Kristy McNichol began her career with guest appearances on such series as "Starsky and Hutch" and "The Bionic Woman." Her first stint as a series regular came with the role of Patricia Apple in "Apple's Way" in the 1974 season. The following year she was cast as Buddy Lawrence in the acclaimed dramatic series "Family," for which the actress earned Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series in 1976 and 1978. Her television movie credits include "Woman of Valor," "Love, Mary," "Like Mom, Like Me," "Summer of My German Soldier" and "My Old Man." McNichol's feature film credits include "Two Moon Junction" with Louise Fletcher, "Just the Way You Are," "The End," "Only When I Laugh," "Little Darlings," "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" with Dennis Quaid and "The Pirate Movie." Kristy McNichol is host of the annual "Kristy McNichol Celebrity Tennis Tournament," benefitting the H.E.L.P. group for abused children in Los Angeles.



Was considered for a role in The Bad News Bears (1976), but lost it to Academy Award winner Tatum O'Neal. McNichol's role in one of the "ABC Afterschool Specials" (1972) "The Pinballs" was to advertise and promote the Halter Top fashions. She wore her personally designed halter tops on the show. Measurements: 33-24-34 (in 1981), (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine) Taught drama at a Los Angeles high school. Longtime friend of Elisabeth Brooks. Turned down the Brooke Shields role in Pretty Baby (1978), due to conflicts with "Family" (1976) producer Aaron Spelling.