Anissa Jones was an American child actress who is best known for her role as Buffy Davis in the sitcom “Family Affair,” which aired from 1966 to 1971. Born on March 11, 1958, in West Lafayette, Indiana, she quickly rose to fame but faced a tragic end at the age of 18.
Personal and Family Life
Anissa Jones was born as Mary Anissa Jones to John Paul Jones, an engineer, and Mary Paula Tweel, a Lebanese-American zoology student. Her family moved to Playa Del Rey, California, when she was young, following her father’s new job. After her parents’ divorce in 1965, Jones began her acting career in commercials at just six years old and landed her breakthrough role in “Family Affair” at the age of eight.
Career Highlights
Jones became a well-known child actress during her time on “Family Affair,” earning recognition for her sweet character, Buffy. After the show ended in 1971, her career struggled to gain traction, leading to a decline in acting opportunities. Despite auditioning for notable roles, including a part in “Taxi Driver” and “The Exorcist,” she faced consistent rejections, marking the end of her acting journey by the age of 12.
Death and Legacy
Anissa Jones tragically died on August 28, 1976, from a drug overdose in Oceanside, California. She was found with a mixture of cocaine, PCP, Quaalude, and Seconal in her system. Her death drew attention due to the circumstances, leading to the arrest of a doctor for illegally prescribing drugs to her. Despite her short life, Jones is remembered fondly for her iconic role in “Family Affair.”
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Trouble with Girls | 1969-06-24 | Carol |
| Family Affair | 1966-09-12 | Buffy Davis |
| To Rome with Love | 1969-09-28 | |
| Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In | 1967-09-09 | Self |
| The Dick Cavett Show | 1968-06-06 | Self – Guest |