Kristy McNichol, 62: Former Teen Star Who Co-Starred with Matt Dillon and Tatum O’Neal — See Her Now

Kristy McNichol: From Teen Star to Private Life
[Image: Kristy McNichol in her 1980s prime, smiling in a candid shot. Caption: "Kristy McNichol charmed audiences with her roles in 1970s-80s TV and film."]

Kristy McNichol rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a beloved TV and movie star. Known for her infectious grin and tomboy charm, she became a household name playing Letitia “Buddy” Lawrence on the hit drama Family (1976–1980), earning two Emmys by age 18. Her portrayal of a spirited teen navigating family struggles resonated widely, cementing her status as a rising talent.

Career Highlights
McNichol’s versatility shone in projects like the 1978 TV movie Summer of My German Soldier and the 1980 cult classic Little Darlings, where she starred alongside Tatum O’Neal as teens competing to lose their virginity at summer camp. The role made her a teen idol. She also appeared in The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1980) with Dennis Quaid and Mark Hamill, and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Only When I Laugh (1981).

[Image: Kristy and Tatum O’Neal in Little Darlings. Caption: "McNichol (left) and O’Neal in the coming-of-age classic Little Darlings (1980)."]

On TV, she guest-starred in Starsky & Hutch, CHiPs, and The Love Boat, while dominating ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars with her athleticism. She even ventured into music, releasing an album with brother Jimmy McNichol in 1980.

Struggles with Fame
Behind the scenes, McNichol battled the pressures of child stardom. By 1982, she faced burnout, later telling People she felt “on the brink of emotional collapse” while filming Just the Way You Are. Depression, weight loss, and anxiety plagued her, exacerbated by industry exploitation and personal identity struggles. Tabloids sensationalized her 1982 hiatus, but she returned briefly to TV in shows like Empty Nest (1988–1992), exiting after a bipolar disorder diagnosis.

[Image: McNichol and Mark Hamill in The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. Caption: "McNichol with co-star Mark Hamill in the 1981 drama."]

Retirement and Later Life
McNichol retired in 2001, focusing on teaching acting and charity work. She avoided the spotlight until 2012, when she came out as lesbian, revealing her 20-year relationship with Martie Allen. “I want to be open about who I am,” she said, hoping to inspire LGBTQ+ youth.

[Image: McNichol during a 2025 power walk in LA. Caption: "McNichol, now 61, enjoys a low-key life in Los Angeles."]

Legacy
Today, McNichol lives quietly in Sherman Oaks, spotted occasionally on walks in casual attire—a far cry from her glittering Hollywood past. Her journey from teen star to advocate underscores the highs and lows of fame, leaving a legacy of resilience.

[Image: McNichol in her Family era. Caption: "As ‘Buddy’ Lawrence, McNichol won two Emmys and America’s heart."]

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