Actress's Hair Turned Green Before Family Affair Audition

Actress Kathy Garver, now 80, vividly remembers the dramatic audition that secured her role as Cissy Davis in the beloved sitcom Family Affair. While preparing for the audition, Garver's mother used a spray product called 'Streaks and Tips' to help her daughter appear younger, as producers sought a 15-year-old. However, the dye tragically began to change color, turning Garver's hair green just as she met with producer Ed Hartmann.

Despite the embarrassing hair mishap, Garver quickly improvised. She procured a long blonde wig and a blue-and-white checked dress from wardrobe, which she described as resembling Alice in Wonderland. Garver completed her screen test in this ensemble. The following day, her agent contacted her with the exciting news: she had landed the role.

Garver became a familiar face on television in the late 1960s, portraying the sophisticated older sister. Although the role brought her stardom, she received memorable feedback about her audition attire: 'Never wear that wig again and never wear that dress.'