Carnie Wilson shared a selfie with Kristy McNichol, a beloved actress from the 1970s and '80s who largely retired from the entertainment industry in 2001. Wilson, 58, described the encounter as a "fangirl" moment, expressing her long-held admiration for McNichol.
"Kris (Kristy McNichol) was a part of my youth. I adored her in her movies … especially ‘Little Darlings’ and ‘The End,'" Wilson, of Wilson Phillips, wrote on Facebook. She told McNichol that her movies "are so meaningful to [her] and [her] bestie."
Wilson described the 63-year-old McNichol as a "gracious sweetie" and noted that she and her friend "were just talking about her … and how special" the actress is. The selfie, taken in late July, shows McNichol smiling, wearing a zip-up jacket and white t-shirt.
McNichol was a prominent child star, winning two Emmy Awards for her role as Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence on the television series "Family" from 1976 to 1980. She also starred as Barbara Weston in "Empty Nest," a spin-off of "The Golden Girls."
Her film career included roles as Angel in "Little Darlings" (1980) and Polly in "Only When I Laugh" (1981), the latter earning her a Golden Globe nomination. McNichol stepped away from acting in 2001, stating at the time that she wanted "to play my biggest part – myself!" She explained that this decision was "necessary and vital for my personal happiness."
In a 2014 interview with People, McNichol elaborated on her departure from show business, noting that after being in the industry from ages 8 to 30, she was interested in exploring other aspects of life. She described her post-acting life as "so good," filled with a happy home life, singing, and travel. While she hasn't ruled out a return to acting with a "never say never" sentiment, she emphasized her current contentment.