When people search for Martie Allen, they’re often curious about the woman who captured the heart of Emmy Award-winning actress Kristy McNichol. But Martie’s story goes far beyond being just a celebrity partner. She’s a teacher, former television personality, LGBTQ+ activist, and a woman who chose privacy over fame—making her one of Hollywood’s most intriguing figures.
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about Martie Allen, from her early life and career to her decades-long relationship with Kristy McNichol.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Martie Allen
Before we explore her full story, here’s a snapshot of essential information:
- Full Name: Martha Miles Allen
- Date of Birth: January 1, 1960
- Age: 66 years old (as of 2026)
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Place of Birth: United States of America
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Profession: Teacher, Former Actress, Television Personality, Clinical Psychologist, LGBTQ+ Activist
- Relationship Status: In a committed relationship with Kristy McNichol (since 1991)
- Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
- Net Worth: Estimated $500,000 (Combined with Kristy: $7 million)
- Famous For: Long-term partner of actress Kristy McNichol
Who Is Martie Allen?
Martie Allen, born Martha Miles Allen on January 1, 1960, grew up in the United States during a time when being openly gay came with significant challenges. While specific details about her childhood, parents, and siblings remain scarce—a testament to her preference for privacy—we know that she developed a passion for acting and entertainment from a young age.
Unlike her partner Kristy McNichol, who became a household name as a child actress, Martie took a quieter path through the entertainment industry. She never sought the spotlight, which makes her story all the more fascinating in today’s age of constant social media presence.
Early Life and Education: The Mystery Behind the Woman
One of the biggest gaps in existing coverage of Martie Allen is information about her early life and education. Here’s what we’ve been able to piece together:
Educational Background
While Martie’s formal education details aren’t widely publicized, her career trajectory suggests she received comprehensive training in both the arts and psychology. Later in life, she became a certified Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical psychologist, which requires:
- A master’s degree in psychology or related field
- Supervised clinical hours (typically 2,000-4,000 hours)
- State licensing examinations
- Continuing education requirements
This educational investment demonstrates Martie’s commitment to helping others—a theme that runs throughout her life story.
Family Background
Martie has successfully kept her family life extremely private. We don’t have confirmed information about:
- Her parents’ names or occupations
- Whether she has siblings
- Her childhood hometown or neighborhood
- Early family dynamics or upbringing
This level of privacy is remarkable, especially considering her relationship with a major Hollywood star. It speaks volumes about Martie’s values and her determination to maintain boundaries between public interest and personal life.
How Old Is Martie Allen?
As of January 2026, Martie Allen is 66 years old. Born on January 1, 1960, she recently celebrated her 66th birthday at the start of this year. This makes her about two years older than her partner Kristy McNichol, who was born on September 11, 1962, and is currently 63 years old.
Being a Capricorn, Martie is said to embody many traits associated with this zodiac sign: practicality, discipline, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility. These characteristics seem to align well with what we know about her preference for privacy and her career choices focused on helping others.
Martie Allen Height and Physical Appearance
Martie Allen stands at 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimeters) tall, which is slightly below the average height for American women. While detailed physical descriptions are limited due to the scarcity of recent public photographs, those who have seen pictures of Martie and Kristy together describe her as having:
- A warm, approachable appearance
- Caucasian ethnicity
- A preference for casual, comfortable clothing
- A natural, unpretentious style
Unlike many celebrities and their partners, Martie has never pursued image-focused endeavors or relied on her appearance for professional opportunities. This down-to-earth approach has endeared her to those who value authenticity over Hollywood glamour.
Martie Allen’s Acting Career: A Brief Hollywood Journey
Before becoming known primarily as Kristy McNichol’s partner, Martie Allen pursued her own acting career in the 1980s. However, her time in the entertainment industry was relatively brief and characterized by supporting roles rather than leading parts.
