Behind-the-Scenes Controversy

I honestly don't know, although "Family" was one of my favorite shows too. After thinking about your question, the "clash of egos" may have had to do with the fact that Kristy McNichol became a mega-star during her years on the show. She was little more than a child, yet eclipsed seasoned actors like James Broderick and Sada Thompson. Storylines about Kristy's character, Buddy Lawrence, were easier to write because she still lived at home, whereas Willy and Nancy were adults and should have been on their own. After they moved into their own apartments, it was harder to incorporate them into the daily life at the Lawrences. I may not have explained this well. Probably plain old jealousy. As her stardom grew, Kristy may have been paid more than Meredith Baxter or Gary Frank.