April 16, 2023 – The 63-year-old California man became famous as a six-year-old curly-haired redhead when he was cast in the 1960s TV series “Family Affair,” which ran on CBS for five seasons. He later appeared in multiple Disney films throughout the 1970s and gave Jody Foster her first onscreen kiss in the film adaptation of “Tom Sawyer.” The 1973 film celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
With a documentary and film project in the works, Whitaker is back in show business again. His memoir is slated for release sometime next year.
But what many people don’t know is that Whitaker has ties to eastern Idaho. His mom, Thelma, grew up in Clifton about 12 miles northwest of Preston. Whitaker grew up in southern California as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and attended the same congregation as the Osmond Family. He and Marie are the same age.
During a Zoom conversation with EastIdahoNews.com, Whitaker says his faith played a pivotal role in landing him his first acting gig at age three.
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