Julie McCullough is an American actress, model, and stand-up comedian whose vibrant career has spanned decades.
Best known for her role as Julie Costello on the beloved 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, McCullough’s journey from a nomadic childhood to Hollywood fame is as captivating as her on-screen presence.
A Globe-Trotting Childhood
Born Julie Michelle McCullough on January 30, 1965, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she carries Irish roots and a name inspired by the 1950s hit song “Oh Julie.”
Her early life was shaped by constant change. After her parents divorced when she was four, her mother remarried a Marine, thrusting the family into a whirlwind of relocations.
From North Carolina to Italy, and across states like Texas, Florida, and California, McCullough’s upbringing was anything but ordinary. She attended high school in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Allen, Texas, where her Southern identity took root—a trait she proudly embraces today.
Breaking Into Modeling and Playboy Fame
McCullough’s striking beauty caught attention early. Fresh out of high school in 1983, she was scouted by Playboy magazine, launching her into the spotlight.
Her first appearance came in February 1985, gracing the cover and starring in the “Girls of Texas” pictorial. A year later, she earned the title of Playmate of the Month in February 1986.
She returned for another cover in September 1986 with the “Farmer’s Daughters” feature, and again in October 1989 for a compilation shoot. These bold moments catapulted her fame but later stirred drama in her acting career.
Rising Star on Television and Film
McCullough’s transition to acting showcased her versatility. She landed guest spots on iconic shows like The Golden Girls, Max Headroom, and Superboy, proving her range beyond modeling.
In 1987, she starred alongside Angie Dickinson in the action-packed Big Bad Mama II, hinting at her potential for bigger roles.
Her breakout came in 1989 when she joined Growing Pains as Julie Costello, the charming nanny and love interest to Kirk Cameron’s Mike Seaver. Fans adored her eight-episode arc, but her exit in 1990 sparked rumors.
Reports suggest Cameron, then newly devout after a religious awakening, objected to her Playboy past, leading to tension on set.
McCullough never let the controversy define her. She bounced back with roles in Beverly Hills, 90210, Jake and the Fatman, and the syndicated series Robin’s Hoods with Rick Springfield, cementing her place in ’90s TV.
Comedy Spotlight and Reality TV
Not content to stay in one lane, McCullough traded scripts for punchlines, diving into stand-up comedy. She lit up stages at top venues like the Hollywood Improv, the Palms Hotel and Casino, and the Laugh Factory, earning laughs with her sharp wit.Her comedic flair also landed her on E!’s The Girls Next Door, where she appeared in multiple episodes from 2005 to 2007, mingling with Hugh Hefner’s inner circle and delighting reality TV fans.
Personal Triumphs and Milestones
McCullough’s personal life has had its share of headlines. She married Canadian actor David Sutcliffe (Gilmore Girls) on November 10, 2001, but the couple parted ways in December 2003.Undeterred, she continued to thrive professionally and personally. In 2015, she marked her 50th birthday with a sold-out comedy show at The Comedy Store in Hollywood. Friends like Tia Carrere and Pauly Shore cheered her on, celebrating a milestone that underscored her enduring appeal.
