Kristy McNichol - Actor Profile

Kristy McNichol

Acting
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
28Total Films
6.8 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 11, 1962
Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, USA

About Kristy McNichol

​Christina Ann "Kristy" McNichol (born September 11, 1962) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Leticia “Buddy” Lawrence on the television drama series Family and as Barbara Weston on the sitcom Empty Nest. She is also the sister of former child actor Jimmy McNichol. McNichol retired from acting when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992. Description above from the Wikipedia article Kristy McNichol, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Kristy McNichol Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Kristy McNichol reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 28 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Kristy McNichol's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 14% of Kristy McNichol's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Children of the Bride, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Kristy McNichol Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kristy McNichol's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Kristy McNichol has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1993 Mother of the Bride Mary Average Similar →
1991 Baby of the Bride Mary Average Similar →
1990 Children of the Bride Mary Hit Similar →
1989 The Forgotten One Barbara Stupple Flop Similar →
1988 Two Moon Junction Patti Jean Average Similar →
1988 You Can't Hurry Love Rhonda Flop Similar →
1986 Women of Valor T.J. Nolan Hit Similar →
1986 Dream Lover Kathy Gardner Flop Similar →
1985 Love, Mary Mary Groda-Lewis Flop Similar →
1984 Just the Way You Are Susan Berlanger Average Similar →
1982 The Pirate Movie Mabel Stanley Flop Similar →
1982 White Dog Julie Sawyer Hit Similar →
1982 I Love Liberty Self Flop Similar →
1981 Only When I Laugh Polly Average Similar →
1981 The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia Amanda Child Average Similar →
1981 Sam Fuller: Writings with a Camera Herself Flop Similar →
1980 Blinded by the Light Janet Bowers Flop Similar →
1980 Little Darlings Angel Hit Similar →
1979 My Old Man Jo Butler Flop Similar →
1978 The Carpenters: A Christmas Portrait Self Flop Similar →
1978 Summer of My German Soldier Patty Bergen Average Similar →
1978 Like Mom, Like Me Jennifer Gruen Flop Similar →
1978 The End Julie Lawson Average Similar →
1978 Rock 'n' Roll Sports Classic Self Flop Similar →
1977 The Carpenters at Christmas Self Flop Similar →
1977 The Pinballs Carlie Higgins Flop Similar →
1977 US Against the World Self Flop Similar →
1977 Love Boat II Linda Morley Flop Similar →

Kristy McNichol - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kristy McNichol?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kristy McNichol is "Children of the Bride" with a rating of 6.8/10.

How many movies has Kristy McNichol acted in?

Kristy McNichol has been featured in at least 28 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kristy McNichol?

Other notable films include "Women of Valor", "White Dog", and "Little Darlings".

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