Former child star Johnny Whitaker, known for his role in the sitcom “Family Affair,” has been making a positive impact by conducting 12-step meetings at a local county jail for the past 20 years. Whitaker, now 64, shared with Fox News Digital that he finds it to be a blessing to offer strength and hope to those struggling with addiction.
Whitaker rose to fame in the 1960s with his role in “Family Affair,” a show about a bachelor who takes custody of his late brother’s three children. Despite the show’s success, it was abruptly canceled due to changes in management at CBS. Whitaker fondly remembers his time on the show and the care he received from the cast and crew.
Tragically, Whitaker’s co-star Anissa Jones, who played Buffy on the show, passed away at a young age due to a drug overdose. Whitaker, who considered Jones his sister, reflected on the impact her death had on him and the importance of his faith in coping with the loss.
Whitaker also opened up about his own struggles with addiction, which began in his teenage years and escalated after a traumatic divorce and the loss of a girlfriend and unborn child. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment in 1997 that Whitaker decided to seek help and turn his life around.
Today, Whitaker is sober and uses his experiences to help others as a drug and alcohol counselor. He remains active in the entertainment industry, working on projects like his memoirs and a documentary on drug policies in Portugal. Despite missed opportunities, such as not investing in Disney stock in the past, Whitaker feels blessed and grateful for the life he has now.
Through his ministry work and dedication to helping others, Johnny Whitaker continues to make a positive impact and inspire those around him.
