as an actor, noting as well that she would always make friends with guest stars so they would feel welcome on set. She may have even charmed one of the biggest names of the day.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
18. She Co-Starred Alongside The King
In her short career, Jones only ever made one feature film appearance. In 1969, at the height of her celebrity, Jones got a small role in the film The Trouble with Girls, alongside none other than Elvis Presley. Not much has surfaced about their onset interactions, but the film’s position as Jones’ sole movie credit speaks to a career that could have been.
19. She Was In Demand
Despite her low movie count, Hollywood nonetheless pursued Anissa Jones for her charming personality in other ways. Between 1967 and 1971, she appeared as a guest on no fewer than five talk shows, including Merv Griffin’s and Dick Cavett’s. Additionally, in 1967, she presented an award at that year’s Emmys, likely making her one of the youngest ever to do so.
But fame soon began to wear on the young starlet.
Romart Inc., The Mike Douglas Show (1968-73)
20. She Began To Lament Her Success
Family Affair was the one thing most young actors want—a steady job. But as the years went on, Anissa Jones began to the see the dark side of her popularity. She began to tire of playing Buffy. She resented the character for seemingly trapping her in childhood and saw the role as “babyish”. When fans called her Buffy, she would politely insist they use her real name, Anissa.
Soon, her displeasure with it all began to come through on screen.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
21. She Lost Some Magic
Jones’ performances in later seasons of Family Affair were not as energetic or convivial. A co-star, Kathy Garver, who played her onscreen older sister, later confirmed that this was due to her personal issues surrounding the character: “She was not as happy as in the first years the show was filmed”. The show, then, had a well-timed ending.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
22. Her Show Began To Struggle
Perhaps in part due to Buffy’s less than enthusiastic screen presence, Family Affair’s ratings began to slump. Finally, in 1971, CBS opted to cancel the sitcom. Anissa Jones, now only 12 years old, was delighted and eager to begin the next phase of her career. But the looming shadow of the character of Buffy would prove difficult to shake.
23. She Felt Pigeonholed
Jones immediately began to audition for movies, wanting to transition from a TV actress to a film star. However, she struggled to gain any traction and began to feel as if producers could not see her as anything but sweet little Buffy. Her fears were not unfounded.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
24. She Missed Out On An Iconic Role
Anissa Jones auditioned for the role of Regan MacNeil in the 1973 horror classic, The Exorcist. Playing the part of a young girl possessed by a demon would have been the perfect pivot for the burgeoning actress. But director William Friedkin gave the role to Linda Blair instead, citing his difficulty in imaging adorable little Buffy in such a horrific role.
She missed another big chance too.
Warner Bros., The Exorcist (1973)
25. She Tried To Play Against Type
In yet another attempt to avoid being typecast, Jones auditioned for the role of Iris “Easy” Steensma in Martin Scorsese’s 1976 masterpiece, Taxi Driver. Again, the part couldn’t have been less Buffy: Steensma was a 13-year-old street worker who attracts the attention of Robert DeNiro’s character, Travis Bickle.
But perhaps Scorsese suffered the same mental blockage as Friedkin, because the role instead went to Jodie Foster. Jones began to spiral.
26. She Went Off The Rails
As she entered her teen years, and with little professional success, Anissa Jones decided to lean into her previously denied freedom. She turned to substance use and shoplifting for thrills. Jones tried a few “normal” jobs but couldn’t seem to hold one down, and she reportedly suffered from erratic mood swings. And then tragedy struck at the worst time.
MGM, The Trouble with Girls (1969)
27. She Lost Her Favorite Parent
By this time, Jones’ parents’ long custody battle had ended, and she and her brother had gone to live with their father. However, on March 7, 1974, John Paul Jones Sr passed from cardiovascular disease, four days before his daughter’s 16th birthday. Anissa’s relationship with her mother had deteriorated so much that she opted not to move back in with her, instead going to live with a friend.
That didn’t stop her mother from interfering.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
28. Her Mother Overreacted
Although Jones’ mother, Mary, was technically her guardian, she never spent any time at the family home. This infuriated Mary. Anissa would disappear for days with her friends, whom her mother felt were a very bad influence on her only daughter. Such was her contempt for Anissa’s new lifestyle that Mary often filed missing person reports with the authorities after not seeing Anissa for days.
Anissa’s entry into adulthood did not ease her mother’s worrying.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
29. She Got A Big Payout
Anissa Jones turned 18 on March 11, 1976, which meant she was finally entitled to all the money she had earned on Family Affair. Previously kept in a savings account on her behalf, this one-time payout was massive. And Jones didn’t shy away from spending it.
ABC, The Dick Cavett Show (1968-86)
30. She Burned Through Her Money
Anissa Jones immediately began putting the money towards her new favorite hobby: partying with her friends. Naturally, this meant that her substance use worsened, and her life began to spiral further. She had received a payout of just under $200,000–and after four or five months, she had blown through most of it. Jones’ spending spree would climax in tragedy.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
31. She Took An Ill-Fated Trip
On August 27, 1976, Anissa Jones took a trip with her boyfriend and some friends to party in the beachside town of Oceanside, California. Many illicit substances passed around the group that night, likely paid for from Jones’ Family Affair money, in which she partook heavily.
This was extra scandalous, considering her entourage.
Romart Inc., The Mike Douglas Show (1968-73)
32. Her Posse Was Young
There were many people in attendance at this party on that fateful night, but what was particularly striking was how young they all were. Authorities later confirmed that Jones’ fellow partygoers ranged from 12 to 22 years of age. What happened that night affected every one of them.
