Kristy McNichol is a former American actress who rose to fame as a child star in the 1970s and 1980s. She won two Emmy awards for her role as Buddy Lawrence in the TV drama Family, and also starred in several movies and TV shows, such as Little Darlings, Only When I Laugh, and Empty Nest. She retired from acting in 2001 after a personal breakdown and a bout of bipolar disorder. She came out as a lesbian in 2012 and has been living with her partner Martie Allen since 1991. Here is everything you need to know about Kristy McNichol’s life and career.
Kristy McNichol Young
Kristy McNichol was born on September 11, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, to James and Carolyn McNichol. Her father was a carpenter and her mother worked odd jobs to support the family, including as a secretary, cosmetics salesperson, and movie extra. She has a brother, Jimmy McNichol, who is also an actor and singer. She is of Scottish, Irish, and Lebanese descent.
She began her acting career at the age of six, appearing in commercials and guest roles on TV shows such as Starsky & Hutch, The Bionic Woman, Love, American Style, and The Love Boat. Her first regular role was as Patricia Apple in the short-lived series Apple’s Way in 1974. She gained fame and recognition in 1976 when she was cast as Letitia “Buddy” Lawrence in the critically acclaimed series Family, which ran for five seasons until 1980. She was nominated for three Emmy awards and won two for her performance as a tomboyish and rebellious teenager. She also received a Golden Globe nomination in 1980 for the same role.
She also pursued a singing career with her brother, releasing an album called Kristy and Jimmy McNichol in 1978, which included the singles “He’s So Fine” and “Page by Page”. They also performed in two Christmas specials with The Carpenters in 1977 and 1978. ¹²
Kristy McNichol Now
Kristy McNichol retired from acting in 2001, citing health reasons and a desire to live a normal life. She revealed in 2012 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, and that she had suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, and depression for years. She also came out as a lesbian, saying that she wanted to be open and honest about her sexuality and to help young people who might be struggling with their identity. She has been in a relationship with Martie Allen, a former actress, since 1991. They live together in Los Angeles with their dogs. ¹³
She has been involved in charity work, especially for animal rights and welfare. She has also taught acting at a private school in Los Angeles. She occasionally makes public appearances, such as at the Family reunion in 2014 and the Love Boat reunion in 2018. She has also expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her fans and their support over the years.
Kristy McNichol Movies and TV Shows
Kristy McNichol has appeared in many movies and TV shows throughout her career, ranging from comedy to drama to romance. Some of her most notable works are:
Little Darlings (1980): A coming-of-age film in which she played Angel, a streetwise girl who competes with a rich girl (Tatum O’Neal) to lose their virginity during a summer camp. The film was a box office hit and won her a People’s Choice Award.
Only When I Laugh (1981): A comedy-drama film based on a Neil Simon play, in which she played Polly, the daughter of an alcoholic actress (Marsha Mason) who tries to reconnect with her after a stint in rehab. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
The Pirate Movie (1982): A musical comedy film that parodied the classic operetta The Pirates of Penzance, in which she played Mabel, a modern girl who falls in love with a pirate (Christopher Atkins) in a fantasy world. The film was a flop at the box office but became a cult classic.
Dream Lover (1986): A psychological thriller film directed by Alan J. Pakula, in which she played Kathy, a young woman who marries a mysterious man (Ben Masters) who turns out to be abusive and dangerous. The film was praised for its suspense and atmosphere.
Empty Nest (1988-1995): A sitcom that spun off from The Golden Girls, in which she played Barbara Weston, the youngest daughter of a widowed pediatrician (Richard Mulligan) who lives with him and his other daughter (Dinah Manoff). The show was a ratings success and won several awards.
Kristy McNichol Net Worth 2023
According to various sources, Kristy McNichol’s net worth as of 2023 is estimated to be around $7 million. She earned most of her wealth from her acting career, especially from her roles in Family and Empty Nest. She also made money from her singing career and her endorsements. She has not been active in the entertainment industry since 2001, but she still receives royalties from her past works. She lives a modest and low-key lifestyle with her partner and their pets.
Kristy McNichol photos
FAQ about Kristy McNichol
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Kristy McNichol and their answers:
Is Kristy McNichol married?
No, she is not married, but she has been in a long-term relationship with Martie Allen since 1991. They are not legally married, but they consider themselves as partners and spouses.
Who is Kristy McNichol parner
Kristy McNichol’s partner is Martie Allen, a former actress, television personality, and teacher. They have been together since the early 1990s and have a strong and supportive relationship. Allen is a private person and does not seek the spotlight, but she is a devoted partner to McNichol and has been by her side throughout her career
Does Kristy McNichol have children?
No, she does not have any children of her own, but she has a niece, Kellee Maize, who is a rapper and singer. She is very close to her and considers her as a daughter.
What does Kristy McNichol do for a living?
She is retired from acting, but she occasionally teaches acting at a private school in Los Angeles. She also does charity work for animal rights and welfare. She enjoys spending time with her partner, their dogs, and her family and friends. ¹³
Why did Kristy McNichol leave the Family?
She left Family in 1980, after the fourth season, because she wanted to pursue other projects and opportunities. She also felt that she had outgrown her role as Buddy and wanted to challenge herself as an actress. She returned for the fifth and final season as a guest star.
Why did Kristy McNichol quit acting?
She quit acting in 2001, after appearing in the TV movie Women of Valor. She said that she was tired of the pressure and stress of the industry and that she wanted to focus on her health and happiness. She also revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, and that she had struggled with mental health issues for years. She decided to retire from acting and live a normal life away from the spotlight.
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