Television and Film Credits
Martie appeared in several productions during the 1980s, though comprehensive filmography records are difficult to find. Some sources mention her involvement in:
- Two Moon Junction – A 1988 romantic drama
- You Can’t Hurry Love – A romantic comedy from the late 1980s
- Various television appearances in supporting roles
Unlike her partner Kristy, who won two Emmy Awards for her role in the television series “Family” (1976-1980) and starred in hit shows like “Empty Nest” (1988-1995), Martie never achieved mainstream recognition as an actress.
Why Didn’t Martie Become a Star?
Several factors contributed to Martie’s limited success in Hollywood:
- Timing: She entered the industry during the highly competitive 1980s
- Type of roles: Mostly supporting and minor characters
- Industry challenges: Being a lesbian in Hollywood during this era
- Personal preferences: She may have preferred privacy over fame
- Career redirection: She found her true calling in psychology and education
The entertainment industry’s loss became a gain for her students and therapy clients, as Martie redirected her talents toward helping others.
What Does Martie Allen Do for a Living?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Martie Allen. After her brief stint in television and film, she transitioned into careers that focused on education and mental health support.
Current Professional Roles
1. Teacher Martie works as a teacher, though specific details about which subjects she teaches or the institutions she works with remain private. Her teaching career allows her to:
- Make a positive impact on young lives
- Share knowledge and experience
- Maintain a stable, fulfilling career outside the spotlight
- Work with diverse student populations
2. Marriage and Family Therapist After earning the necessary credentials, Martie became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This role involves:
- Providing counseling to couples and families
- Addressing relationship challenges
- Supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Helping clients navigate complex family dynamics
3. Clinical Psychologist With advanced training in psychology, Martie offers clinical services that include:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Psychological assessments
- Treatment planning for various mental health conditions
- Evidence-based therapeutic interventions
4. LGBTQ+ Activist Beyond her professional work, Martie dedicates time to LGBTQ+ advocacy, including:
- Supporting young people facing discrimination
- Speaking out against bullying based on sexual orientation
- Serving as a role model for the lesbian community
- Participating in charity work supporting LGBTQ+ causes
Acting Academy Involvement
Together with Kristy McNichol, Martie has been involved in operating an acting academy. This venture allows them to:
- Pass on their industry knowledge to aspiring actors
- Provide mentorship and guidance
- Help young performers avoid common pitfalls
- Share behind-the-scenes insights from their combined experience
The Love Story: Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol’s Relationship
The relationship between Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol is one of Hollywood’s most enduring love stories, spanning more than three decades.
How Did They Meet?
The exact circumstances of how Martie and Kristy first met aren’t publicly documented, but evidence suggests they connected in the early 1990s, possibly through mutual friends in the entertainment industry or LGBTQ+ social circles in Los Angeles.
Given that both had connections to acting during this period, it’s likely they met through:
- Industry events or gatherings
- Mutual acquaintances in Hollywood
- Los Angeles LGBTQ+ community spaces
- Professional collaborations
The Secret Years (1991-2012)
Martie and Kristy began their relationship in 1991, but they kept it completely private for over 20 years. During this time:
Why the Secrecy?
- Career protection: Hollywood in the 1990s and early 2000s was less accepting of LGBTQ+ relationships
- Media scrutiny: Kristy was still a recognizable name from her acting success
- Personal privacy: Both women valued their private life over public attention
- Industry pressure: Coming out could have ended career opportunities
Life During the Hidden Years: Despite keeping their relationship secret, Martie and Kristy built a strong foundation:
- They supported each other through personal challenges
- Maintained a stable home life in Los Angeles
- Traveled together while maintaining privacy
- Built a network of trusted friends who respected their boundaries
The 2012 Coming Out: A Brave Decision
In 2012, Kristy McNichol made the courageous decision to publicly come out as gay and reveal her two-decade relationship with Martie Allen. She was 50 years old at the time.
