Already have an account?

I agree to the terms of the Terms and Conditions,
the Privacy Policy and receive emails from Closer Weekly

Or get back to the

UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Kristy McNichol’s Private Life: Secrets About the ‘Family’ Star and Why She Left Hollywood

News

Sep 30, 2024 11:08 am·

By Mike Hammer

Picture

Who Is Tom Selleck's Wife? Meet His Second Spouse Jillie Mack

Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack Are 'True Partners!' Meet the Actor's Wife

'Today' Hosts' Biggest Wardrobe Malfunctions On Camera

Laughing it Off! See 'Today' Hosts' Biggest Wardrobe Malfunctions

Secrets You Didn't Know About Leave It to Beaver's Tony Dow

10 Secrets You Didn't Know About 'Leave It to Beaver' Actor Tony Dow

nicole-kidman-and-keith-urbans-rare-family-photos-with-2-daughters

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's Rare Photos With Kids Sunday and Faith

jennifer-lopez-twins-photos-of-max-and-emme-through-the-years

Jennifer Lopez's Twins Max and Emme Are Teens! See Their Cutest Photos

Kristy McNichol, who rose to fame playing teenage tomboy Letitia “Buddy” Lawrence in the popular 1970s TV drama Family, won two Emmy Awards for her time on the series but retired from acting in 2001.

Though she lives a quiet life following her time in the spotlight, the former child star kept herself busy after Family. She landed roles in the 1980 film Little Darlings, Neil Simon’s Only When I Laugh (for which she earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress) and the TV sitcom Empty Nest.

1 of 6

Early Beginnings

Born on September 11, 1962, Kristy was young when she started appearing alongside her brother Jimmy McNichol in commercials. She went on to make guest appearances on series including Starsky & Hutch, The Bionic Woman, Love American Style and The Love Boat. She was reportedly 13 years old when she began playing Buddy on Family, though she still worked closely with her brother. The two recorded the album Kristy and Jimmy McNichol for RCA Records in 1978.

2 of 6

Kristy McNichol And Kaki Hunter In 'Just The Way You Are'

Mental Break

When Kristy was shooting the 1984 film Just the Way You Are in France, production was interrupted due to the actress’ mental health. She reportedly told People she “hardly slept” during that time in her life, adding, “I was crying all the time … It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done to try and get through that film.”

3 of 6

Kristy Mcnichol;Richard Mulligan;Dinah Manoff

1992 Diagnosis

When she was working on the TV sitcom Empty Nest, the spinoff of The Golden Girls, she left the show in 1992 after reportedly being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In interviews just before that time, she talked candidly about her mental health. “From the time I was very young, I was a professional, making money and assuming responsibilities,” she said. “I didn’t live the life of a child. I was living the life of a 30-year-old.” She returned to Empty Nest for its final episode in 1995.

4 of 6

Love Boat Cast Reunites To Christen Regal Princess Cruise Ship

Why She Left Hollywood

Kristy struggled with the pressures that came with growing up in the spotlight. Years after she announced her retirement in 2001, she reflected on her decision. “I stepped away from Hollywood to find myself,” she told People in 2015. “It was a decision I had to make alone. And what I have found for myself is unbelievable. There are all sorts of life experiences for me to explore, and music is one of my passions. People ask me if I’d ever return to acting, but you only have a certain amount of time in your life.”

5 of 6

Why She Came Out

Kristy publicly came out as gay in 2012, exclusively telling People she wanted to “be open about who I am.” At the time, she also revealed that she had been in a 20-year relationship with her partner Martie Allen. She “is very sad about kids being bullied,” her publicist told the publication at the time. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”

6 of 6

Life After Fame

After retiring from performing, Kristy began to teach acting at a private school and has occasionally done voiceover work. According to First for Women, she also spent time working at a hair salon in Beverly Hills. To feed her passion for music, she joined the Los Angeles Valley Community College Choir. “I enrolled in the Los Angeles Valley College Music program four years ago because I wanted to sing in choir,” she previously told People. “I always liked singing. When people come together to sing, it’s very relaxing and spiritual and healing. So I kept coming back.”

Conversation

All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Closer Weekly does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.