Quotable Quote of the Month

What does it take for Republicans to take off the flag pin and say, 'I am just too embarrassed to be on this team'?".- Bill Maher

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Former Actress Kristy McNichol Comes Out

Kristy McNichol, who gained fame in the 1970s as "wise beyond her years" teen Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence on the ABC drama Family, has come out publicly as a lesbian. According to a People.com story, McNichol decided to come out because she wants to help kids who are being bullied. Jeff Ballard, McNichol's publicist, says she hopes her coming out can help kids who need support. Coincidentally, actress Meredith Baxter (who played McNichol's older sister Nancy on Family) came out in 2009.

Now 49, McNichol (who won two Emmys for her work on Family) has been out of the limelight for most of the last two decades. Her last major role was as Barbara, the undercover cop daughter of Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan) on the NBC sitcom Empty Nest. Since retiring from the screen, she has taught acting at a private school in L.A. and devoted much of her time to charity work. Below is a recent photo of McNichol with Marti Allen, also 49, her partner for two decades.


Below is the 1977 episode of Family titled "An Eye to the Future". Guest starring James Woods, this episode includes a subplot in which Buddy (McNichol) gets into the CB radio craze.

6 comments:

pjazzypar said...

She kind of came out years ago (or maybe she was outted). Anyhow, kudos to buddy! I wish she would return to Hollywood because she was a talent from youth. Empty Nest wasn't really the same without Barbara :-)

Malcolm said...

Pjazzy: I wasn't surprised by Kristy recently coming out. Maybe that's because she was outed awhile back.

I'd like to see her return to acting someday. With her name being in the news again, I wouldn't be surprised if Hollywood gives her a call.

Derek Oladapo-Hughes said...

How come people dont wanna see that people are gay or lesbian long time before them coming out.I have a gaydar and i can tell you who is and who isnt.Afterall there isnt anything wrong with being gay derek o l a 5 4 @ y a h o o .c o m

Malcolm said...

Derek: I won't speak for anyone else, but I don't think it's always obvious that a person is gay until they come out. Zachary Quinto, Chely Wright, Kelly McGillis, and Matt Bomer are just a few of the celebs who surprised me with their revelation that they are gay. If you knew they were before they came out, maybe there is such a thing as a gaydar. :-) Thanks for stopping by.

Rebecca said...

I think it's great that she wants to champion the bullied youth, more people should. I enjoyed her in roles and grew up with her. Her character on Family frequently championed others struggles. The fact that she "outed herself" isn't a surprise. I think the best way for her to "wake more of society up" regarding issues which are close to her; mental illness, sexuality, bullying-go on ELLEN! Luv you, Kristy:)

Malcolm said...

Rebecca: Thanks for stopping by. That would be awesome if Kristy went on "Ellen" or some other talk show to discuss bullying.

Good call on what you also said about Buddy on "Family". One of my favorite episodes is where Buddy sees an elderly lady shoplifting (because she can't afford food) and decides to help her.