Kristy McNichol was a popular actress throughout the 70s and 80s and left showbiz during the peak of her career. While her departure was quick and uneventful, she never gave a real reason for quitting, until now.

McNichol recently opened up about her reasons for leaving the show to People Magazine, and said that the main reason she left was to find out what else was out there.

“I was on the big stage between ages 8 and 30,” she said. “I left show business for a variety of reasons, but a big one was my interest in learning what else there is in life … This phase of my life is so good. My home life is happy and serene. I love singing. I also enjoy traveling and seeing the world. One of my favorite stops is Hawaii. I like everything about it and may eventually move there part-time.”

Why did #LoveBoat's Kristy McNichol leave show business? http://t.co/Khjf9UYmGK

— TV Guide (@TVGuide) November 10, 2014

McNichol said that she doesn’t regret her decision to stop acting and that it opened a lot of doors and helped her find a lot of other things that she is now very passionate about.

“This phase of my life is so good,” she told the magazine. “My home life is happy and serene. I love singing. I also enjoy traveling and seeing the world. One of my favorite stops is Hawaii. I like everything about it and may eventually move there part-time.”

'Love Boat' cast reunites and dishes on kissing, filming and favorite current shows http://t.co/E5gtOHVODW pic.twitter.com/Y2fCGOQ5Kj

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 10, 2014

Kristy may have walked away from showbiz, but she hasn’t forgotten about her costars and friends. She recently made an appearance at the reunion for the hit 70s series Love Boat, where she caught up with old friends such as Rich Little and Lee Meriweather.