Ashley Johnson, best known for her role as Chrissy Seaver on the hit sitcom «Growing Pains,» has recounted a harrowing experience from her childhood in Hollywood, disclosing that an armed fan attempted to abduct her during a live taping of the show. The actress, who was just seven years old at the time, said the incident occurred after production received a threat warning that someone planned to bring a gun to the set. Speaking on the «Weird Kids» podcast, Johnson described how the man broke from a studio audience line, grabbed her, and tried to carry her away before security intervened.
Johnson explained that security protocols on the set were far less stringent in the early 1990s compared to today. The cast members, she recalled, walked directly past audience members on their way into the studio, with the audience often within just a few feet. «We would exit our trailers before the shoot and the audience that would be walking in, you would walk by the audience before you would walk into the studio,» she said. The situation turned dangerous when a man suddenly lunged toward her. «I'm walking with my mom, and then I just remember some guy hops out of the line, and he grabs me … grabs me up and starts booking it,» Johnson recounted. Security personnel managed to tackle the suspect after a brief struggle.
The actress noted that at the time, she was too young to fully comprehend the danger. She recalled being «flying around in the air» as security wrestled the man to the ground. After the incident, when asked if she was okay, Johnson said her primary concern was that she might be in trouble. «I was clueless as to what was happening, but I was very upset, and they were talking to me about it after. And they were like, 'Are you okay?' … And I just said, 'I just think I'm going to be in trouble,'» she said. Johnson also revealed that the man was armed and appeared to be under the influence of an unidentified substance, making him unusually strong.
Johnson joined the cast of «Growing Pains» in 1990, becoming the youngest member of the Seaver family alongside actors Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, and Jeremy Miller. The show, which originally aired from 1985 to 1992, also featured a young Leonardo DiCaprio in its final season. Johnson's role as Chrissy Seaver made her a familiar face to millions of viewers, but the terrifying abduction attempt left a lasting impression on her. She reflected on the incident, saying that her polite nature as a child prevented her from feeling immediate fear.
Following her time on «Growing Pains,» Johnson built a successful career spanning both on-screen and voice acting. She earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Ellie in the critically acclaimed video game franchise «The Last of Us,» a role that brought her international recognition. She later appeared as Anna, Ellie's mother, in HBO's television adaptation of the game. Johnson's career has also included roles in various television series and films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The incident she described highlights the vulnerabilities faced by child actors in an era before enhanced security measures became standard in the entertainment industry.
The story serves as a reminder of the potential risks that child stars encounter, even in seemingly controlled environments like television studios. Johnson's willingness to share her experience sheds light on the darker side of Hollywood and the importance of robust security protocols to protect performers, especially minors. Her account has resonated with fans and industry observers, prompting discussions about the safety of young actors on set. As Johnson continues to thrive in her career, her recollection of that «dark» moment underscores the resilience required to navigate the challenges of fame from a very young age.
