Ashley Johnson Recounts Harrowing Abduction Attempt by Armed Fan During ‘Growing Pains’ Taping

Ashley Johnson has opened up about a disturbing encounter from her early years in television, detailing how an armed audience member attempted to kidnap her during a live taping of the sitcom “Growing Pains” when she was just 7 years old. The incident occurred during the show’s first season, Johnson revealed during an appearance on the “Weird Kids” podcast, and came after the production had received advance warning that someone intended to bring a weapon onto the set.

At that time, security protocols were considerably less stringent than modern standards. Cast members exited their trailers and walked directly past incoming audience members before entering the studio, with spectators positioned within just five feet of the performers. This proximity proved critical when one man suddenly broke from the audience line and seized Johnson as she walked alongside her mother.

“I just remember some guy hops out of the line, and he grabs me … grabs me up and starts booking it,” Johnson recounted. She recalled being lifted into the air while security personnel struggled to apprehend the suspect. Despite the gravity of the situation, Johnson said her young age prevented her from fully comprehending the danger she faced.

The assailant was armed and appeared to be under the influence of narcotics, though Johnson could not specify what substance. Security personnel ultimately subdued him before he could carry her away. In the aftermath, Johnson worried she would face trouble rather than fully grasping what had nearly occurred.

Johnson joined the ABC sitcom in 1990, portraying Chrissy Seaver alongside Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, and Jeremy Miller. Leonardo DiCaprio later joined the ensemble before the show concluded in 1992. Johnson subsequently built a prominent career in film and voice acting, gaining recognition as the voice of Ellie in the “The Last of Us” video game series and later portraying Ellie’s mother in HBO’s television adaptation.