Carnie Wilson Fangirls Over Teen Idol Kristy McNichol

Carnie Wilson, a member of the pop trio Wilson Phillips, recently encountered teen idol Kristy McNichol and shared her excitement on Facebook. Wilson described McNichol as a "gracious sweetie," recalling the profound impact her movies, particularly "Little Darlings," had on her youth. McNichol, born in Los Angeles, rose to prominence in the 1970s with roles in popular TV series like "Starsky & Hutch" and "Family." Her portrayal of "Buddy" Lawrence in "Family" earned her two Emmy Awards. She later gained further recognition for her role in the NBC sitcom "Empty Nest."

In 2001, McNichol announced her retirement from Hollywood after a 24-year career, stating her desire to focus on playing the role of herself and prioritizing personal happiness. She shifted her attention to personal passions such as tennis, yoga, and travel. In 2012, McNichol publicly shared that she was in a long-term relationship with Martie Allen, making the announcement to support children facing bullying and to offer help to others who feel different.