‘Family Affair’ child star turns to God after surviving drug addiction, alcoholism

Johnny Whitaker: From Child Star to Advocate for Change

For the past 20 years, Johnny Whitaker has been conducting 12-step meetings at a local county jail – and the actor calls it a blessing. “Once a month, I go in to share my experience, as well as offer strength and hope,” the 64-year-old told Fox News Digital. “I do it through my ministry. I want to tell these guys that there is hope. They can get clean and sober. They can get out of the revolving door that they find themselves in.”

A Childhood in the Spotlight

The former child star skyrocketed to fame in the sitcom “Family Affair,” which aired from 1966 until 1971. His other hit series, “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” is now available for streaming on The Sid and Marty Krofft Channel. The producing pair were known for their imaginative children’s programming.

Remembering Anissa Jones

“Johnny was already famous when he became part of the Sid and Marty Krofft family,” Marty’s daughter, Deanna Krofft Pope, told Fox News Digital. “He was not only great in the role of Johnny Stuart in the original ‘Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,’ but when he returned in a cameo in our reboot, he was so good that we ended up writing him in for reoccurring appearances. And, of course, the fans loved it.”

A Life After Hollywood Fame

“Family Affair” centered on a swinging bachelor (Brian Keith) who is given custody of his late brother’s three children. Whitaker said he still has fond memories of bringing the series to life.

Tragedy and Redemption

But life wasn’t always kind to the show’s co-stars. Jones, who played Buffy, died of a drug overdose in 1976. She was 18. “My agent claims that she was kind of out of it when she last saw her, possibly high or very depressed,” Whitaker alleged. “I remember my agent said, ‘You need to contact her. She looks really bad.’ I did my best, but I was a young teen and getting ready for a new family variety show. I did try to contact her. Even after her passing, I tried to contact her family. And then her brother died a few years later from an overdose.”

A Journey to Sobriety

Whitaker is one of eight children. Growing up, he described having a “normal’” childhood, one where everyone was required to do chores at home, including him. Over the years, he kept busy making appearances on hit TV shows like “Bonanza,” “Bewitched” and “Gunsmoke,” among others. But at age 16, he found himself attending parties in Hollywood where he was exposed to drugs and alcohol. It didn’t take long for him to use – and it quickly took over his life.

Finding Hope and Purpose

Today, Whitaker said he’s found peace through sobriety and faith. And through his ministry, he’s able to encourage other inmates to turn their lives around as a drug and alcohol counselor. He previously served as a missionary in Portugal from 1979 to 1981.

Looking Ahead

“I’m not planning to fully retire,” he chuckled. “I’m working on my memoirs and hoping to get that out at the end of the year. I also have a documentary on the drug policies of Portugal… And this summer in North Carolina, I’m working with Charlene Tilton, a friend of mine, on a new film. She’s the female lead, so we’ve been busy working on that.”

If Whitaker had to do it all over again, he said, “to a certain extent, I think I would.” “I wouldn’t have learned the things that I’ve learned,” he shared. “But I always laugh about one big difference. I was making four Walt Disney movies in 1971. A peer of mine… told me, ‘Disney is giving away stock options.’ I had no idea what a stock option was, but I proceeded to tell my mom and dad. I said, ‘Why don’t we take half of the money that I get from the next Disney film and put it into Disney stock? Disney could then pay us back that same amount? At the time, Disney stock was 99 cents a share. I would’ve purchased 15,000 shares of Disney stock in 1971. Today, that Disney stock would be worth about $50 million.”

“That’s unfortunate,” he admitted. “I don’t have $50 million, but I’m still very blessed.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
   • Indicator: Number of people receiving treatment for substance abuse

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
   • Indicator: Number of prisoners participating in rehabilitation programs

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article discusses Johnny Whitaker’s work as a drug and alcohol counselor in a local county jail, highlighting his efforts to offer strength, hope, and support to inmates struggling with addiction. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This SDG is addressed in the article through Johnny Whitaker’s role as a drug and alcohol counselor, which contributes to strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. By providing support and guidance to inmates, Whitaker helps promote good health and well-being among individuals struggling with addiction.

Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol

This target is relevant to the article as it aligns with Whitaker’s efforts to address substance abuse issues among inmates in the county jail. By conducting 12-step meetings and offering support, he contributes to the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

Indicator: Number of people receiving treatment for substance abuse

The article implies that Whitaker’s work involves providing treatment for substance abuse by conducting 12-step meetings and offering support to inmates. The number of people receiving treatment for substance abuse can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards achieving Target 3.5.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

This SDG is connected to the article through the focus on rehabilitation programs for prisoners and promoting equal access to justice. Whitaker’s role as a drug and alcohol counselor in the county jail contributes to creating a more just and inclusive society.

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

This target is relevant to the article as it emphasizes the importance of equal access to justice for all individuals, including prisoners. Whitaker’s work as a drug and alcohol counselor contributes to promoting the rule of law and ensuring that prisoners have access to rehabilitation programs.

Indicator: Number of prisoners participating in rehabilitation programs

The article mentions Whitaker’s role as a drug and alcohol counselor in the county jail, indicating that he helps prisoners participate in rehabilitation programs. The number of prisoners participating in such programs can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards achieving Target 16.3.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: foxnews.com

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