Kristy McNichol Officially Comes Out to Help Bullied Kids

Fri, 2012-01-06 20:22

Child star Kristy McNichol, who is now 49, has officially come out of the closet to try to help kids who are being bullied, according to People.

She "is very sad about kids being bullied," her publicist Jeff Ballard told People. "She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different."

McNichol rose to fame in the 1970’s as the adorable tomboy Buddy in the television drama Family, in which Meredith Baxter, who came out as a lesbian in 2009, played her older sister.

According to People, McNichol has been with her partner Martie Allen for a close to two decades. McNichol sent a photo of her and Allen sidled up next to each other and looking happy to People with a note that read that she is “approaching 50” and wanted to “be open about who I am.”

McNichol also starred in the 1980 movie Little Darlings with Tatum O’Neal and in the television series Empty Nest in the late 1980’s.

In a vintage interview with People McNichol discussed what she called an “emotional breakdown,” that she attributed to a late reaction to child stardom.

She has been out of the public eye, with nothing showing up on her IMDB page since 1998, but she is happily living a private life, her publicist told People.

"She is very happy and healthy," says Ballard. "And she enjoys living a very private life."

View the picture of McNichol and her partner here.

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Erin Allan Mon, 2012-03-12 23:40

Kristy

As someone new to this world, and I apologize in advance for my naivete, but I am confused about why people hide the fact that they are lesbians. Doesn't doing that play into the idea that there is something wierd or shameful about it?

danny knoll Thu, 2012-01-26 13:27

Kristy and her ilk..

OK so why have all of the female,decade-older stars I had crushes on, as a little closeted choirboy, why have they all come out as Lesbian? Jodie,Kristy,..I even thought pretty much the whole Keaton Clan were hot: "Alex Keaton" AND his mom, the lovely and out Meridth Baxter...Justine Bateman, and Tatum O'Neil, we are waiting for your announcement, as well. I think it arose out being essentially raised by nuns, who were all really just one tennis match away from joining us in the light.nAnd I won't even bother being redundant with explaining that whole catholic priest/closet case connection.. Where the f*ck is a closet oddly-shaped enough for me to come out of?!!?! Where the F*ck is MY parade?!?!

Willie Lawrence Mon, 2012-01-09 14:47

Too Bad...

When your career has been over for this long you get desperate for attention. Its a shame be yourself and keep it to yourself.

Oliver Tue, 2012-01-10 16:33

Why should she keep it to 'herself' Willie?

She's being open about her life to save another teen from being bullied to death. I don't agree with your negative comment Willie. The world can do without people who think like you.

Tabitha Rials Mon, 2012-01-09 13:13

Kristy Gay??? lol

Oh come on....We've all known this years ago. Nothing new.. Why now? To really help someone else or to sell "A BOOK"???

kaaba Sun, 2012-01-08 22:11

couldnt be happier for Kristy

wow, I remember watching this movie over n over; just the way you are". I had a crush on Kristy...didnt even know I was gay myself...just loved seeing her in that movie. It feels great to know she is happy and in good health. Hugs from NY

Salty Sat, 2012-01-07 22:08

Old News ...

Kristy and Jodi were no surprise to me because I was on to them when they were ten. Both were cute and talented. Who couldn't notice that Kristy looked more comfortable on camera with Tatum than she did with Matt. I didn't watch the other movies where Kristy was involved with a man. I just didn't want to see that. :) I didn't see the movie Moon Junction but the best part was probably when Kristy danced with a woman (youtube). Wow, a real lesbian actually was in a film where she got to dance with a woman instead of a man. I still enjoy my Ellen videos where E had a girlfriend and watch them instead of the subtext shows that I've read about but not interested enough to watch - except for R&I - which I don't watch for the subtext. I'm glad that Kristy is doing well. As much as I would like to see her back on a tv series of her own - I hope she continues to stay away from hollywood if that is what is best for her. Miss your talent Kristy. Take care.http://saltyspoetictales-salty.blogspot.com

Meredith Cunningham Sat, 2012-01-07 17:59

I support your bravery

It takes courage to stand up and do something like this. Thank you for helping these kids!

Karen S Sat, 2012-01-07 17:51

Kristy Comes Out

Good on you, Kristy! Be happy!

NicBie Sat, 2012-01-07 02:44

No surprises - GOOD ON YOU KRISTIE!

I always felt a fond kinship to 'Buddy' growing and my Mum always used to say how much that character reminded her of me. I am also all 'growed up' now and choose to live privately out of the closet. I only yesterday looked for some news of you and have expected THIS news for years. No surprises and very brave. All the best and I hope you get to view this message Kristie!