The character of Joan Borman Kane was played by
Christina Crawford from 1968 to 1969. She was the adopted daughter of movie legend
Joan Crawford. In 1968, Christina suffered an ovarian tumor that required hospitalization, causing her to be absent from the show for a several week period. During that time, her mother
Joan Crawford played the role, despite that fact that Joan was 63 and the Joan Borman Kane character was 28.
Christina Crawford wrote in her book "Mommie Dearest" that when she watched her mother's scenes on the telecast, it was obvious to her that her mother had been drinking during the taping.
Joan Crawford's appearance was a ratings bonanza for the show. Christina was upset about Joan's replacing her on the show. Shortly thereafter, the character of Joan Borman Kane was written out of the series.