Martie Allen is a name that might not ring a bell to most, but for those familiar with actress Kristy McNichol, Allen’s name is likely recognized as the long‑term partner of the former Hollywood child star. Though Martie Allen has remained largely out of the spotlight compared to her partner, her relationship with McNichol has brought her into public consciousness, especially after McNichol’s decision to come out in 2012.
Who is Martie Allen?
Martie Allen is an American woman who, before becoming known for her relationship with Kristy McNichol, led a relatively private life. Born on January 1, 1960, she’s believed to be in her early 60s today. Not much is known about her early life, and Allen has kept details of her upbringing largely out of the public eye. She appears to have been involved in the television industry in some capacity, though there’s no extensive career or acting resume that has been documented in mainstream media.
Most of Allen’s public visibility is tied to her long‑term relationship with McNichol, which she has kept fairly private, particularly as both women have navigated their lives outside of the intense glare of Hollywood.
The Relationship with Kristy McNichol
Martie Allen’s relationship with Kristy McNichol began in the early 1990s, and the couple has been together ever since. They have managed to maintain a relatively low‑key life despite McNichol’s fame as a child star. McNichol, best known for her roles in the iconic 1970s television series Family and the movie Little Darlings, was a popular figure during her youth. However, she largely stepped away from acting after the 1980s, eventually retreating from the public eye.
It wasn’t until 2012 that McNichol publicly acknowledged her relationship with Allen and came out as lesbian. This moment was significant, as McNichol had previously kept her sexual orientation private. In a 2012 interview, McNichol shared that she had been with Allen for two decades and was happy in her personal life. This revelation marked a turning point in McNichol’s public persona, and it also brought attention to Allen, who had remained out of the spotlight until that time.
Despite the media attention on their relationship, the couple has largely remained private, avoiding unnecessary media scrutiny and instead focusing on their life together.
Private Life and Interests
While Kristy McNichol has been the more famous figure in the relationship, Martie Allen has kept a relatively low profile. There are no known major social media accounts associated with her, and she has generally stayed out of the public eye except when participating in events with McNichol. Allen appears to prefer a quiet life, avoiding the fame and public exposure that often comes with being the partner of a celebrity.
Reports suggest that the couple enjoys simple pleasures, such as traveling, spending time with family, and pursuing hobbies that keep them grounded outside the limelight. Given their desire for privacy, it’s likely that much of their life is centered around their home and personal interests.
Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol: A Relationship Built on Support and Love
The relationship between Kristy McNichol and Martie Allen is a testament to the strength of their bond. McNichol, who faced significant challenges with her mental health and the pressures of growing up in the public eye, has expressed in interviews how important it was for her to have a supportive partner like Allen throughout the years.
In McNichol’s coming-out interview, she spoke about the challenges she faced in keeping her relationship private and the toll it took on her emotional health. However, she also expressed how grateful she was for Allen’s support, which has been a steady force in McNichol’s life for over three decades.
Their partnership is built on mutual respect, love, and understanding, and they have supported each other through personal and professional challenges. As McNichol transitioned out of acting and into teaching and advocacy, Allen has been there to encourage and stand by her.
Martie Allen’s Net Worth
Unlike her partner Kristy McNichol, who has a documented career in acting and television, Martie Allen’s financial information is not widely publicized. As of now, Allen’s net worth is not officially available, and there is little publicly available information regarding her career earnings. However, it is widely believed that her wealth is tied to her long‑term relationship with McNichol, as McNichol herself has had a successful acting career.
In contrast, McNichol’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million, which includes her earnings from her acting career, particularly from television shows and film projects in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s likely that Allen shares in the financial benefits of their life together but maintains her financial independence as well.
What Does Martie Allen Do for a Living?
Martie Allen’s specific career details have never been fully disclosed, and there are no public records of her acting or major entertainment credits. From what we know, she worked in the television industry, possibly behind the scenes in production or other creative roles. However, unlike McNichol, who was thrust into the spotlight at a young age, Allen has chosen to keep a relatively private and low‑key life.
It’s clear that Allen prefers staying out of the public eye and letting McNichol’s acting career take the lead. Today, much of her life revolves around supporting McNichol and enjoying a peaceful life together, away from the pressures of Hollywood.
Today: Life with Kristy McNichol
As of 2025, Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol are still together, enjoying their life in Los Angeles. The couple remains relatively private, and McNichol has not returned to the entertainment industry in any significant capacity since stepping away in the early 2000s. McNichol’s focus has been on health, teaching acting, and living a quieter life, while Allen continues to be her supportive partner.
Both women have occasionally appeared in public, but they choose to remain largely outside of the spotlight, living on their own terms in a way that is true to their values.
Conclusion
Martie Allen may not be a household name like her partner Kristy McNichol, but her importance in McNichol’s life cannot be overstated. As a long‑term partner and supporter, Allen has been a constant source of love and stability for McNichol through the years. Their relationship represents loyalty, privacy, and mutual respect, showing that even in the world of celebrity, some couples can maintain their personal lives away from the paparazzi and media frenzy.