‘Family’ Cast Then and Now: See the Stars of the Show That Made Kristy McNichol Famous

Few shows have captured the essence of suburban American life as authentically and compellingly as Family. The television drama only aired on ABC from March 9, 1976 to June 25, 1980, but remains a cornerstone in the evolution of family-centered storytelling on the small screen, setting the stage for many shows that followed, among them Eight is Enough, Family Ties and Full House.

Created by renowned playwright Jay Presson Allen and produced by Leonard Goldberg, Aaron Spelling of Charlie’s Angels and Melrose Place fame, and The Graduate‘s Mike Nichols, Family offered a poignant look at the everyday lives of the fictional Lawrence family in Pasadena, California.

While it may not have been a blockbuster ratings hit during its 86-episode run, it garnered a loyal and dedicated audience that appreciated its realistic portrayal of middle-class family life and its handling of serious social issues.

The show centered around the Lawrence family — Kate Lawrence (Sada Thompson), Doug Lawrence (James Broderick), and their children Nancy (Meredith Baxter), Willie (Gary Frank), and Buddy (Kristy McNichol) — who served as a mirror to many viewers’ own lives. It also catapulted many of its cast members to fame, most notably Baxter and McNichol.

What set this show apart was its willingness to delve into the complexities of life with a sensitivity and depth rare for its time. Plotlines tackled issues such as divorce, death, and adolescent angst head-on, refusing to shy away from the often painful realities of these experiences. The show’s ability to connect with audiences personally and garner critical praise for most of its stars is a testament to its quality and the talent of its cast and crew.

If you were a fan of the Lawrence Family, you may wonder about its star cast members and where they are now. Read on for the latest details on McNichols, Baxter and the others who helped make Family a huge success.

Sada Thompson as Kate Lawrence

On Family, Thompson portrayed Kate Lawrence, the loving, intelligent, and understanding mother who balanced the complexities of raising her children with grace and wisdom. The role earned the actress widespread acclaim, recognition, and even an Emmy award. Before that, she was a celebrated stage actress who was highly regarded for her ability to take on challenging and diverse roles.

After Family, Lawrence appeared in the critically acclaimed miniseries Roots: The Next Generation and the film Pollock. She sadly died of lung disease at her home in Danbury, Connecticut, on May 4, 2011 at the age of 83.

James Broderick as Doug Lawrence: Family cast

Like Thompson, Broderick started in theater and is best known for his work on Family. James Broderick was married to Patricia Broderick, a playwright and painter. They had three children, including actor Matthew Broderick, known for his roles in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Producers.

Shortly after Family, Broderick succumbed to a battle with thyroid cancer. He was just 55 years old. His legacy lives on through his namesake, grandson James Wilkie Broderick.

Meredith Baxter as Nancy

Baxter played Nancy Lawrence Maitland, the eldest daughter of the Lawrence family. Her portrayal of Nancy, who returns home after a failed marriage, won praise from critics and brought her further into the spotlight, where she could move on to another successful TV show, Family Ties, as Elyse Keaton.

Baxter has appeared in numerous television series and movies, including The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, and Cold Case. The actress has been married four times and has five kids. In recent years, Baxter has advocated for LGBQT+ rights and has been vocal about her substance abuse issues. At 76 years old, she now leads a quiet life with her wife, Nancy, after beating breast cancer.

Gary Frank as Willie: Family cast

As the middle child, Willie is depicted as an aspiring writer who grapples with finding his identity and pursuing his dreams amidst the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. Frank tackled the role after a stint on the CBS show Sons and Daughters.

While Frank has appeared in various other television shows throughout his career, including The Waltons, The Rookies, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, Family remains his most memorable role and one for which he won an Emmy.

The 73-year-old has shied away from the spotlight recently, and little is known about his current activities.

Kristy McNichol as Buddy

Kristy McNichol was born in 1962 into an entertainment-oriented family. Her brother, Jimmy McNichol, also pursued an acting career, and later the two siblings released an album, 1978’s appropriately titled Kristy & Jimmy McNichol.

She began her career as a child actress, appearing in commercials and television guest roles. Her breakout part as the endearing Buddy scored her two Emmy awards and cemented her status as a Hollywood star.

Throughout the 1980s, McNichol went on to star in several made-for-TV movies, guest star in various TV shows, serve as a regular on the sitcom Empty Nest and star in the film Little Darlings. In the 1990s, McNichol withdrew from the public eye in favor of a quieter life with her partner, Martie Allen, and officially retired from acting in 2001.

McNichol has spoken openly about her struggles with revealing to the public that she was gay and battling bipolar disorder. Since her retirement, she has dabbled in teaching and has said she has no plans to return to the industry that made her a household name.