When screen and stage performer Kathy Garver was just a kid—only 10 years old, to be exact—she landed a role on the short-lived 1950s series “Crusader,” sharing screen time with actor Brian Keith. That experience left a lasting mark on her, as Kathy Garver often recalls; the seasoned thespian made such a strong impression that she became a devoted admirer of his work throughout her early years. As Kathy Garver grew up in the spotlight, appearing in classic golden-era shows like “The Rifleman” and “The Bing Crosby Show,” her respect for Keith only deepened.
Then, in 1966, fate gave Kathy Garver a wonderful opportunity: she got to work alongside Brian Keith once again on the beloved sitcom “Family Affair.” This time, Kathy Garver played Cissy, the eldest of three orphaned siblings being raised by their uncle—a role that would become one of her most iconic. The show resonated with audiences and solidified Kathy Garver’s place in television history.
Over the following decades, Kathy Garver continued building her career with steady appearances on TV and occasional film roles, many of which were tailored for younger viewers. Her voice acting career flourished too. In the 1980s, fans heard Kathy Garver in the animated series “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends,” and later, she returned to the web-slinger’s world with roles in the Avi-Arad-produced “Spider-Man” series that ran from 1994 to 1998. She also lent her vocal talents to other popular children’s shows like “The New Yogi Bear Show” and “The Tom and Jerry Kids Show.”
Beyond animation, Kathy Garver expanded her repertoire. She had a part in Garry Marshall’s hit film “The Princess Diaries,” bringing her seasoned presence to a new generation. Not stopping there, Kathy Garver even ventured into audiobooks, releasing her own charming renditions of Beatrix Potter tales and Mother Goose rhymes—showcasing yet another dimension of her artistry.
In a touching full-circle moment, Kathy Garver reprised her legacy in 2003 with an appearance on the revival of “Family Affair,” reminding fans why they’d cherished her performances all along. Through every phase of her journey, Kathy Garver has remained a graceful, versatile presence in entertainment—one whose contributions continue to inspire.
Well, when it comes to Kathy Garver’s filmography, things take an interesting turn—her highest rated movie is actually Race You to the Bottom (2005), which, believe it or not, also happens to be her lowest rated one. Yeah, that’s right—Kathy Garver has this unique distinction where the same film, Race You to the Bottom (2005), holds both the top and bottom spots in terms of ratings. It’s kind of ironic, really. So, whether critics loved it or panned it, Kathy Garver’s name is definitely tied to this 2005 release in a big way. And honestly, that makes Race You to the Bottom stand out in Kathy Garver’s career, for better or worse.