Family Affair

Television is designed to entertain, and sometimes important social issues become part of the entertainment.

Such was the case with “Family Affair,” which focused on a well-to-do Brian Keith taking on the  challenge of raising his brother’s orphaned children in his Manhattan luxury apartment. His valet, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), also had to make adjustments by effectively becoming their nanny.

This changed the life dynamic for Keith’s “Uncle Bill” character, who had not elected to raise a family, but reluctantly embraced the responsibility so that three orphaned siblings could grow up together in one household. The entertainment often came in his awkward bachelor’s advice and his growing acceptance as a guiding force for the family.

The show also starred Kathy Garver as 15-year-old Cissy, as well as Johnny Whitaker and Anissa Jones as five-year-old twins. The show ran for five seasons from 1966 to 1971.