Troubled Actress Kristy McNichol Comes Out As Gay

During the 1980's, Kristy McNichol was a popular actress on two TV shows, FAMILY and then late,r EMPTY NEST. But, then it was revealed that serious issues with bipolar disorder forced her to give up acting by the 1990's. She was also devastated by the loss of a close female friend to cancer. And, in 1992, McNichol had a near fatal scuba diving accident. Now McNichol is back in the news as coming out that she's gay.

McNichol's life has been through so many stages. It seems like yet another tragic story of a troubled child actor, who had to answer allegations of drug problems in addition to questions about her mental illness to the media before.

But, most TV viewers will forever remember her as that cute little intelligent girl from the small screen.