Kathy Garver, the actress best known for her role in the beloved sitcom Family Affair, has shared a nostalgic account of her time on the set of the iconic film The Ten Commandments, directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille. In a recent interview, Garver reflected on her experience as a young girl, describing how she transitioned from being an extra to a child actor with a significant speaking role.
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At the tender age of 10, Garver was cast as an extra in the 1956 film, which would later become famous not only for its narrative but also for its record-breaking budget. Garver recounted, “I was hired just as an extra; it was my second movie.” Her first was the thriller Night of the Hunter, which opened doors for her and led her agent to submit her to Paramount Pictures.
The young actress vividly recalls the challenges of working on set, particularly the heavy body makeup and the uncomfortable costumes that were typical for the era. She described one of her scenes, where she was seated on a wagon holding a small lamb during the exodus scene, and noted the importance of the moment for her budding career.
In a delightful twist, during her time on set, Garver recalled hearing a commanding voice cautioning the crew, “Don’t let that little girl’s face get in the camera!” This moment left her bewildered, as she pondered the source of the voice, humorously wondering if it could be a divine influence.
Upon realising that the voice belonged to DeMille himself, she was filled with both awe and excitement. She shared, “It was Cecil B. DeMille! He thanked me after the scene and, later, his assistant director informed my mother that I was about to become a greater part of the film.”
True to the assistant director’s words, Garver’s role was significantly expanded. She spent six weeks on set, during which DeMille personally crafted additional scenes for her, including one that featured the renowned actor Charlton Heston. Garver reflected on the experience, stating, “He knew what he wanted and communicated it very clearly. It was an absolute delight to work with him.”
Released in 1956, The Ten Commandments quickly became a landmark film. Not only did it become the highest-grossing film of the year, but it also set a record as the most expensive film ever produced at that time. The grand scale of the production and its epic storytelling captivated audiences and solidified its place in cinematic history.
Following her memorable role in The Ten Commandments, Garver continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. She is perhaps best remembered for her part as Cissy in the popular CBS sitcom Family Affair, which aired from 1966 to 1971. Her career, which began with such a promising start, led to numerous other opportunities in both television and film.
Now at the age of 80, Garver’s reflections not only offer insight into her early career but also serve as a testament to the lasting impact of DeMille’s work in the film industry. Her stories continue to resonate, highlighting both the challenges and joys of being a child actor in Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
As audiences reflect on classic films, Kathy Garver’s experiences remind us of the magic and ambition that surround the creation of timeless cinema.
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