Ashley Johnson, known for her role as Chrissy Seaver on the television show "Growing Pains," has shared a harrowing experience from her childhood in Hollywood. At just 7 years old, during a live taping of the show, an armed fan broke away from the studio audience line, grabbed her, and attempted to carry her away. This incident occurred after the production team had received a threat warning that someone planned to bring a gun to the set.

Johnson recounted the event on the "Weird Kids" podcast, noting, "It was in the first year that I was on, and we had only done a couple of film nights." She described the security at the time as far less restrictive than it is today, explaining that cast members walked directly past audience members on their way into the studio. "Like they're not like the fancy trailers that they are now," she added.

The incident highlights the lax security measures on the "Growing Pains" set during the early 1990s, which contributed to the terrifying kidnapping attempt. Despite this dark moment, Johnson went on to build a successful career in acting and voice work, notably earning acclaim for her role as Ellie in "The Last of Us" video game franchise and its HBO television adaptation.

Leonardo DiCaprio later joined the cast of "Growing Pains" before the show's 1992 finale.

Sources