Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Christine Lakin: From Step By Step Stardom to Director's Chair!

Christine Lakin has come a long way since breaking out in Hollywood in the early 1990s. The actress, now 46, got her big break as a main cast member on the sitcom Step By Step, which she starred on for 160 episodes over seven seasons

The Secret Life of Christine Lakin: From Teen Starlet to Behind-the-Scenes Powerhouse

Christine Lakin, the beloved actress who stole our hearts as Alicia "Al" Lambert on the iconic 90s sitcom Step By Step, has come a long way since her Hollywood debut. The 46-year-old is now a seasoned actress, director, and devoted mom of two - but it's not just her family life that's got us talking. We're diving into Christine's fascinating journey from child star to industry insider, and the juicy secrets she's shared along the way.

The Early Years: When Christine Was America's Sweetheart

Now, more than two decades after the show that gave her her big break went off the air, DailyMail.com takes a look at what Christine looks like now; publicity photo for Step By Step (1993)

In the early 90s, Step By Step was the go-to show for family viewing time. Who could resist the charms of Patrick Duffy's lovable Frank Lambert and Suzanne Somers' sassy Carol? Christine Lakin played Alicia "Al" Lambert, Frank's step-daughter, and her portrayal earned her a devoted fan base. But little did we know that behind the scenes, Christine was navigating the treacherous waters of child stardom.

"I was just a kid when I started Step By Step," Christine revealed in an interview with Voyage LA last year. "I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was a whirlwind experience, and at times, it felt like I was living someone else's life."

Despite the show's popularity, critics never quite gave it the attention it deserved. But for seven seasons, Christine held her own alongside the cast, including Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers. When the show finally ended in 1998, Christine bid farewell to the role that made her a household name.

The film and television actress was spotted out in Los Angeles this week when she attended her son Baylor's Little League game

The Transition from Teen Starlet to Adult Actress

Post-Step By Step, Christine faced the daunting task of transitioning from child star to adult actress. She took on guest roles on shows like 7th Heaven and 3rd Rock From The Sun, but it wasn't until she landed a spot on Boston Public that she started to gain momentum.

"I was determined to prove myself as more than just a 'Step By Step' kid," Christine told Voyage LA. "I knew I had the talent, but I needed to work hard and take risks to get noticed."

Christine was dressed in a sporty white tank top that highlighted her toned arms, and she paired it with acid wash jeans, brown Birkenstocks, aviator sunglasses and a blue denim-style LA Dodgers baseball cap. She opted for minimal makeup

Christine's breakout role came in 2008 with The Hottie And The Nottie, where she starred alongside Paris Hilton - a film that would become infamous for its Razzie Award sweep. Yes, you read that right: Christine Lakin was part of the most epic fail in Hollywood history!

From Actress to Director: A Journey of Self-Discovery

In 2012, Christine made the bold move from acting to directing. It wasn't an easy transition; she faced skepticism and even rejection along the way.

Despite being decades away from the role she's best known for, she still looked shockingly youthful

"I had no formal training as a director," Christine admitted in her Voyage LA interview. "But I knew that if I wanted to stay relevant in this industry, I needed to be willing to take on new challenges."

Christine's big break came with The Goldbergs, where she directed 12 episodes between 2018 and 2023. But it wasn't just her work behind the camera that caught our attention - it was also her candid words about navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood.

The Personal Side: Motherhood and Love

In 2014, she tied the knot with the actor Brandon Breault. In 2016, they welcomed their first child, daughter Georgia James, nine, and in late 2018 she gave birth to their son Baylor B., six; seen in 2023 in Burbank

When Christine isn't busy acting or directing, she's a devoted mom to two beautiful children: Georgia James (9) and Baylor B. (6). In an exclusive interview with Voyage LA, Christine shared what it means to be a mother in the spotlight:

"As a mom, I want my kids to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to," Christine said. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a role model for them and to show them the value of hard work and perseverance."

Christine's love life has been a subject of interest among fans, too. In 2014, she tied the knot with actor Brandon Breault - but it was her candid comments about marriage that left us wondering: "I think marriage is like any other relationship," Christine confessed to Voyage LA. "It takes work and commitment from both partners."

She played Alicia 'Al' Lambert, the daughter of Patrick Duffy's character Frank, who is getting used to his new marriage to Suzanne Somers' character Carol

The Legacy Continues

Christine Lakin's journey from child star to industry insider is a testament to her resilience, talent, and determination. As she continues to break new ground behind the camera, we can't help but wonder: what's next for this talented triple threat?

Stay tuned for more updates on Christine's fascinating life and career - only on thescholarlynote.com!

Although critics never paid much attention to Step By Step, it was popular with viewers for several seasons, though ratings began to flag by the show's sixth season

Although she mostly appeared in low-budget films throughout the 2000s, she had a surprising connection to Paris Hilton's attempt to launch an acting career when she starred opposite the heiress in The Hottie And The Nottie (as the Nottie)

She's pictured with her Step By Step costars Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers in 2009 in North Hollywood

She became an in-demand guest star on CSI, Modern Family, Boston Public and Veronica Mars. In 2010, she began a years-long run on Family Guy; pictured with (L¿R) Stephen Jarchow, Paris Hilton, Heidi Ferrer, Johann Urb and Paul Colichman in 2008

Christine has also established herself as a television director begin in 2012, and she got some of her most high-profile directing gigs beginning in 2018 on The Goldbergs; seen in 2023 in LA