Ashley Johnson Recalls Armed Kidnapping Attempt at Age 6 on 'Growing Pains' Set
Updated
Updated · The National Desk · Jul 13
Ashley Johnson Recalls Armed Kidnapping Attempt at Age 6 on 'Growing Pains' Set
3 articles · Updated · The National Desk · Jul 13
Summary
Ashley Johnson said on her podcast that a man tried to snatch her from the “Growing Pains” set when she was about 6 or 7, during her first year on the sitcom.
Johnson said the incident followed a threat claiming someone would come to the set with a gun and kill cast members, at a time when audience members passed within about five feet of actors.
The man allegedly jumped out of the audience line, grabbed Johnson and ran before security stopped him; she recalled being lifted into the air during the struggle and said he was armed and appeared high.
Johnson, who played Chrissy Seaver from 1990 to 1992, said she was too young to grasp what was happening and even tried to speak politely to the attacker.
The account adds a stark look at looser TV-set security in the early 1990s; Johnson later built a long career, including voicing Ellie in “The Last of Us.”