Kristy McNichol, a prominent figure in television and film during the 1970s and 1980s, made a rare public appearance this week in a photograph shared by singer Carnie Wilson. The sighting comes 25 years after McNichol stepped away from her acting career.

Wilson, of Wilson Phillips, posted a selfie on Facebook featuring McNichol, expressing her admiration for the retired actress. "Totally fangirling!!!" Wilson wrote in the caption. "Kris (Kristy McNichol) was a part of my youth. I adored her in her movies... Especially Little Darlings and The End."

Wilson recounted telling McNichol how meaningful her films were to her and a close friend, adding that they had been discussing McNichol and "how special she is." The singer described McNichol as "a gracious sweetie" and stated that "She sure is loved."

In the photo, McNichol, 63, wore a blue and red fleece jacket, a white t-shirt, and gold earrings. Wilson, 58, donned a black top with a leaf pattern and a black beanie. Both women smiled for the camera.

McNichol began her career as a child actor, appearing in commercials and making guest spots on popular shows like "Starsky & Hutch" and "The Love Boat." Her first regular role was on the CBS drama "Apple's Way" from 1974 to 1975.

Her breakthrough came at age 14 in 1976 with the ABC drama "Family," where she played Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence. This role earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and established her as a major teen star.

McNichol expanded into films in 1977, appearing in the 1978 black comedy "The End" alongside Burt Reynolds and Sally Field. She received critical acclaim for her role as Angel Bright in the 1980 teen comedy-drama "Little Darlings," which also featured Tatum O'Neal, Matt Dillon, and Armand Assante. Her filmography also includes "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" (1980) and "Only When I Laugh" (1981), the latter earning her a Golden Globe nomination. She also starred in "The Pirate Movie" (1982), "Dream Lover" (1986), and "You Can't Hurry Love" (1988).

In 1986, McNichol returned to television as a regular on the sitcom "Empty Nest," a spin-off of "The Golden Girls." She made her final on-screen appearance in the 1995 season finale of "Empty Nest" after departing the show in 1992.

McNichol announced her retirement from acting in 2001, stating, "My feeling was that it was time to play my biggest part – myself!" She added that retiring had been "the best thing that ever happened to me" and that the transition was "necessary and vital for my personal happiness and well-being."

Since leaving the entertainment industry, McNichol has largely maintained a private life. In a 2014 interview with People magazine, she explained her departure from Hollywood was driven by a desire "to see what else was out there" and to explore life beyond show business. At the time, she shared that her home life was "happy and serene," and she enjoyed singing, traveling, and visiting Hawaii. McNichol did not rule out a potential return to acting, telling the magazine, "Never say never."