Former child star Ashley Johnson has detailed a harrowing incident where a fan armed with a gun attempted to abduct her during a live taping of the sitcom "Growing Pains" when she was seven years old. Johnson, now 42, who is also recognized for her roles in "What Women Want" and as Ellie in the "The Last of Us" video game series, played Chrissy Seaver on "Growing Pains" from 1990 to 1992.
During her early tenure on the show, Johnson recalled a fan writing in with threats to bring a gun and harm cast members. At the time, security protocols were less stringent, allowing audience members to be in close proximity to the actors. "It was in the first year I was on, and we had only done a couple of film nights," Johnson stated. She described exiting her trailer, which were basic camper trailers rather than the more elaborate ones used today, and passing by the audience before entering the studio.
It was during one such walk with her mother that a man emerged from the audience line, grabbed her, and began to run. "All I remember is like, there was security that somehow got on him after some time," Johnson recounted.
Johnson later learned that the individual was carrying a gun. "I was clueless as to what was happening, but I was very upset and they were talking to me about it after," she said. She recalled her polite childhood demeanor, telling her abductor, "Who are you, sir? What is your name? I was very pleased to meet you." Johnson noted the man was under the influence of a substance, describing him as being "so strong."
Johnson's first significant role was in the 1990 film "Lionheart." At six years old, she began portraying Kirk Cameron's younger sister on "Growing Pains" that same year and continued until 1992.
