Stephen Collins, once widely recognized as the wholesome father figure Reverend Eric Camden on the long-running family drama 7th Heaven, has become a controversial figure following serious allegations that surfaced in the early 2010s. The recent resurfacing of this topic came after his former co-stars addressed the matter publicly in a 2024 podcast episode, prompting renewed interest in Collins’ career, personal life, and current net worth.
The 7th Heaven Cast Breaks Silence
On September 24, 2024, former 7th Heaven cast members Beverley Mitchell, David Gallagher, and Mackenzie Rosman appeared on their podcast, Catching Up With the Camdens, to reflect on the show and the uncomfortable legacy of their former co-star. In their candid conversation, the trio acknowledged the complexity of discussing the show without mentioning Stephen Collins, who played a central role as the patriarch of the Camden family.
Rosman emphasized, “As we rewatch these episodes, it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen because he was such a big part of the show and our lives, but we want to be clear that we did not have any inappropriate experiences with Stephen.”
Gallagher further stated, “All forms of abuse, s*xual abuse of any kind, it’s inexcusable. And victims of abuse need to be shown compassion, and they should be given support.”
While they made it clear that they had not personally witnessed any misconduct, they were unanimous in condemning any form of abuse and distanced themselves from Collins’ actions.
Allegations and Fallout
Stephen Collins was accused of inappropriate s*xual behavior with three underage girls, incidents that reportedly occurred in 1973, 1982, and 1994. The scandal erupted in 2012 when TMZ released an audio recording in which Collins allegedly confessed to the abuse during a therapy session. Two years later, in a 2014 People magazine interview, Collins publicly admitted to wrongdoing, stating, “Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since.”
Following his confession, Collins faced immense professional backlash. He was removed from upcoming film and television projects, and reruns of 7th Heaven were pulled from syndication. He also resigned from his position on the SAG-AFTRA board and largely disappeared from the public eye.
Where Is Stephen Collins Now?
Now 77 years old, Stephen Collins was born on October 1, 1947. After a decades-long career in film and television, he currently resides in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he has chosen to live in relative obscurity. His last known acting credit was in the 2012 comedy film The Three Stooges, where he played Mr. Harter.
Despite the damaging fallout from the allegations, Collins still holds an estimated net worth of $3 million as of May 6, 2024, according to Celebrity Net. This wealth primarily stems from his long-standing role on 7th Heaven, which aired for 11 seasons from 1996 to 2007, as well as other notable roles in films like Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), The First Wives Club (1996), and Blood Diamond (2006).
Career Highlights Before the Controversy
Stephen Collins began his career in the 1970s and steadily built a reputation as a versatile actor. He appeared in popular television shows and movies, including All the President’s Men, Tales of the Gold Monkey, and The Babysitter’s Seduction. His portrayal of Captain Willard Decker in Star Trek: The Motion Picture gave him early exposure to a broader audience.
However, it was 7th Heaven that cemented his legacy, portraying a pastor and devoted father to seven children. The show became one of the most successful family dramas of its time, and Collins’ role earned him a devoted fan base that was later shocked by the allegations.
Personal Life and Relationships
Stephen Collins was previously married to actress Faye Grant from 1985 until their divorce in 2015. Their separation coincided with the time when the allegations became public. In a surprising development, Collins married Jenny Nagel on July 22, 2019, four years after finalizing his divorce.
Despite the attempts to return to normalcy in his personal life, Collins has remained mostly out of the spotlight. Public appearances have been rare, and he has not taken on any new acting roles since his confession.
