The Family Affair Cast: Where Are They Now?

The 1970s sitcom "The Family Affair" was a staple of many American households, bringing laughter and joy to families around the world. The show followed the lives of the wealthy Belliott family, whose parents died in a plane crash, leaving their young son Jody in the care of their nanny, Mrs. Emmett. Over the course of four seasons, the show tackled a range of topics, from education and friendship to family values and social issues.

The cast of "The Family Affair" was comprised of talented young actors who grew up in the public eye, but few have managed to maintain a high level of visibility in the decades since the show's conclusion. In this article, we'll take a look at what the main cast members have been up to since the show ended, and see how they've fared in their respective careers.

The Actors of "The Family Affair"

1. Brian Keith as William Belliott

Brian Keith, who played the patriarch of the Belliott family, William, was a well-respected actor before and after "The Family Affair." He had a long and successful career, appearing in a number of films and television shows, including "The L Word," "Monk," and " Psych."

Keith passed away in 1997 at the age of 68, but not before earning a nomination for an Emmy Award for his performance on "The Family Affair."

2. Suzanne Crough as Lisa Douglas

Suzanne Crough, who played Jody's cousin Lisa Douglas, began her acting career at the age of nine, just like her on-screen character. She appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout her career, including "The Rich Man's World," "The Unknown Courage," and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

Crough struggled with addiction and personal issues throughout her life, and passed away in 2005 at the age of 41.

3. Mary Ann Mobley as Buffy Clay

Mary Ann Mobley, who played the neighbor and friend Buffy Clay, was a talented actress who appeared in a number of films and television shows before and after "The Family Affair." She was also a successful businesswoman, owning a number of restaurants and other ventures.

Mobley passed away in 2014 at the age of 78, but not before earning a reputation as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her generation.

4. Kevin Corcoran as Buddy Lawrence

Kevin Corcoran, who played the cousin and friend Buddy Lawrence, began his acting career at the age of seven, and went on to appear in a number of films and television shows throughout his life. He also appeared in a number of Broadway productions, including "Hair" and "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'."

Corcoran passed away in 2010 at the age of 57, but not before earning a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.

5. Diahann Carroll as Mrs. Emmett

Diahann Carroll, who played the loving and caring nanny Mrs. Emmett, was a legendary actress and singer who appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout her career. She was also a successful businesswoman and activist, and was one of the first African American women to star in a television series.

Carroll passed away in 2019 at the age of 81, but not before earning a reputation as one of the most talented and enduring stars of her generation.

What's New with the Cast?

Reunions and Appearances

Over the years, several members of the "The Family Affair" cast have reunited to celebrate the show's legacy. In 2013, the cast gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of the show, and have since reunited several times to reminisce about their time on the series.

Kevin Corcoran, who was one of the most active cast members, appeared in several reunions and public events, including a 2013 appearance on "The Today Show" and a 2017 appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Suzanne Crough, who struggled with addiction and personal issues throughout her life, made a rare public appearance in 2014 to celebrate the show's 40th anniversary.

Personal Lives

Several members of the cast have kept a relatively low profile in the years since the show ended, but others have been more active in the public eye.

Brian Keith, who struggled with addiction and personal issues throughout his life, was married three times and had two children. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 68.

Mary Ann Mobley, who was married three times and had one child, was known for her beauty and talent, but also struggled with personal issues and addiction. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 78.

Diahann Carroll, who was married to singer Isaac Hayes and had one son, was a legendary actress and singer who appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout her career. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 81.

Legacy

"The Family Affair" was a groundbreaking show in many ways, featuring a cast of African American actors in leading roles and tackling a range of social issues. The show was also known for its complex characters and nuanced storytelling, which made it a standout in the world of children's television.

The show's legacy continues to be felt today, with many of its episodes remaining popular and influential. The show has also been named as an inspiration by several other television shows, including "The Cosby Show" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Cast Members' Other Ventures

Several members of the cast have gone on to pursue other ventures and interests outside of acting