Christine Lakin
The scene-stealing child star from 'Step by Step' who built a lasting career as a versatile voice actor and director.
Born 1979 (age 47)·American actress·Birthday: January 25·Generation X
Biography
Christine Lakin didn't just grow up on television; she grew into a multifaceted Hollywood professional. Bursting onto the scene as the tomboyish Al Lambert on the hit sitcom 'Step by Step', she became a familiar face in living rooms across America. Rather than fading after the show's end, Lakin strategically pivoted, showcasing her range in theater and landing a memorable role as a sassy Joan of Arc in 'Reefer Madness'. Her true second act, however, has been behind the microphone. She has lent her voice to a menagerie of animated characters, most notably the relentless small-town reporter Joyce Kinney on 'Family Guy'. Expanding her reach, she has also directed feature films and web series, proving her deep understanding of the industry extends far beyond the performer's mark.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Christine was born in 1979, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Christine Was Born
The biggest hits of 1979
#1 Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Best Picture
Kramer vs. Kramer
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Christine's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1979Born
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1984Started school
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Became a teenager
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Could drive
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1997Could vote
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Turned 21
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2009Turned 30
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 40
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 47 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Alicia 'Al' Lambert for seven seasons on the popular family sitcom 'Step by Step'.
- Has provided the voice for Joyce Kinney on 'Family Guy' for over a decade, making the character a series staple.
- Played the lead role of Mary Lane, opposite a musical Joan of Arc, in the film adaptation of 'Reefer Madness'.
- Co-directed the feature film 'The Wedding Year' and several episodes of the digital series 'We Love Lucy'.
Did You Know?
She is an accomplished dancer and was a national titleholder in gymnastics as a child.
She voiced the character of 'Gadget' in the popular 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers' reboot film.
She frequently collaborates with fellow 'Step by Step' cast member Patrick Duffy on her directorial projects.
She hosted a podcast called 'We Love Lucy' that focused on 'I Love Lucy' trivia and history.
“I learned early that in this business, you have to be your own toughest critic.”