Kristy’s Statement: Kristy explained that she wanted to be honest and hoped her story would help young people struggling with their sexuality. She wanted them to know they could live fulfilling, happy lives as their authentic selves.
Public Reaction:
- Overwhelming support from fans
- Positive media coverage
- Appreciation for her honesty
- Inspiration for LGBTQ+ youth facing discrimination
Martie’s Response: True to her private nature, Martie remained largely out of the media spotlight even after the announcement. She supported Kristy’s decision but didn’t seek personal publicity or interviews.
Their Relationship Today (2026)
As of 2026, Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol have been together for 35 years. Their relationship remains strong, characterized by:
Shared Interests:
- Traveling: They enjoy exploring different parts of the world
- Fitness: Both practice yoga and play tennis regularly
- Animal welfare: They’re devoted pet owners with several animals
- Community work: Active in LGBTQ+ advocacy and youth support
Living Situation: The couple resides in a beautiful home in Los Angeles, California, valued at approximately $250,000 or more. They’ve created a comfortable, private sanctuary away from Hollywood’s hustle and bustle.
Do They Have Children? Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol do not have children and have never expressed public interest in adoption or parenthood. They’ve chosen to focus on:
- Their relationship
- Their careers
- Community advocacy
- Mentoring young people through their work
Understanding Kristy McNichol: Context for Martie’s Partner
To fully appreciate Martie Allen’s story, it’s important to understand who Kristy McNichol is and why their relationship garnered such interest.
Kristy McNichol’s Career Highlights
Early Success:
- Started acting at age 8 in a Kraft cheese commercial
- Breakthrough role in “Family” (1976-1980)
- Won two Emmy Awards for her performance
- Became one of the most popular teen actresses of the 1970s
Major Film Roles:
- Little Darlings (1980) – Opposite Tatum O’Neal
- The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981)
- Only When I Laugh (1981)
- The Pirate Movie (1982)
Television Success:
- Empty Nest (1988-1992) – Major hit sitcom
- Family (1976-1980) – Emmy-winning role
- Various TV movies throughout the 1980s
Why Did Kristy McNichol Retire from Acting?
In June 2001, Kristy McNichol announced her retirement from acting at age 38. The decision was primarily due to:
Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis:
- Kristy struggled with bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression)
- The condition caused severe mood swings and depression
- Managing symptoms while working became increasingly difficult
- She prioritized mental health over career success
Kristy’s Own Words: “I had to choose between continuing the show and not being well. It was the hardest decision I have ever made.”
Life After Acting:
- Teaching at a private acting school
- Focus on mental health and wellness
- LGBTQ+ advocacy
- Building a life with Martie away from cameras
This retirement gave Martie and Kristy the opportunity to build their relationship without the pressures of Hollywood fame.
Martie Allen Net Worth and Financial Status
Individual Net Worth
Martie Allen’s personal net worth is estimated at approximately $500,000 as of 2026. Her wealth comes from:
- Teaching salary: Regular income from educational work
- Therapy practice: Earnings as a licensed therapist
- Acting residuals: Limited income from past TV/film work
- Joint investments: Shared assets with Kristy McNichol
- Real estate: Co-ownership of their Los Angeles home
Combined Net Worth
Together, Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol have a combined net worth estimated at $7 million. This includes:
Kristy’s Earnings:
- Acting career residuals from hit shows
- Royalties from film work
- Real estate investments
- Savings from peak earning years in the 1970s-1990s
Shared Assets:
- Primary residence in Los Angeles ($250,000+)
- Investment properties (unconfirmed)
- Retirement accounts
- Personal property and valuables
Financial Philosophy
Unlike many Hollywood couples, Martie and Kristy appear to live modestly:
- No extravagant spending reported
- Focus on comfortable, sustainable lifestyle
- Investment in causes they care about
- Privacy over luxury
Martie Allen’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Activism
One of the most important aspects of Martie Allen’s life—and one often overlooked in other coverage—is her commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Areas of Activism
1. Supporting Bullied Youth Martie and Kristy have dedicated significant time to helping young people who face:
- Bullying based on sexual orientation
- Family rejection
- Mental health challenges related to their identity
- Social isolation and discrimination
2. Community Visibility By living openly (after 2012) as a lesbian couple, they provide:
- Positive representation
- Hope for LGBTQ+ individuals
- Evidence that long-term same-sex relationships thrive
- Inspiration for others to live authentically
3. Charity Work The couple engages in various charitable activities:
- Supporting LGBTQ+ youth organizations
- Mental health awareness campaigns
- Anti-bullying initiatives
- Community outreach programs
Impact of Their Story
Martie and Kristy’s relationship has had meaningful impact:
- Visibility: Showing that same-sex relationships can last decades
- Courage: Demonstrating the importance of living authentically
- Support: Providing hope to those still in the closet
- Change: Contributing to shifting attitudes about LGBTQ+ relationships
Life in Los Angeles: Where Are They Now?
