Kristy McNichol: ‘Empty Nest’ Star Explains Why She Walked Away From Hollywood


Kristy McNichol had already been in show business for more than two decades by the time she hit 30 and was wearing thin from the pressures it brought, so in the 1990s, the Love Boat actress decided it was time to take a step away.

As one of the most popular actresses of the 1970s and 1980s, McNichol could have become a mega-star, but instead opted to take a break from show business to “see what else was out there.”

“I was on the big stage between ages 8 and 30,” McNichol, 52, told People magazine. “I left show business for a variety of reasons, but a big one was my interest in learning what else there is in life.”

Kristy McNichol said being away from Hollywood for the first time since she was a child was an eye-opening experience.

“This phase of my life is so good,” she says. “My home life is happy and serene. I love singing. I also enjoy traveling and seeing the world. One of my favorite stops is Hawaii. I like everything about it and may eventually move there part-time.”

The break was much-needed. McNichol said she began to struggle with drug abuse, and a bi-polar diagnosis made the pressures of Hollywood even more to handle.

The star of Family and Empty Nest may have had other motivation for walking away from Hollywood for a bit. In 2012, McNichol came out to People, magazine, telling the outlet that she wanted to “be open about who I am.”

Kristy’s publicist, Jeff Ballard, added that the actress was familiar with the pressure that can come with being gay and facing bullies.

“[Kristy] is very sad about kids being bullied,” Ballard said in 2012. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”

Kristy McNichol said she could still have a future in show business. When asked if she might ever return to acting, Kristy told People magazine, “Never say never.”

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