Little Darlings star Kristy McNichol has been away from the entertainment industry for the past 20 years and has decided that the time is right to reveal that she is a lesbian.
Her motivation is compelling–she wants to help children who are being bullied.
Kristy, 49, and her partner Martie Allen have lived together for the past two decades. With her 50th birthday approaching she is finally ready to tell the world officially that she is gay, while most have assumed as much for years.
McNichol’s publicist Jeff Ballard spoke with People and revealed that his client, “is very sad about kids being bullied. She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”
In the 70’s Kristy played Buddy Lawrence on the hit sitcom Family and then Barbara Weston in Empty Nest. Then she walked away to fight her demons including a near-death scuba-diving accident, drug addiction and mental health problems stemming from bi-polar disorder.
Her life is on track now thanks to tennis, yoga, travel and her miniature dachshunds. Ballard added that, “She is very happy and healthy. And she enjoys living a very private life.”
You can view a photo of Kristy and her partner Martie here.
Photo Credit: WENN