As of 2026, Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol continue to live in Los Angeles, California, where they’ve built a peaceful, private life.
Daily Life and Hobbies
Physical Activities:
- Tennis: They regularly play tennis together
- Yoga: Both practice yoga for physical and mental wellness
- Hiking: Enjoying California’s natural beauty
Travel and Adventure:
- International trips to various destinations
- Exploring different cultures and cuisines
- Creating memories away from the public eye
Animal Care:
- Devoted pet owners with multiple animals
- Advocates for animal welfare
- Regular involvement in pet-related charities
Social Life
Despite their privacy, Martie and Kristy maintain:
- Close friendships within the LGBTQ+ community
- Connections with former industry colleagues
- Relationships with family members
- A supportive network that respects their boundaries
What’s Missing in Other Coverage: Filling the Gaps
Most articles about Martie Allen miss several important aspects of her story:
1. Her Professional Accomplishments
Beyond being “Kristy’s partner,” Martie has built meaningful careers in education and mental health—fields that require dedication, education, and compassion.
2. The Courage of Privacy
In an age of oversharing, Martie’s commitment to privacy is admirable and intentional. She’s chosen substance over fame.
3. Her Individual Identity
Martie is a complete person with her own interests, career, and contributions—not just an appendage to a celebrity.
4. The Historical Context
Their relationship began in 1991, a very different time for LGBTQ+ rights. Understanding this context makes their story more powerful.
5. Current Relevance
Their advocacy work continues to impact LGBTQ+ youth today, making their story relevant beyond nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Martie Allen
Is Martie Allen married to Kristy McNichol?
While Martie Allen and Kristy McNichol have been in a committed relationship since 1991 (over 35 years), there’s no public confirmation of a legal marriage. They may have married privately after same-sex marriage became legal in California in 2013, but they haven’t publicly announced it.
What is Martie Allen doing now?
As of 2026, Martie Allen works as a teacher and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She also continues her LGBTQ+ advocacy work alongside Kristy McNichol, and they operate an acting academy together.
Does Martie Allen have social media?
No, Martie Allen does not have any public social media accounts. She maintains her privacy and stays away from platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. This is consistent with her long-standing preference for keeping her personal life private.
How tall is Martie Allen?
Martie Allen is 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimeters) tall.
Did Martie Allen have any other relationships before Kristy McNichol?
There is no public information about Martie Allen’s dating history before her relationship with Kristy McNichol. She has kept her personal life extremely private.
Conclusion
Martie Allen is far more than just “Kristy McNichol’s partner.” She’s a dedicated teacher, skilled therapist, committed activist, and woman of principle who has built a rich, meaningful life on her own terms.
Her story reminds us that the most important achievements aren’t always the most public ones. While Kristy McNichol won Emmy Awards and starred in hit TV shows, Martie has touched countless lives through her teaching, therapy practice, and advocacy work—accomplishments that matter just as much, if not more.
