Christina Ann "Kristy" McNichol (born September 11, 1962) is a former American actress. She is best known for her roles as Leticia 'Buddy' Lawrence on the television drama series 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.

Life and career

McNichol was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Carollyne, a business manager and actress, and Jim McNichol, a carpenter.www.filmreference.com/film/45/Kristy-McNichol.html Her father was Scottish and her mother of Palestinian background. McNichol appeared with her brother Jimmy in commercials and later, on her own, in guest appearances on such other series as Starsky and Hutch, The Bionic Woman, Love American Style and The Love Boat thanks to family friend Desi Arnaz. Her first stint as a series regular came with the role of Patricia Apple in the short-lived CBS television series Apple's Way (1974).