Rarely-seen ’80s star Kristy McNichol makes surprise appearance in selfie with ‘fangirl’ Carnie Wilson

Rarely-seen ’80s star Kristy McNichol makes surprise appearance in selfie with ‘fangirl’ Carnie Wilson

Carnie Wilson had a “fangirl” moment running into Kristy McNichol, decades after the actress’ retirement.

“Totally fangirling!!!” the singer, 58, recently gushed via Facebook. “Kris ( Kristy McNichol) was a part of my youth. I adored her in her movies … especially ‘Little Darlings’ and ‘The End.’”

The Wilson Phillips member told McNichol, who left the entertainment industry in 2001, “how meaningful her movies are to [her] and [her] bestie.”

Carnie Wilson posed with rarely-seen ’80s star Kristy McNichol in a July 20 selfie. Carnie Wilson/Facebook
She called the retired actress (pictured above in April 1978) a major “part of [her] youth.” Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Carnie noted in the July 20 upload that she and her pal “were just talking about her … and how special” the 63-year-old is.

Calling McNichol a “gracious sweetie,” she concluded that the “Bionic Woman” star “sure is loved.”

She snapped a selfie with the rarely-seen star, with McNichol smiling in a zip-up jacket and white tee.

The singer (pictured above in July 15) admitted via Facebook she was “totally fangirling.” carnie68/Instagram
Wilson (pictured above on May 19) gushed over the 63-year-old’s “meaningful” work. Getty Images

Carnie, for her part, sported a patterned top and a black beanie in the cozy shot.

McNichol was a child star, who won two Emmys for her role as Letitia “Buddy” Lawrence on “Family” between 1976 and 1980.

Her other notable TV role included Barbara Weston in “Empty Nest,” a “Golden Girls” spinoff.

Wilson dubbed McNichol (pictured above in July 1977) a “gracious sweetie.” Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
McNichol (pictured above in April 1978) is a child star, known for her work on “Family,” “Little Darlings” and more. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

She is best known for playing Angel in “Little Darlings” in 1980 and Polly in “Only When I Laugh” the following year.

McNichol was nominated for a Golden Globe for the latter.

When she retired from the entertainment industry, McNichol released a statement reading, “My feeling was that it was time to play my biggest part – myself! I must say that it has been the best thing that ever happened to me. So many fans are disappointed that I’m not currently acting; however, some may not realize that the process I’m in at this time is necessary and vital for my personal happiness.”

She chatted with People about the decision in 2014.

The “Empty Nest” alum (pictured above in October 2019) retired in 2001. Getty Images
At the time, McNichol (pictured above in October 2016) called her step back from the industry the “best thing that ever happened to” her. WireImage

“I was on the big stage between ages 8 and 30,” McNichol explained. “I left show business for a variety of reasons, but a big one was my interest in learning what else there is in life.

“This phase of my life is so good,” she continued. “My home life is happy and serene. I love singing. I also enjoy traveling and seeing the world. One of my favorite stops is Hawaii. I like everything about it and may eventually move there part-time.” 

When asked about plans to return to her Hollywood career, McNichol quipped, “Never say never.”

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