Ashley Johnson shared heartwarming stories about her time on the ABC sitcom Growing Pains, reflecting on her experiences during a recent appearance on the Pod Meets World podcast with Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle. Johnson, who played Chrissy Seaver, remembered working alongside a talented cast that included early performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, highlighting his remarkable presence during the formative years of his career on Growing Pains.
Joining a Tight-Knit Cast During the Show’s Later Seasons
Johnson joined Growing Pains as Chrissy Seaver in the show‘s sixth season, quickly finding herself part of a well-established ensemble. She recalled how the cast, which included Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, and Jeremy Miller, felt like a family from the beginning.
“Every memory that I have from [Growing Pains] is so good,”
Johnson said, speaking of the supportive environment she encountered. —Ashley Johnson, Actress
“I feel like they were such a family on that show already because I came in on the sixth season.”
—Ashley Johnson, Actress
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Unique Talent and Early Kindness
Toward the end of Growing Pains, Leonardo DiCaprio joined the cast as Luke Brower, a homeless teen who becomes part of the Seaver household. Johnson was quick to notice DiCaprio’s exceptional talent, at a time when he was just 16 and had only recently finished filming This Boy’s Life, a movie that had yet to premiere.
“Like, you could tell so early on. I think at that time he had just finished filming This Boy’s Life, and that hadn’t come out yet, so he was on sort of the last bit of the season for Growing Pains.”
—Ashley Johnson, Actress
Reflecting further, Johnson described how impressed everyone was with the young DiCaprio.
“I just remember, everyone was like, ‘This kid so good.’ Like, he just had it. We felt it. He was great. But he was, like, a teenager, you know? He was a kid, but I remember he was so sweet to me.”
—Ashley Johnson, Actress
Remembering Alan Thicke and Lasting Connections
Johnson also spoke warmly about Alan Thicke, the beloved actor who played the family patriarch on Growing Pains. She described her affection for Thicke and reflected on meeting the cast years later at Thicke’s funeral.
“The last time I saw everybody, not the greatest, but I went to Alan Thicke’s funeral,”
—Ashley Johnson, Actress
“He was the greatest. I mean, as a first TV dad, I just remember I loved hugging him and just being around him. He was wonderful.”
—Ashley Johnson, Actress
Thicke’s passing in December 2016 brought cast members together as they honored his memory, highlighting the lasting bonds formed during their time on the show.
Ashley Johnson’s Career Beyond Growing Pains
Ashley Johnson’s time on Growing Pains marked the start of a flourishing career in television and voice acting. After her role as Chrissy Seaver, she appeared on shows like The Killing, starred in Blindspot, and lent her voice to acclaimed video games, including The Last of Us. Her cameo in the second season of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us was a tribute to longtime fans, showing how her work continues to resonate with audiences.
The Impact of Early Connections in Entertainment
Ashley Johnson’s memories of Leonardo DiCaprio’s early career on Growing Pains provide rare insight into the beginnings of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors. Her stories also illustrate the enduring friendships and professional respect that develop on set, touching on the importance of camaraderie and kindness within the entertainment industry. As DiCaprio’s and Johnson’s careers continue to evolve, their shared history on Growing Pains highlights the formative experiences that shape performers for years to come.
