Kristy McNichol Comes Out as Gay to Help End Child Bullying
Child star Kristy McNichol has revealed she is a lesbian over the weekend in an attempt to help bullied gay children.
McNichol, best known for her role as Barbara Weston on the NBC hit sitcom “Empty Nest,” retired from the media spotlight in the late 1990s. The two-time Emmy-award winning actress is making the bullying of gay youth her newest project.
“She is 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,” Jeff Ballard, McNichol’s publicist, told People.com.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Ballard added that McNichol has been living with her partner, Martie Allen, for 20 years.
In 2001, McNichols released this statement about taking refuge in a normal life.
"A lot of people have wondered what I've been up to. I retired from my career after 24 years. My feeling was that it was time to play my biggest part – Myself! I must say that it has been the best thing that ever happened to me. So many fans are disappointed that I'm not currently acting, however some may not realize that the process I'm in at this time is necessary and vital for my personal happiness and well-being.”
McNichol currently lives in Los Angeles, Ca., and has devoted most of her time to charity and teaching acting at a private school since her retirement.
McNichol, 49, recently released a photo of herself with her partner on an evening out, stating that she is “approaching 50” and now wishes to be “open about who I am.”
