’90s Child Star Ashley Johnson Recalls Terrifying Kidnapping Attempt on ‘Growing Pains’ Set [WATCH]

Ashley Johnson has revealed a frightening experience from her childhood, describing how she was nearly kidnapped while working on the set of the ’90s sitcom “Growing Pains.”

As Page Six reported, the actress, who played Chrissy Seaver on the ABC hit series, shared the disturbing memory during a recent episode of the “Weird Kids” podcast.

She detailed how a man suddenly grabbed her while she was walking alongside her mother and began to run off with her.

At the time, Johnson was only six or seven years old. The incident occurred during her first year of filming the show, when audience members were allowed to stand “within five feet” of the actors as they exited their trailers.

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Before the attempted kidnapping, the production had reportedly received a chilling letter from a fan.

According to Johnson, the message stated, “I am coming to set, and I am going to bring a gun, and I am going to murder some of the cast.”

Recalling the terrifying moment, she said, “So, I’m walking with my mom, and then I just remember some guy hops out of the line, and he grabs me, and grabs me up and starts booking it. And all I remember is there was security that somehow got on him after some time.”

Johnson said security quickly intervened.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“Security came out, they wrestle him down, and I remember just flying around the air,” she continued, describing how chaotic the situation felt from her young perspective.

She admitted she did not fully understand the danger at the time.

“I was clueless,” Johnson said, adding that she was mostly upset because she thought she would be in trouble after the man took one of her shoes.

Ultimately, the suspect was caught and taken into custody. “He ended up clearly going to jail,” Johnson said.

“He had a gun. And, you know, they got him, and they saved me.”

Johnson’s early role as Chrissy Seaver came in the show’s fourth season, which aired from 1990 to 1992.

‘Growing Pains’ actress Ashley Johnson detailed how a member of the sitcom’s studio audience attempted to kidnap her during one of the show’s live tapings in the ‘90s. https://t.co/aFEucH4EuK pic.twitter.com/wcI8n8k0ae

— E! News (@enews) July 15, 2026

The character was the youngest member of the Seaver family, joining parents Dr. Jason Seaver, played by Alan Thicke, and Maggie, played by Joanna Kerns.

Her on-screen siblings were portrayed by Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, and Jeremy Miller.

During its run, “Growing Pains” was a staple of family sitcom television, lasting seven seasons from 1985 to 1992.

Beyond her years on “Growing Pains,” Johnson went on to build a successful career across film, television, and voice acting.

She is particularly recognized for voicing Gretchen Grundler on “Recess” and Gwen Tennyson in the “Ben 10” franchise.

She also starred in the series “Blindspot” and provided both the voice and motion capture for Ellie in “The Last of Us” video games.

Her work on these projects has earned her recognition for both her dramatic and vocal performances.

Alan Thicke, who portrayed Johnson’s on-screen father, died in December 2016 at age 69 after suffering a heart attack.

Many of his “Growing Pains” co-stars, including Cameron, Kerns, Gold, and Miller, attended his memorial in Los Angeles.

Leonardo DiCaprio, who appeared in the show’s final season as Luke Brower, also joined the tribute.

Over the years, the show’s cast has often been remembered fondly by fans for its warmth and humor — a stark contrast to the terrifying moment Johnson described from her time as a child star on set.

The Real MOU: What Trump’s Iran Agreement Actually Says – Truth Thursday | EP 677

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.