Kristy McNichol is an American actress, comedian, producer, and singer. She might be the best known for her roles in a sitcom television series Empty Nest, a teen comedy drama film Little Darlings, and a comedy drama film Only When I Laugh. She starred as Lititia Buddy Lawrence in the TV drama Family, and that role earned her two Emmy Awards. Let’s learn more about her life, career, and earnings.

Early Life

On 11th September, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, James and Carolyn McNichol welcomed their daughter Christina Ann McNichol into this world. She is of Irish and Lebanese descent. Her father was a carpenter, while her mother worked different jobs to support family, and those include being a secretary, cosmetics salesperson, and movie extra. McNichol has two brothers, Jimmy McNichol, who is also an actor and singer, and Tommy McNichol. When she was six years old, her parents got divorced, which was hard for her. The custody of the three children was taken up by her mother. McNichol and her older brother Jimmy were putting a lot efforts to increase the level of performance they could deliver, and they used to appear in some commercials as children.

Career

McNichol ‘s career started at a young age. She was only six years old when she first appeared in the commercials and later in TV shows. In 1974, McNichol made her television debut in a drama Apple’s Way. At that time she was only 12 years old. Two years later, she landed the role which earned her two Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series. The role was in the television drama series Family. In 1977, she performed several musical numbers during her appearance in the TV special, The Carpenters at Christmas, and a year later, she recorded the album Kristy and Jimmy McNichol for RCA Records. The same year, the siblings performed in a second holiday special, called The Carpenters: A Christmas Portrait.

In 1977, McNichol’s film career began. She acted in a thriller film Black Sunday, but her scenes were cut during editing. This didn’t discourage her, and one year later, she starred in the black comedy film, The End. In 1980, her performance in the hit movie Little Darlings, was acclaimed by many reviewers. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Only When I Laugh (1981). She was also nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress for her perfromance in a 1982 Australian musical romantic comedy film The Pirate Movie. Four years later, she starred in television war drama film about World War II, Women of Valor, portraying T.J. Nolan.
So far, McNichol appeared in 22 films, and 19 television shows.
In 2011, at the age of 39, she decided to retire from acting. The reason for it was that she was unable to keep up with the level of performances she committed herself with, because of her bipolar disorder. After her retirement, McNichol’s taught acting at a private school in Los Angeles.

Private Life

McNichol’s personal and love life was a mystery until people learned that she is in a relationship with her girfriend Martie Allen.

Net Worth

Kristy McNichol’s net worth is estimated up to $7 million.