Richard Stevenson Parker, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Parker has a very impressive and extensive resume in the acting department. He could not use the name Richard Parker because another actor already had that name registered with the Screen actor's Guild. He couldn't use Richard Stevenson for the same reason. He finally settled on Parker Stevenson.
He got his start in movies and TV guest appearances. After getting the 1977 ABC hit TV series, 'The Hardy Boys Mysteries' (with recording star Shawn Cassidy) under his belt, he went on to other numerous TV guest appearances and TV movies. Most noted was the mini series (when mini series' were actually mini series instead of two-part movies), 'North and South'/Book II,' based on the multi-book best seller 'North and South' series. Parker's boyish appearance and acting chops helped him get the role of young Billy Hazzard. Actress Kirstie Alley portrayed his older sister Virgilia.
His most current other credits include 'Legion' (1998/with 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's' Terry Farrell and Troy Donahue), 'Wonderworks-Caddie Woodlawn' (1995), 'Not of this Earth' (1995), 'Official Denial' (1993), 'Are You Lonesome Tonight' (1992), 'Shadow of a Stranger' (1992), and 'Beauty and Denise' (1989). He also had a recurring role on 'Melrose Place'/Heather Locklear.
When Parker met Kirstie, he was a very successful actor while she was a struggling actress who had yet to appear in a film or major project. Her only credit was a student film. Parker already had movies and the 'Hardy Boys Mysteries' under his belt. After they married he provided his wife the support, love and encouragement to succeed as an actress. Parker put his own career on the side so that he could focus on helping his then wife Kirstie with hers. When her career took off, they lived the life of extravagance. Their lifestyle became lavish around the time Kirstie got her regular role on 'Cheers' as Rebecca Howe.
They enjoyed private tennis lessons, personal trainers and almost nightly masseuses. Money was no object. They generally traveled in private jets and luxury private busses. When they arrived in New York, they would generally go directly from the airport to the FAO Schwartz store open for 2 hours after hours exclusively for them. When it came to their children, no expense was spared. They showered their children True and Lillie with countless material possessions and were provided with opportunities for educational, extracurricular and travel opportunities. The couple was famous for their extravagant children's parties, especially for the annual Halloween and Easter celebrations.
After her career took off and she was in demand 14 years later, Kirstie suddenly wanted a divorce. Kirstie and Parker were estranged for more than a year before they each filed divorce complaints in 1997. Kirstie, 47 quit on the 14-year marriage to date actor James Wilder, 34 years old, like Parker, is a 'Melrose Place' star. Wilder and Alley met on the set of a movie filmed in Nevada. By last September, Kirstie, the children and their brood of animals had moved into James Wilder's Hollywood Hills home.
The couple was forced to air their dirty laundry in public when the 'Church of Scientology' (where they practiced their religion) could not help them settle their differences. The divorce was very much publicized.
The divorce and settlement was bitter. Parker sought custody of their two children and an overwhelming settlement to keep him and the children in the lifestyle in which they were accustomed. In the end, it was joint custody and he got a tidy sum for the sacrifices he made over the years. When asked by 'Good Housekeeping' magazine, Kirstie (which she is on the cover and has an article where she discusses her new hit NBC series, 'Veronica's Closet,' the divorce and her new, much younger boyfriend) did not want to discuss the settlement. She could not stop talking about actor James Wilder. She was asked if she and Parker were still friends. She said that she thought so.
On the positive side, Parker was now free to concentrate on his own career. He was able to come back in to direct four episodes as well as appear in four 'Baywatch' episodes in the 8th season (1997-1998) as Craig Pomeroy, the married lawyer who did Lifeguarding on the side in the show's first season (1990-1991). His return was a welcome sight to many 'Baywatch' fans that kept up with the show since its pilot movie debut on NBC. His life had changed now. Gina (Holly Gagnier) and Craig were going through a divorce (sound familiar?). She loved the Washington DC social life and he hated it. He tried calling to work things out, but to no prevail. Craig ended up moving back to Los Angeles. He went back to what he loved. He decided to open a small firm and do Lifeguarding on the side.
Birth Name . . . Krista Allen-Moritt
Birthdate . . . April 5, 1972
Birthplace . . . Ventura, California
Current Residence . . . Hollywod Duplex, Los Angeles, California
Marital Status . . . married to Justin Moritt, film producer (September 14, 1996)
Hair/Eyes . . . Dark Brown/Hazel
Height/weight . . . unavailable
Heritage . . . Irish and Portuguese
Education . . . College/University of Texas
Parents . . . father Dalton, mother Katherine, divorced
Children . . . Son, Jacob Nolan Moritt (12 July 1997)
Siblings . . . brother Dal Jr
Start in show business . . . as a teenager modeled in her hometown of Houston, Texas, won the title of 'Miss Texas'
Hobbies/Interests . . . loves children, animals, poetry, antiques, artwork and charities
Pets . . . Lucky & Muppet (two dogs)
