The Shadow of Stephen Collins: Child Stars of ‘7th Heaven’ Address Their TV Father’s Dark Legacy
The Camden family, made popular by the ’90s series “7th Heaven,” is back in action and all grown up, having launched a podcast where they will watch episodes of the hit show.
However, the child stars of the show — Beverley Mitchell (Lucy Camden), David Gallagher (Simon Camden), and Mackenzie Rosman (Ruthie Camden) — know it’s impossible to overlook a serious blemish on the show’s legacy: their on-screen father, Stephen Collins, who portrayed a Protestant minister and later admitted to sexually abusing three minors in 2014.
In the wake of these revelations, Collins retreated from the public eye, and the beloved reruns of “7th Heaven” were put on the shelf, leaving fans grappling with complicated feelings about a show that once symbolized family values.
Revisiting the Past with a Heavy Heart
“We do think it’s important that we say something about Stephen Collins,” Mitchell noted on the “Catching Up with the Camdens” podcast. This episode marks a poignant moment as they rewatch and reflect on their childhood. Mitchell, who was 15 when the series began, recalled the excitement of youth, yet felt the weight of the truth. “All forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it’s inexcusable,” she continued, with Gallagher chiming in with empathy for the victims. “They should be shown compassion.”
Holding onto Memories While Acknowledging Truth
Rosman, who was merely a child when the show started, reflected on the uncomfortable reality that their former co-star had a significant impact on their experiences. “As we rewatch these episodes, it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen,” she asserted, emphasizing that they had no inappropriate experiences with him. Despite the fond memories, there remains an underlying bitterness—a struggle to reconcile their love for what once was with the harsh truth of what was revealed.
Mitchell made it clear that there would be no indulgence in Collins’ presence during their podcast journey. “We do not excuse or condone his behavior,” she stated firmly. The podcast aims to celebrate the connection with fans, focusing on ’90s nostalgia and cherished memories of “7th Heaven,” while maintaining respect for the gravity of the situation.
“We do not excuse or condone his behavior.”
Community and Connection Amidst Complexity
Gallagher softly acknowledged the burden of this conversation. “We know that this is difficult, and we understand that it can be triggering,” he said earnestly, hoping their audience would remain supportive. Their message echoed an ethos of compassion and solidarity, a call to cherish the community that flourished during those years. The intent is to foster an atmosphere where love remains central, even when faced with distressing revelations.
Collins’ confession in 2014 followed a tumultuous series of events, including leaked voice recordings that shattered public perception. He admitted to “doing something terribly wrong” that he regretted, a phrase that echoes hollowly across the years; his words now haunt what was once a beloved family drama. The show aired on The WB from 1996 to 2007 and has now transformed into a complicated piece of television history, one that has left an indelible mark on its viewers.
In those moments of reflection, the adult cast members grapple with their past while expressing heartfelt gratitude for their fans. They understand that the fragile web of child stardom is tinged with complexities, but they hold onto the brighter threads—cherished moments shared with their audience and each other.
Collins tried to frame his admission with nuance, claiming that he took responsibility and aimed to apologize when he could. Yet those apologies, echoing through the tapes, remain laden with ambiguous sincerity, raising more questions than answers. The web of emotions attached to “7th Heaven” is rich and intricate; it tugs at the heartstrings and demands recognition. It signifies not just the good times but also a painful reckoning.
As the Camden family reconnects with their past, they invite listeners to explore their journey with them—one filled with nostalgia, heartache, and amid it all, a commitment to truth.
