Where Is Stephen Collins Now? Inside the Disgraced “7th Heaven” Actor’s Life After He Confessed to Molesting Minors

In 2014, actor Stephen Collins, who gained fame as Reverend Eric Camden on the television series “7th Heaven,” faced allegations that transformed his public image. A secretly recorded therapy session revealed troubling admissions about his past, where Collins confessed to exposing himself to underage girls, prompting an uproar that would ultimately dismantle his career in Hollywood.

The tape, which was leaked to the press in October 2014, documented Collins’ accounts of inappropriate behaviour with three minors. Following the revelation, networks immediately removed reruns of “7th Heaven” from their schedules, and he was unceremoniously dropped from multiple projects including the film “Ted 2.” Despite the clarity of his admissions, Collins avoided criminal charges due to the statute of limitations on the reported incidents.

Collins, born on October 1, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, enjoyed an extensive acting career spanning nearly four decades. His prominent roles included Hugh Sloan in “All the President’s Men” and Commander Willard Decker in “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” However, it was his role as the loving father figure in “7th Heaven,” which aired from 1996 to 2007, that solidified his status as America’s dad.

Born into a family that encouraged artistic pursuits, Collins excelled in theatre and went on to achieve success on both Broadway and in television. Apart from acting, he also penned psychosexual thrillers, showing his versatility as a creative individual.

The allegations against Collins emerged during a turbulent time in his personal life. While undergoing a divorce from his wife Faye Grant after 27 years of marriage, Grant uncovered the audio recording made during their joint therapy sessions, where Collins openly admitted to his abusive actions towards minors. These admissions were deeply concerning and sparked a series of investigations from law enforcement agencies.

Among Collins’ accusers was April Price, who recounted an unsettling experience where Collins allegedly exposed himself to her while assisting her with gaming equipment at her aunt’s home. Price’s account, along with others, contributed to the backdrop of allegations that surrounded him.

In December 2014, Collins publicly acknowledged his past, revealing that he had engaged in abusive behaviour towards three girls between 1973 and 1994. In his statement, he expressed remorse and indicated that he had sought to make amends, including extending apologies to one of his victims – Price. However, he noted that he had chosen not to contact others, believing that it could reopen old wounds.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, law enforcement ultimately deemed that the statute of limitations would preclude any charges against Collins. Inquiries by the NYPD and LAPD confirmed this outcome, leaving many questions unanswered for victims seeking justice.

Since the scandal erupted, Collins has largely withdrawn from public life, although reports suggest he has moved on with a new partner, Jenny Nagel, who is significantly younger than he is. The couple reportedly lives in a small Iowa town, where they are said to engage in daily meditation sessions together.

In a recent podcast, former cast members from “7th Heaven” have addressed the situation surrounding Collins, reaffirming their condemnation of any form of abuse. Beverley Mitchell and David Gallagher, who portrayed Lucy and Simon Camden, respectively, expressed their support for abuse victims, while clarifying that they never experienced any inappropriate behaviour from Collins during their time on the show.

The discussions around the allegations persist, as both the media and fans continue to grapple with the conflicting memories of a series that had such a profound impact on family television. As the conversations evolve, it is crucial to prioritise the voices of survivors and ensure that their experiences are validated.

For those who have experienced sexual abuse, resources are available, including the Crisis Text Line, which can be contacted by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741 for support and guidance.