Biography Season 20 Episode 2 Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol was one of Hollywood's most popular and successful child actors of the 1970s and 1980s. In this episode of Biography, viewers will be taken on a journey through McNichol's life and career, from her early days as a child model to her rise to fame in popular TV shows like "Family" and "Empty Nest."

Born in 1962 in California, McNichol was raised in a showbiz family. Her mother was a theater actress, and her brother Jimmy was a well-known child actor. McNichol's own career began when she was just six years old, after being discovered by a talent scout. She quickly found success as a child model and appeared in numerous print ads and TV commercials.

McNichol's big break came in 1976, when she was cast as Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence in the hit TV show "Family." The show was a critical and commercial success, and McNichol's performance as the tomboyish Buddy earned her numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards. After "Family" ended in 1980, McNichol continued to work steadily in film and television.

In the mid-1980s, McNichol was cast in the popular TV show "Empty Nest," which aired from 1988 to 1995. She played the role of Barbara Weston, the daughter of Dr. Harry Weston (played by Richard Mulligan). The show was a spinoff of the popular series "The Golden Girls," and was a hit with viewers. McNichol's portrayal of Barbara earned her a third Emmy nomination.

Despite her success, McNichol was often plagued by personal struggles. She battled depression and anxiety, and in 1992, she announced that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She retired from acting in 1998, and has largely remained out of the spotlight since then.

Viewers of this episode of Biography will gain insight into McNichol's life both on and off screen, as friends and former co-stars share their memories of working with her. They will also learn about McNichol's decision to retire from acting, and the role that her mental health struggles played in that decision.

Throughout the episode, viewers will see clips from McNichol's most memorable performances, including scenes from "Family" and "Empty Nest." They will also hear from McNichol herself, who reflects on her career and shares her thoughts on the entertainment industry.

Overall, this episode of Biography is a fascinating look at the life and career of one of Hollywood's most beloved child stars. Whether you grew up watching "Family" or remember McNichol from her later work on "Empty Nest," you won't want to miss this in-depth profile of a talented and complex actress.