Kristy McNichol, 49, announced Friday she is a lesbian, and has decided to come out on the merits of helping children and youth who are struggling with bullying on account of their sexuality. McNichol is well-known for her Emmy Award-winning role on the 70s Show Family as Buddy Lawrence. She also starred in Empty Nest as Barbara Weston.
McNichol and her partner Martie Allen, 49, have lived together for 20 years.
The TV star has aimed to help youth in her coming out. She told PEOPLE that her “approaching 50” influenced her decision to share pictures and come out on the basis of “being open about who I am,” she says.
McNichol says she “is very sad about kids being bullied,” and her publicist added that “she hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”
CORRECTION: In a previous version, we incorrectly reported that McNichol starred in the TV show Facts of Life.
You wrote: “CORRECTION: In a previous version, we incorrectly reported that Nichols starred in the TV show Facts of Life.”
Shouldn’t you publish a correction to this correction?
Her last name is McNichol, not Nichols.