80s’ icon Kristy McNichol, best known for her roles on the TV show “Family” and in hit movies “Paper Moon” and “Little Darlings,” publicly announced she is a lesbian over the weekend in People Magazine.
McNichol, who became a household name while playing Buddy Lawrence in the hit ’70s show “Family,” for which she won an Emmy, and later Barbara Weston on the “Golden Girls” spin-off “Empty Nest,” told People that she decided to disclose her sexuality because she is “approaching 50” and wants to “be open about who I am.”
McNichol, who has lived with partner Martie Allen for almost two decades, is also “very sad about kids being bullied, ” People reports. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support.”