Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol is an American actress and former child star known for Family (ABC, 1976–1980, two Emmy Awards), Little Darlings (1980), and Empty Nest (NBC, 1988–1995). She came out as lesbian in 2012 through her publicist, stating she hoped doing so would help young people struggling with their identity — she had retired from acting years earlier and lived privately. Her coming out was warmly received and she noted that she had been in a long-term relationship with a woman for many years.