40 Facts About Stephen Collins

Early Life and Education

Stephen Collins' journey began in the heartland of America and took him to prestigious academic institutions.

1. Stephen Weaver Collins was born on October 1, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa.
2. Parents: His mother, Madeleine (née Robertson), and father, Cyrus Stickney Collins, an airline executive, raised him.
3. Siblings: Collins grew up with two older brothers in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.
4. High School: He attended Hastings High School, where his interests in acting and music began to flourish.
5. College: Collins graduated cum laude from Amherst College in Massachusetts.
6. Musical Talent: During college, he played bass guitar in several bands and was part of the Amherst College Zumbyes.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Collins' early career saw him taking on various roles that showcased his versatility as an actor.

7. Career Start: His acting career began in the early 1970s.
8. First Notable Role: He appeared in the television pilot "The Michele Lee Show" in 1974.
9. Television Appearances: Collins had roles in "The Waltons," "Brink's: The Great Robbery," and "Charlie's Angels."
10. Star Trek: In 1979, he played Commander Willard Decker in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture."
11. Tales of the Gold Monkey: From 1982 to 1983, he starred as Jake Cutter in this ABC series.

7th Heaven and Later Television Roles

Collins' most iconic role came with the family drama "7th Heaven," which solidified his place in television history.

12. 7th Heaven: From 1996 to 2007, he played Eric Camden in the WB/CW series "7th Heaven."
13. No Ordinary Family: He appeared in this ABC series from 2010 to 2011.
14. Revolution: In 2013, Collins played Dr. Gene Porter in the NBC series "Revolution."
15. Other TV Roles: He also appeared in "Brothers & Sisters," "The Office," and "Falling Skies."

Film Roles and Collaborations

Beyond television, Collins made his mark in various films and notable collaborations.

16. Film Appearances: He acted in "Loving Couples" (1980), "The First Wives Club" (1996), and "Because I Said So" (2007).
17. Meredith Baxter: Collins co-starred with Meredith Baxter in "All the President's Men," "A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story," and "Her Final Fury: Betty Broderick, the Last Chapter."

Personal Struggles and Scandal

Collins' career took a dark turn with revelations of past misconduct, leading to significant personal and professional consequences.

18. Sexual Abuse Allegations: In 2014, an audio tape revealed Collins admitting to past sexual abuse of a minor.
19. Investigations: The NYPD and LAPD investigated Collins following the leak.
20. Admission: Collins admitted to inappropriate sexual conduct with three female minors in a 2014 interview with People.
21. Public Statement: He released a detailed statement expressing regret for his actions.
22. Divorce Battle: At the time, Collins was in a protracted divorce battle with his then-wife, Faye Grant.
23. Career Impact: The scandal led to his retirement from acting.
24. Personal Struggles: Collins has spoken about his struggles with addiction and personal demons.
25. Public Apology: He agonized over whether to apologize directly to the women he violated.

Life After the Scandal

Following the scandal, Collins retreated from the public eye, reflecting on his actions and their consequences.

26. Current Status: As of 2024, Collins remains out of the public eye.
27. Early Musical Interests: Before acting, he had a strong interest in music.
28. Zumbyes Membership: He was a member of the Amherst College Zumbyes.
29. Family Influence: His father's career likely influenced his early life choices.
30. High School Graduation: Collins graduated from Hastings High School.
31. Amherst College Graduation: He graduated cum laude from Amherst College.
32. Early Acting Roles: His early roles included appearances in "The Waltons" and "Charlie's Angels."
33. Star Trek Legacy: His role in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" remains notable.
34. Tales of the Gold Monkey: His portrayal of Jake Cutter showcased his versatility.
35. 7th Heaven Impact: His role in "7th Heaven" made him a household name.
36. No Ordinary Family: His appearance in this series showed his willingness to experiment.
37. Revolution Leadership: His character in "Revolution" highlighted his ability to play authoritative figures.
38. Diane Keaton Collaborations: He worked with Diane Keaton in "The First Wives Club" and "Because I Said So."
39. Meredith Baxter Collaborations: His work with Meredith Baxter showcased his range.
40. Legacy and Impact: Despite the scandal, Collins' contributions to television and film remain significant.

Stephen Collins: A Complex Legacy

Stephen Collins' life and career have been a mix of highs and lows. Known for his role as Eric Camden in "7th Heaven," he became a household name. His early work in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" and "Tales of the Gold Monkey" showcased his versatility. However, his career took a nosedive after admitting to past sexual misconduct. The scandal overshadowed his achievements, leading to his retirement from acting. Despite his contributions to TV and film, his legacy is marred by these serious allegations. Collins has expressed regret and faced public scrutiny, but the impact on his career and personal life remains significant. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame and the importance of accountability. While his work in entertainment is notable, the shadow of his actions will always be part of his narrative.