Kristy McNichol was a household name in the 70s and 80s. The child star had one of the most prominent roles in TV history, portraying Buddy Lawrence in the critically acclaimed show Family.
McNichol quit acting two decades ago, disappearing from the public eye. However, in 2012, the former actress decided to come out as a lesbian, announcing her long-term relationship with Martie Allen.
So, who is Martie Allen? And how did the pair meet? Keep on reading to learn all about the production assistant and partner of Kristy McNichol. Let’s dive in!
Martie Allen Biography
Martie Allen was born on January 1, 1960, making her a Capricorn. She was born in the United States.
From a young age, Allen became infatuated with show business. She knew she wanted a career working on TV and film projects. However, her love for TV was more technical. The producer preferred to work backstage rather than in front of the camera.
There’s little information available on Allen’s upbringing and family, as she prefers to keep her life out of the public eye.
Martie Allen Career
Martie Allen made her Hollywood dreams a reality by becoming a production assistant and stage manager. This took a lot of work to achieve, as most careers in the entertainment industry are incredibly competitive.
What’s more, things couldn’t be simple for a woman in such a cutthroat industry, especially as an LGBTQ person. Yet, Allen was resilient in following her dreams. She worked on numerous hit TV shows and movies, including:
- The Love Boat (1976 – 1990)
- The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986 – 2011)
- Golden Girls (1985 – 1992)
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2004 – 2022)
While working on these TV sets, she met many celebrities, including her current partner, Kristy McNichol.
McNichol might have disappeared from Hollywood for the past couple of decades. Yet, Allen and McNichol didn’t completely stop working in show business. Martie Allen continued her thriving career as a stage director and production assistant.
On the other hand, Kristy McNichol took to teaching. Since her retirement, she’s been teaching acting classes in a private school in Los Angeles, passing on her knowledge to eager young actors.
Martie Allen’s Personal Life
Martie Allen might have worked closely with some of the most prominent names in Hollywood. That said, the production assistant has managed to keep her life away from the media buzz.
If it weren’t for her relationship with Kristy McNichol, Martie Allen might have managed to keep her name entirely out of the headlines.
Relationship with Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen met in the 80s, when McNichol had just wrapped up filming her hit TV show, Family. While we don’t know the exact timeline of their relationship, we can assume that McNichol and Allen met while working on their respective shows.
This was when McNichol landed a leading role in the American sitcom Empty Nest. The 1988 show was a spin-off of the hit series Golden Girls, which Martie Allen worked on.
Then, McNichol frequented the Golden Girls set, appearing in a couple of episodes. The pair hit it off right away and are still going strong.
Not only was the LGBTQ community less accepted back in the day but both McNichol and Allen were still in their early twenties. Naturally, the pair were still in the process of understanding themselves. So, they didn’t publicize their relationship.
Allen has been with McNichol through it all. The child star has been under pressure due to starting a career at such a young age. Additionally, she was the sole provider for her family.
This will take a toll on a person. In 1982, McNichol suffered a mental breakdown while filming the movie Just the Way You Are in Paris. It had gotten to the point where Kristy would cry on set every day and ultimately not return to filming for a year.
The media suspected that fame and criticism were the reason for McNichol’s outbursts. Yet, these were just a tiny part of the issue.
In 1992, McNichol quit The Empty Nest after getting her bipolar disorder diagnosis. She disappeared from the media, but Allen was beside her every step of the way.
Afterward, Kristy focused on her mental health and personal relationships. Finally, she quit acting in 2001, stating her publicist. She said the following:
“So many fans are disappointed that I’m not currently acting; however, some may not realize that the process I’m in is necessary and vital for my happiness and well-being.”
While fans were sad about McNichol’s absence from their screens, they supported her decision to focus on her well-being.
Coming Out
Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen first made headlines in 2012 when McNichol publicly came out as a lesbian.
The former actress revealed that she’s been out to her family and friends since the late 80s. Additionally, she’s been in a committed relationship with the production assistant, and the couple has been living together since the 90s.
The media and fans congratulated the couple on their bravery. Some eager fans even believed this signaled McNichol’s return to Hollywood.
However, Kristy’s purpose wasn’t to draw media attention or make a comeback. Instead, she wanted to inspire young fans struggling because of their sexuality. The actress hoped her openness would encourage anyone in the LGBTQ community who faces bullying.
The couple currently reside in Los Angeles, California, as both women work there. They have two dogs.
Martie Allen Social Media
In this digital age, it’s hard to imagine anyone without at least one social media account. Martie Allen and her long-time partner have avoided social media.
While Kristy McNichol has numerous fan accounts dedicated to her, neither has any social media presence.
FAQs
What Does Martie Allen Do?
Martie Allen is a production assistant and stage manager. Her job entails connecting all departments on set with each other and ensuring smooth filming. She also works closely with talent and actors, which explains how Allen and McNichol hit it off quickly.
How Many Children Do Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen Have?
Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen don’t have any children. The pair have lived together since the 90s and managed to create a little family. Yet, the only children Allen and McNichol have are two fur babies, their miniature Dachshunds.
Why Did Kristy McNichol Quit Acting?
Kristy McNichol has been in the spotlight ever since she was just 14 years old. Growing up in Hollywood took a toll on her mental health. Additionally, she struggled with mood disorders since she was a child, eventually getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992.
As if that wasn’t enough, McNichol was in the closet throughout her career. Finally, she decided to step away and focus on her well-being.
Final Thoughts
Kristy McNichol shocked the public when she came out as a lesbian in 2012. Yet, her partner, Martie Allen, was catapulted into the spotlight, with the media and fans eager to know more about the former actress’s long-term partner.
Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol met on set, as Allen was a TV production assistant. They quickly fell in love and moved together in the 90s. Since then, the couple have happily supported each other, residing in their Los Angeles home.
