Hollywood is full of "what if" stories, but few are as messy or as frustrating as what happened to Julie McCullough on Growing Pains. If you were watching ABC in the late '80s, you remember her. She played Julie Costello, the sweet, sharp-witted nanny who finally made Mike Seaver (Kirk Cameron) want to grow up. Their chemistry was undeniable. It was so good, in fact, that the writers actually had Mike propose to her.
Then, she was just... gone.
One minute she’s the future Mrs. Seaver, and the next, she’s written out of the show with a "Dear John" letter that made her look like the villain. Most fans back then were baffled. Behind the scenes, though, a collision between a young actress's past and a teen idol’s new religious fervor was brewing. It didn't just change the trajectory of Julie McCullough's career; it kind of signaled the beginning of the end for the show’s golden era.
The Nanny Who Stole the Show
Julie McCullough joined the cast in 1989. Her character, Julie Costello, was a sophomore at Columbia University who took a job as a nanny for the youngest Seaver, Chrissy. Up until then, Mike Seaver had been the quintessential 1980s TV playboy—chasing girls, dodging homework, and leaning on his charm.
McCullough’s Julie was different. She challenged him. Honestly, the fans loved it. She appeared in only eight episodes, but her impact was massive. The producers saw the ratings and the chemistry and decided to go all in. They scripted an engagement. Mike Seaver was finally settling down.
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But as the onscreen romance heated up, things on the set were getting cold. Very cold.
Kirk Cameron and the Playboy Problem
The friction didn't start because of anything McCullough did on set. It started because of something she did years before she ever stepped onto the Growing Pains soundstage. In 1986, Julie McCullough had been a Playboy Playmate of the Month.
Normally, in Hollywood, that’s just a Tuesday. But Kirk Cameron had recently undergone a massive personal transformation. At 17, at the height of his fame, he became a born-again Christian. His new faith began to dictate what he was willing to do on screen. He started demanding that "racy" lines be cut and that Mike Seaver’s girl-chasing antics be toned down.
When Cameron found out about McCullough’s Playboy history, he wasn't just uncomfortable; he was reportedly furious. He felt the show was promoting "pornography" by hiring her.
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The Aftermath of the "Conversion" Controversy
There’s a lot of "he said, she said" here, but the timeline is pretty clear. Cameron reportedly went to the producers and demanded she be fired. In his 2008 autobiography, Still Growing, Cameron denied that he specifically called for her termination. He claimed the character was never meant to be permanent.
Most people who were there, including McCullough herself, remember it differently. The writers had to scramble. Instead of a beautiful TV wedding, they had to write a story where Julie leaves Mike at the altar. It was a character assassination. It made Julie Costello look flighty and heartless, largely to protect the "wholesome" image of the show's star.
Life After the Seavers: Was It a Career Killer?
For McCullough, the exit was devastating. Being fired from a top-tier sitcom because of your past is a heavy "scarlet letter" to carry in the industry. She’s talked openly about how hurtful it was. She once told Parade that while people want to shame her for her past, she isn't ashamed at all.
She’s actually had a pretty wild, varied career since then. You might have seen her in:
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- The Golden Girls: She had a guest spot where she worked with Bea Arthur. Interestingly, Arthur allegedly told her "eff 'em" regarding the Growing Pains drama, encouraging her to be proud of her beauty.
- The Drew Carey Show: She played Peaches, a role that required so much hairspray and makeup that many fans didn't even realize it was her.
- Stand-up Comedy: Today, she tours as "The Funny Bunny," leaning into her history and using humor to take the power back from the people who tried to shame her.
- Sharknado: Because every '80s icon eventually ends up fighting a CGI shark. It’s basically a rite of passage.
McCullough has remained vocal about the hypocrisy of the situation. While she moved on to guest roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and voice work for video games, she never quite hit that "leading lady" status that the Growing Pains momentum seemed to promise.
The Legacy of the Julie Costello Era
The Growing Pains Julie McCullough saga is a weird snapshot of late-'80s culture. It was a time when a "teen idol" could hold enough power to override writers and producers based on personal religious views.
The show itself struggled after her departure. While it stayed on the air until 1992, the "spark" was different. They eventually brought in Leonardo DiCaprio as a homeless teen named Luke to try and inject some new energy, but the Mike Seaver evolution had been stunted. He ended up marrying Kate (played by Chelsea Noble, Kirk's real-life wife), which was "safe," but lacked the fiery dynamic fans liked with McCullough.
Actionable Insights for Fans and History Buffs
If you’re looking to revisit this era or understand the impact of the controversy, here are a few ways to dig deeper:
- Watch the "Engagement" Episodes: Look for the Season 4 and 5 transition. You can actually see the moment the tone changes. The chemistry between McCullough and Cameron is palpable, making the "Dear John" letter later feel even more out of place.
- Check Out "The Funny Bunny": If she’s performing stand-up near you, go. She’s incredibly open about her time on the show and doesn't hold back on the behind-the-scenes tea.
- Read Both Sides: Compare Kirk Cameron’s account in Still Growing with McCullough’s interviews. It’s a fascinating look at how two people can experience the same set in completely different worlds.
Ultimately, Julie McCullough didn't let the Growing Pains mess define her. She’s still working, still funny, and still refuses to apologize for the photos that made her famous. She’s at peace with it, even if 1980s Mike Seaver wasn't.