biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (February 2009) Kristy McNichol Born Christina Ann McNichol September 11, 1962 (1962-09-11) (age 48) Los Angeles, California, U.S. Occupation Actress Years active 1973 — 1998 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..