Kristy McNichol is An American Actress

Christina Ann "Kristy" McNichol (born September 11, 1962, in Los Angeles, California) is a American actress who has since retired from the industry. She is best known for her roles as, "Letitia 'Buddy' Lawrence," on the TV drama, Family, and as, "Barbara Weston," on the sitcom Empty Nest.She is also the sister of former child actor Jimmy McNichol. McNichol retired from acting when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992.

Kristy McNichol began her career appearing with her brother, Jimmy, in commercials and later on her own in guest appearances on such series as Starsky and Hutch, The Bionic Woman, Love American Style and The Love Boat. Her first stint as a series regular came with the role of, "Patricia Apple," in the short-lived ABC television series, Apple's Way (1973). The McNichol children got a break when Desi Arnaz offered their mother an opportunity for her talented children to be in the television industry.

In 1976, McNichol got another huge break being cast as, "Buddy," in the television drama series, Family (1976-80), for which the actress earned Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series in 1977 and 1979. Many future actors and actresses also guest starred on the show, including Michael J. Fox and Leif Garrett. The popular drama series was considered a breakthrough for its time in dealing with real life issues and was television producer Aaron Spelling's favorite of all his productions. McNichol was considered the series' main drawing attraction that catapulted her into teen-icon status within a few short years.In 1988, McNichol played the character of, "Barbara Weston," on the NBC's Empty Nest. McNichol left in 1992 when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.McNichol returned to the series for its final episode in 1995.