‘Family Affair’ star Kathy Garver says failed remake ‘sucked,’ reveals what went wrong
Kathy Garver is not holding back about the failed 2002 remake of "Family Affair." In a new interview with Fox News Digital, Garver — who is gearing up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of "Family Affair" by hosting a special marathon featured on Catchy Comedy — explained why the reboot lacked the chemistry, warmth and familial bond that made the classic show so beloved.
"Excuse my language, but it sucked," Garver, who portrayed Cissy in the original series, said.
"And it did for many reasons." 'FAMILY AFFAIR' STAR TALKS 'SURVIVING CISSY,' SEEING ANISSA JONES FOR THE LAST TIME AND ALLEGED SITCOM CURSE The original "Family Affair" premiered in 1966 and followed bachelor Bill Davis as he unexpectedly became the guardian of his late brother and sister-in-law's three children: Cissy, Buffy and Jody.
Brian Keith played Bill, while Sebastian Cabot portrayed the family’s butler, Mr.
French.
The 2002 remake featured Gary Cole as Bill Davis and Tim Curry as Mr.
French.
Although Garver praised both actors, she said they brought entirely different qualities to the characters audiences had already grown attached to.
KELSEY GRAMMER ADMITS IT'S 'EXHAUSTING' WHEN MOVIES TRY TO ALTER HISTORY TO FIT MODERN TASTES "I think it’s very difficult to do a remake," Garver said.
"When they see Gary Cole, they say, ‘Well, that’s not Uncle Bill.’" Cole was "great in ‘NCIS,’" Garver said, but "as you know, he’s no Brian Keith." Keith’s appeal, she explained, came from the contrast between his tough exterior and his tenderness toward the children.
GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE Brian Keith was "this macho guy, the ex-Marine," Garver said.
"And here he is, this loving dad." TIM CURRY'S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED Garver also felt Curry’s portrayal of Mr.
French was too far removed from Cabot’s understated performance.
"Tim Curry had a whole different take on it," she said.
5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.foxnews.com — the content belongs to Fox News.