Martie Allen is an American television personality best known for being the long-term partner of Emmy Award-winning actress Kristy McNichol.
She became a public figure in January 2012, when McNichol publicly came out and shared a photo of the two of them with People magazine, revealing a relationship that had already lasted over two decades.
Martie Allen Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martie Allen |
| Born | January 1, 1960 |
| Age | 66 years old (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Long-term partner of Kristy McNichol |
| Partner | Kristy McNichol |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (as of 2026) |
Who is Martie Allen?
Martie Allen is an American private individual who gained public recognition through her relationship with actress Kristy McNichol.
The couple had lived together quietly for over two decades before making their relationship public in 2012.
Allen keeps a very low profile and has stayed far from the media spotlight throughout her life.
She does not maintain active social media accounts and rarely appears in public spaces connected to the entertainment industry.
Kristy McNichol, Allen’s partner, is a celebrated two-time Emmy Award winner known for the television drama Family and the sitcom Empty Nest.
McNichol retired from acting in 2001 to focus on her personal well-being, and Allen has been a consistent presence throughout that private chapter of her life.
Kristy McNichol’s Spouse, Martie Allen
Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen have been together since the early 1990s.
In January 2012, McNichol publicly came out as a lesbian and confirmed their long-term relationship in a statement shared with People magazine.
At that point, the couple had already lived together for roughly two decades.
McNichol’s publicist, Jeff Ballard, told People that she decided to go public because she hoped her story would help young people facing bullying.
Her publicist said that McNichol was “very sad about kids being bullied” and that she wanted to help others who feel different.
The two women have continued to live privately in Los Angeles since the announcement. In a 2014 interview with People, McNichol shared that she was happier than ever.
The couple enjoys playing tennis, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with their miniature dachshunds.
In July 2026, McNichol made a rare public appearance when singer Carnie Wilson shared a selfie with her on Facebook, giving fans one of the first glimpses of McNichol in years.
Allen was not pictured in that photo, which is consistent with her preference to stay out of the spotlight.
Early Life of Martie Allen
Martie Allen was born on January 1, 1960, in the United States. She grew up in Los Angeles, where she has spent most of her life.
The old article notes that she is of Irish and Lebanese descent. Very little else about her family background or upbringing is publicly available, as she has consistently guarded her private life.
Allen reportedly had aspirations to work in the entertainment industry during her younger years. However, her attempts did not lead to a sustained career on screen.
Martie Allen Age / Birthday
Martie Allen is 66 years old as of 2026, born on January 1, 1960. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn, a sign often associated with discipline, practicality, and a strong sense of privacy.
She has spent most of her adult life away from public attention, which aligns with that sign’s characteristic reserve.
Martie Allen Ethnicity and Nationality
Martie Allen is American. She is of Irish and Lebanese descent, according to the old article.
Her background in Los Angeles, a city with deep multicultural roots, has shaped the low-key, community-oriented life she leads today.
Martie Allen Height and Weight
Martie Allen’s exact height and weight are not publicly confirmed. She has not appeared in public forums or press events where such details are typically recorded.
Her physical appearance is known mainly from a small number of photographs that have appeared alongside coverage of her partner Kristy McNichol.
Martie Allen Career
Martie Allen’s professional background is not widely documented. She reportedly had some aspirations to pursue a career in acting or the entertainment industry during her earlier years, but those attempts did not result in notable credits.
Unlike her partner Kristy McNichol, Allen did not build a public career in film or television.
Her life has been centered primarily on her personal world rather than professional visibility.
Private Life and Personal Interests
Allen’s connection to the entertainment world has come mainly through her relationship with McNichol.
The couple attended events together on occasion over the years, with Allen accompanying McNichol to the Emmy Awards at least once during McNichol’s active years.
McNichol herself noted in her 2001 retirement statement that she wanted to focus on her personal life.
Allen has been a steady presence through that chapter, and the two have built a quiet routine in Los Angeles centered on shared interests and a preference for privacy.
After McNichol’s 2012 public coming-out, interest in Allen increased, though she did not seek media attention herself. The couple remained consistently out of the public eye in the years that followed.
Public Visibility
Aside from the 2012 People magazine photo and occasional convention appearances McNichol made alone, the couple has maintained a near-total separation from celebrity culture.
Allen does not use social media, and current photos of her are rarely available online.
In November 2014, Kristy McNichol told People in an interview that she was happier than ever, a statement widely attributed to the stable, private life she shares with Allen.
Martie Allen Net Worth
Martie Allen’s estimated net worth is $500,000 as of 2026. Her income sources are not publicly documented, as she has not had a long or visible career in the entertainment industry.
Her partner Kristy McNichol built her wealth through a successful acting career spanning the 1970s through the 1990s, including two Emmy Awards and a lengthy run on the NBC sitcom Empty Nest.
The two have lived together in Los Angeles for over three decades. Allen has not publicly disclosed any business ventures, investments, or ongoing professional income.
Her net worth reflects a private life rather than a prominent public one.
Martie Allen Social Media
Martie Allen is not active on social media. She does not have confirmed accounts on Instagram, Twitter/X, or any other platform.
Her absence from social media is consistent with her longstanding preference for privacy.
Her partner Kristy McNichol also maintains a very limited public presence, and neither woman has an active verified profile online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Martie Allen?
Martie Allen is 66 years old as of 2026, born on January 1, 1960.
Who is Martie Allen’s partner?
She is the long-term partner of retired actress Kristy McNichol. The two have been together since the early 1990s and publicly confirmed their relationship in January 2012.
What is Martie Allen’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $500,000 as of 2026, reflecting her private life rather than a public career.
Where does Martie Allen live?
Martie Allen lives in Los Angeles, California, alongside Kristy McNichol. The couple has been based there throughout their relationship.
Is Kristy McNichol still alive?
Yes. As of July 2026, Kristy McNichol made a rare public appearance when singer Carnie Wilson shared a photo with her on Facebook, confirming she is alive and well.
Does Martie Allen have children?
No confirmed information exists about Martie Allen or Kristy McNichol having children. Neither has publicly mentioned raising children together.
Conclusion
Martie Allen has spent her adult life choosing privacy over public exposure, standing beside Kristy McNichol through retirement, the 2012 coming-out, and over three decades of shared life in Los Angeles.
Her story is inseparable from McNichol’s, yet Allen has consistently let her partner be the face of their relationship while she remained quietly in the background.