Kristy McNichol: 1970s Child Star Spotted in Los Angeles After Decades Away
This week, a familiar face from 1970s television was glimpsed on the streets of Los Angeles, walking her dog in a casual outfit. The sighting marked a rare public appearance for Kristy McNichol, the former child star who shot to fame on the hit drama Family and later won two Emmy Awards, before withdrawing from the spotlight a quarter of a century ago.
Rise to Fame on Family and Early Success
Born and raised in Los Angeles, McNichol began her career in commercials alongside her brother Jimmy McNichol, who would himself become a nationwide teen idol. At just 13 years old, she landed the star-making role of Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence on the Aaron Spelling-produced series Family, which aired from 1976 to 1980 and depicted a suburban household in Pasadena.
Her performance on the show was critically acclaimed, earning her two Emmy Awards and establishing her as a talented young actress. During this period, she and her brother also collaborated on a 1978 album, which included the disco single He's So Fine, and co-hosted a variety show on ABC, capitalising on their simultaneous fame.
Film Career and Notable Co-Stars
Parallel to her television success, McNichol forged a glittering film career in the late 1970s and 1980s. She starred in the 1980 comedy Little Darlings alongside Tatum O'Neal, a film about two teenagers at summer camp competing to lose their virginity first.
Her filmography also included the 1978 dark comedy The End, directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, with a cast featuring Sally Field, Joanne Woodward, and Carl Reiner. Additionally, she led the cast of the 1980 country musical The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, acting with Dennis Quaid and Mark Hamill, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Television Revival and Personal Struggles
In the late 1980s, McNichol revitalised her career with a role on Empty Nest, a spin-off of the popular series The Golden Girls. The show ran for seven seasons from 1988 to 1995, though she departed three years before its conclusion. She later revealed that this decision was influenced by her diagnosis with bipolar disorder, then known as manic depression, highlighting the personal turmoil that often accompanied her high-octane showbiz life.
Reflecting on her childhood career, McNichol once noted, "From the time I was very young, I was a professional, making money and assuming responsibilities. I didn’t live the life of a child. I was living the life of a 30-year-old." This strain culminated in a breakdown in 1984 while filming in France, which the studio attributed to a "chemical imbalance."
Retirement and Coming Out
In 2001, McNichol announced her retirement from acting, stating, "My feeling was that it was time to play my biggest part – myself! I must say that it has been the best thing that ever happened to me." She emphasised that this step was necessary for her personal happiness and well-being, despite fan disappointment.
Out of the public eye, she reportedly worked at a friend's Beverly Hills hair salon and taught acting at a Los Angeles private school. Then, in 2012, she reentered the spotlight to come out as a lesbian, announcing that she had been in a long-term relationship with her girlfriend Martie Allen since the 1990s. Her publicist explained that she hoped her coming out could help support young people who feel different or are bullied.
Recent Sighting and Legacy
This week's sighting in Los Angeles showed McNichol in a white crop-top t-shirt and black shorts, with her curly hair trimmed into a pixie cut, embodying a casual and content figure. Now in her sixties, her legacy endures through her Emmy-winning performances, memorable film roles, and her courageous personal journey away from the pressures of stardom.
