The Untold Truth About Kristy McNichol's 'Husband' Today: A Life Of Privacy, Partnership, And Peace

The question of who Kristy McNichol's "husband" is today remains one of the most persistent and curious searches for fans of the former child star from *Family* and *Empty Nest*. The simple, yet profound, answer is that the Emmy-winning actress does not have a husband. Instead, she has found decades of quiet happiness and stability with her long-term partner, Martie Allen. This revelation, made public in 2012, was a powerful statement of self-acceptance and a pivot point in her post-Hollywood life.

As of late 2025, Kristy McNichol is living a deeply private and fulfilling life away from the Hollywood spotlight, a decision she made over two decades ago to prioritize her mental health and personal well-being. Her journey from being one of the most recognizable faces of the 1970s and 1980s to a dedicated advocate for privacy is a compelling narrative of resilience, partnership, and finding true peace.

Kristy McNichol: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Kristy McNichol's career was one of the most successful and tumultuous of the era, marked by early fame and a premature retirement. Her story is intertwined with her brother, Jimmy McNichol, as they became teen idols and fixtures in pop culture.

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• Full Name: Christina Ann McNichol
• Date of Birth: September 11, 1962
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2025): 63
• Siblings: Jimmy McNichol (brother, actor)
• Partner: Martie Allen (since the early 1990s)
• Notable Roles: Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence in *Family* (1976–1980), Angel Bright in *Little Darlings* (1980), Polly in *Only When I Laugh* (1981), Barbara Weston in *Empty Nest* (1988–1992, 1995)
• Major Awards: Two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for *Family* (1977, 1979).
• Retirement: Officially retired from acting in 2001.
• Public Coming Out: Came out as a lesbian in 2012.

McNichol’s rise to fame was meteoric. Her role as Buddy Lawrence on the drama series *Family* earned her two Emmy Awards before she was 18, making her one of the youngest Emmy winners in history. This success led to major film roles, including the iconic teen comedy *Little Darlings* alongside Tatum O'Neal, and a Golden Globe nomination for the film *Only When I Laugh*.

The transition to adult roles proved challenging, and she later found renewed success on television as Barbara Weston on the hit sitcom *Empty Nest*. However, the pressures of Hollywood and a grueling schedule began to take a toll on her mental health, leading to a pivotal change in her life's direction.

The Truth About Kristy McNichol's Partner: Martie Allen

The search query for Kristy McNichol’s "husband" is ultimately a search for her significant other and the stability she has built in her private life. That person is Martie Allen, her long-term partner of over 30 years.

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The Decision to Go Public

Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen began their relationship in the early 1990s, but they kept it private for decades as McNichol navigated her career and the intense public scrutiny that came with it. In 2012, McNichol made the decision to publicly come out as a lesbian and introduce Martie Allen to the world. She made the announcement to combat bullying and to help young people struggling with their own identity.

Her representative stated that McNichol was "very sad about the bullying of young people" and hoped her openness would "help any struggling kid out there". This brave, late-career statement cemented her legacy as a private person who chose to use her platform for good when it truly mattered.

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Who is Martie Allen?

Martie Allen is as private as McNichol, with limited public information available about her background. Sources indicate she was born in 1960, making her close in age to Kristy, and has been described as a former actress, television personality, or potentially involved in a psychology practice. Regardless of her former profession, Martie is primarily known as Kristy's devoted partner and a constant source of support for the actress.

Their relationship is the cornerstone of Kristy McNichol’s life today. They share a quiet, comfortable existence in Los Angeles, a stark contrast to the chaotic, public life Kristy led during her acting years. While some sources refer to Martie as her "spouse," the most consistent and respectful description is her long-term partner, a relationship that has provided the stability Kristy needed for decades.

Kristy McNichol’s Life After Hollywood: Bipolar Disorder and Finding Peace

The intense curiosity surrounding Kristy McNichol's private life is often linked to her abrupt departure from the entertainment industry. Her retirement was not a choice made lightly but a necessary step to manage her health and well-being.

The Battle with Bipolar Disorder

Throughout her career, Kristy McNichol struggled with mental health issues. She was officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the early 1990s. This diagnosis provided clarity for the difficulties she had experienced while working. The disorder, characterized by extreme mood swings and fluctuations in energy, made the demanding schedule and high-pressure environment of Hollywood unsustainable.

She took a hiatus from *Empty Nest* in 1992 to focus on her health. After a few attempts at a comeback, she made the definitive choice to retire from acting in 2001. This decision was a powerful act of self-care, allowing her to step away from the public eye and manage her condition in a low-stress environment.

Current Activities and Private Life

Today, Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen enjoy a life centered on privacy, health, and quiet pursuits. They reside in Los Angeles but are known to spend time traveling and focusing on wellness activities like yoga.

McNichol has occasionally participated in charity events and has been reported to teach acting at a private school, allowing her to share her vast knowledge of the craft without the pressures of being a working actress. Her life is a testament to the fact that happiness can be found away from the spotlight, prioritizing mental health and the enduring strength of a long-term partnership.

The story of Kristy McNichol today is not about a "husband" or a glamorous Hollywood comeback. It is a story of personal triumph over adversity, the quiet power of a committed, decades-long relationship with Martie Allen, and the peace that comes from choosing a private, authentic life over public fame. She remains an iconic figure whose legacy is now defined not just by her Emmy-winning performances, but by her courageous honesty and her enduring commitment to her own well-being.