Jimmy McNichol

Infobox actor
bgcolour =
name = Jimmy McNichol
birthname = James Vincent McNichol
birthdate = birth date and age|1961|7|2
birthplace = Los Angeles, California, USA
occupation = Actor
yearsactive = 1974–1995

James Vincent McNichol (Jimmy McNichol) (born on July 2, 1961, in Los Angeles, California) is a former child star and brother of actress Kristy McNichol.

He got his start at the age of 7, acting in a Band Aid commercial. He appeared in roughly 60 commercials between 1967-1973 including spots for Kool-aid and Crest. He then landed minor roles in shows such as "S.W.A.T." and "Little House on the Prairie".

He made his first movie, "Sunshine", in 1973 at the age of 12. His first regular starring role was as younger brother Jack on "The Fitzpatricks". Michelle Tobin played his sister on the show, and they later reteamed on the show "California Fever". They were often seen in public and rumoured to be dating at the time.

Jimmy sang the show's theme song, and in 1978 recorded an album with Kristy. The album was produced by Phil & Mitch Margo, who as part of the band "The Tokens" had a huge hit with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". When "California Fever" ended, Jimmy was given the role as host of a weekly talk show, "Hollywood Teen".

He appeared in several successful made-for-TV movies, including "Blinded by the Light" which co-starred his sister Kristy. He made several low budget feature films before accepting the role of Josh Clayton on "General Hospital". His love of music continued and he performed in a band throughout the 1980s under the name "Jimmy James".

His last notable acting role was that of Jill Ireland's son Val in the movie based on her life. In the early 1990s James gave up acting and has been doing residential construction and rehab work. Both Jimmy and Kristy McNichol were a huge success in the 1970s and 1980s, and with Donny & Marie Osmond one of the most successful brother and sister team in Hollywood during their time.

James continues to sing and think up ideas for protecting the environment. His most recent idea was for an environmental program for kids, "PlaneTView", to be hosted by sister Kristy. The show was never picked up. James now lives with his wife Renee (married in 1997) and two children (a son Nash, and a daughter born in 1998) in Southern California.

In 1996, he was recording as a singer under the name "Jimmy James".

In 1999, he was focusing on ecological education with a web site called ECOTV, was still performing with his band "Wizard King" and released a new CD, called "Echo Warrior".

Television credits

*"General Hospital" as Josh Clayton (1984-85)
*"S.W.A.T."
*"Little House on the Prairie"
*"The Fitzpatricks" as Jack
*"California Fever"

Film credits

* "Escape from El Diablo" (1983)
*"Night Warning" as Billy Lynch (1982)
*"Blinded by the Light" (1982)
*"Smokey Bites the Dust" as Roscoe Wilton (1981)
*"Champions: A Love Story" (1979)
*"Me and Dad's New Wife" (1976)
*"Sunshine" (1973)

External links

*
* [http://www.tv.com/james-vincent-mcnichol/person/76562/biography.html]