Okay folks we all remember 7th Heaven right? America's feel-good family show. It was wholesome heartwarming the kind of TV you could watch with your grandma. But behind that squeaky clean image there was a seriously dark secret lurking and it involved the man who played the beloved Reverend Eric Camden Stephen Collins .
America's Dad No More: Stephen Collins' Shocking Confession and the Scandal That Rocked Hollywood
For years Stephen Collins was basically America's dad. Everyone loved him as Reverend Camden the wise and caring patriarch on 7th Heaven. But in 2014 everything came crashing down. A bombshell confession revealed a disturbing truth about Collins' past: sexual misconduct with underage girls.
In a recorded therapy session with his then-wife Faye Grant Collins admitted to inappropriate behavior with multiple young girls going back decades. He even gave a tearful interview with Katie Couric trying to explain himself. He claimed he wasn't a pedophile but admitted to exposing himself to young girls. The details were chilling and completely shattered the image of "America's Dad".
The fallout was swift and brutal. Collins was fired from projects dropped from roles and basically exiled from Hollywood. His career was over and the legacy of 7th Heaven was forever tainted by this scandal.
"Hollywood Demons" Unearths Raw Reactions: 7th Heaven Co-Stars Confront Collins' Confession
Now a new documentary series Hollywood Demons on ID Discovery is digging into the Stephen Collins story. And it includes some truly powerful moments. Two 7th Heaven actors Jeremy London and Kyle Searles watched Collins' confession for the first time on camera and their reactions are intense.
Kyle Searles who played Mac on the show admitted he really admired Collins during filming. He saw him as a role model a humble guy who wasn't flashy despite his fame. But watching the confession Searles is visibly shaken and even tears up. He says "This is the first time that I’ve ever thought that he’s full of s." He feels betrayed and disgusted.
Jeremy London who played Chandler Hampton on 7th Heaven for two seasons initially defended Collins when allegations surfaced. He said it felt like people were "messing with somebody that I love and care about". London himself had faced some personal scandals and felt hesitant to judge Collins. But watching the confession changes everything. London's reaction is raw and emotional. He says "Stephen Collins would be a dead man if that was my child." Powerful words showing the depth of his anger and disappointment.
Accuser April Price Shares Her Story: A Chilling Account of Predatory Behavior
The documentary also features April Price one of Collins' accusers. She recounts disturbing encounters with Collins when she was just 13 years old. Price details a series of incidents that started innocently but quickly turned menacing. She describes Collins exposing himself to her multiple times and making inappropriate comments.
Price's story is chilling and underscores the predatory nature of Collins' actions. She describes feeling "supremely shocked" and "scared" by his behavior. Even years later when Collins apologized to her Price now sees it as insincere "damage control" more about protecting his career than genuine remorse.
Where is Stephen Collins Now? Living with a "Superfan" and a Disgraced Legacy
So where is Stephen Collins today? According to the documentary he is living in Fairfield Iowa with a woman named Jenny Nagel. And get this she is reportedly a 7th Heaven "superfan" who is 40 years younger than him. Dr. Drew Pinsky in the documentary raises eyebrows at this situation understandably given Collins' history.
While Collins declined to participate in Hollywood Demons the documentary does shed light on his life after the scandal. He is living a quiet life far from Hollywood's spotlight but his past actions continue to cast a long shadow. The documentary serves as a stark reminder that even those who project a wholesome image can harbor dark secrets.
7th Heaven Cast Reacts Over the Years: A Show Haunted by Scandal
The main cast members who played Collins' children on 7th Heaven haven't appeared in Hollywood Demons but they have addressed the scandal in the past. Beverley Mitchell David Gallagher and Mackenzie Rosman started a rewatch podcast and discussed the allegations. David Gallagher stated clearly that "All forms of abuse sexual abuse of any kind it’s inexcusable." Catherine Hicks who played Annie Camden even joked about a reunion needing to open with "Stephen's coffin" showing the deep rift caused by his actions.
Creator Brenda Hampton has also commented saying she would still include Collins in a reunion if it happened. But it is clear that the scandal has forever changed how people view 7th Heaven. What was once seen as a wholesome family show is now overshadowed by the disturbing reality of its lead actor's behavior.
Key Takeaways: The Stephen Collins Scandal and the Dark Side of 7th Heaven
- Stephen Collins Confessed to Sexual Misconduct: He admitted to sexually inappropriate behavior with underage girls shattering his "America's Dad" image.
- "Hollywood Demons" Documentary Explores the Scandal: The ID Discovery series features reactions from 7th Heaven cast members and an accuser.
- Jeremy London and Kyle Searles React with Shock and Anger: London and Searles express disgust and betrayal after watching Collins' confession for the first time in the documentary.
- Accuser April Price Shares Disturbing Encounters: Price recounts chilling experiences with Collins as a child detailing predatory behavior.
- Collins Now Lives with a Younger "Superfan": Reports suggest Collins is living in Iowa with a woman 40 years his junior raising eyebrows given his past.
- 7th Heaven's Legacy Tarnished: The scandal has cast a dark shadow over the once beloved family show.