ABC, The Hollywood Palace (1964-70)
33. They Found Her Unresponsive
The party would end up at the home of the father of one of Jones’ 14-year-old friends. Not much is known of the events that transpired that night, though Jones’ boyfriend claims he checked in on her at one point and she seemed fine. The next morning, August 28, Anissa Jones was found in a bed. The unthinkable had happened.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
34. She Perished Young
Anissa Jones never woke up that day. She had perished at the tragically young age of just 18. Having endured the stereotypically tough life of a child actress, Jones never even got the chance to experience adulthood. The coroner’s findings would only worsen the tragedy.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
35. She Had OD’d
The coroner soon confirmed that Anissa Jones had perished from an overdose. The young actress’ cause of death was determined to be accidental and caused by combined intoxication from several illicit substances. Indeed, it was a long list.
ABC, The Hollywood Palace (1964-70)
36. She Had Consumed A Cocktail
There were at least four different substances found in Jones’ body, including PCP, Quaalude, Seconal, and blow. Not only was there variety in her chosen poisons, but the quantity was unbelievable too.
MGM, The Trouble with Girls (1969)
37. She Shocked The Coroner
Such was the extent of Jones’ indulgence that even the coroner was shocked at how such a young girl managed to consume so much. He called it one of the most severe overdoses he had ever seen. The only consolation to the tragedy was that Jones had passed in a meaningful place.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
38. Her Wishes Were Fulfilled
Anissa Jones had always loved the seaside. After holding a small, private service for her, Jones’ family had her body cremated and scattered her ashes over the Pacific Ocean. It was a fitting tribute to the young actress. But her family stood to benefit from her passing too.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
39. Her Family Got A Payout
Despite her ceaseless spending in the months leading up to her demise, Anissa Jones nonetheless left a sizeable inheritance for her loved ones. Her estate included $63,000 in cash and over $100,000 in savings bonds. Adjusted for today’s money, this totaled the equivalent of about $872,000.
Jones left one more thing behind too that would have shocking implications.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
40. She Left A Revealing Document
Among the items found at the scene of Jones’ passing was an envelope with the business address of Dr Don Carlos Moshos. This envelope contained a detailed description of the type and quantity of one of the substances that showed up on Jones’ toxicology report. The hunt was on.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
41. Her Doctor Was Shady
Moshos had allegedly been playing the role of Jones’ “Dr Feelgood”, prescribing her illicit substances on demand. Indeed, prior to her passing, Moshos was already under investigation for his suspicious professional practices. The evidence began to mount.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
42. She Had A Popular Supplier
At the news of Moshos’ potential involvement in Jones’ demise, the media began to swarm, with reporters digging up any damning information they could find. Many of the occupants of the building of Moshos’ practice reported the popularity of the doctor’s services, speaking of the long lines they would often see outside his office. The numbers were astounding.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
43. Her Doctor Was Prolific
Jones’ doctor appeared to work tirelessly to supply anyone that would give him business. A report released around his investigation was absolutely shocking. It revealed that Moshos would write over 100 prescriptions a day. He had no qualms about who he’d sell to either.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
44. She Was One Of Many Kids
Though she was only 18 at the time of her passing, Anissa Jones nonetheless fit the bill for Moshos’ average client. When a local news team visited his office, they found it full of young people, most of them somewhere around Jones’ age. Moshos didn’t make it prohibitive either.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
45. She Didn’t Pay Much
It was no wonder Jones was able to procure the heroic dose that took her out; Moshos made it very easy for troubled young teens to get their hands on dangerous amounts of substances. The report released by the local news team alleged that Moshos only required a “patient” to show a valid ID, after which he would sell them a prescription for whatever they wanted for the low price of just five dollars.
With all the evidence they’d gathered, the authorities made their move.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
46. They Apprehended Her Doctor
Just six days after Jones’ body was discovered, Moshos was apprehended at his office in Torrance, California. He was charged with illegally prescribing Seconal to the young actress but was also slapped with multiple prescriptions-for-profit charges in a separate undercover investigation. His charges amounted to 11 offenses. But Jones’ killer would never see justice.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
47. She Didn’t Get Justice
Despite his profession, Moshos was a very unhealthy individual. He suffered from diabetes, hepatitis, and high blood pressure. He was also very old, and his mind was beginning to go. On December 6, 1976, he was admitted to hospital where he passed three weeks later–just four months after his most famous patient had. Jones’ family still wanted their day in court.
Romart Inc., The Mike Douglas Show (1968-73)
48. Her Family Were Made Whole
Likely due to ill health and senility, authorities dropped Moshos’ murder charges shortly before his passing. However, Jones’ surviving family members were not happy with this and sued the doctor’s estate for $400,000. A 1979 verdict found the doctor only 30% liable for the young actress’ passing, resulting in a $79,500 payout for her family.
The money was not enough to avoid tragedy yet again.
ABC, The Hollywood Palace (1964-70)
49. Her Brother Perished Young Too
In 1984, Jones’ mother Mary experienced an unimaginable tragedy that no parent can bear to consider: she lost another young child to substance misuse. Anissa’s cherished brother Paul overdosed on March 15 of that year, days after what would have been his sister’s 26th birthday. He was only 24. It wasn’t the only tragedy that befell Jones’ circle.
Don Fedderson Productions, Family Affair (1966-71)
50. She May Have Fallen Victim To A Curse
Anissa Jones was not the only cast member of Family Affair to suffer an untimely demise. Her co-star Sebastian Cabot perished from a stroke in 1977 at the age of 59, and another castmate, Brian Keith, took his own life in 1997. These tragedies, and Anissa’s life, are a damning indictment of the physical and mental toll that show business can take on some of its most vulnerable talent.
