Episode 184 – Beyond The Blue Lagoon: The Naked Truth With ‘80s Icon Christopher Atkins – Part 2
In Part Two of Tony Miros’ unforgettable conversation with actor Christopher Atkins, the journey continues with “The Pirate Movie,” “A Night in Heaven,” and one very unexpected musical career! He takes us behind the scenes of filming “The Pirate Movie” in Australia, where he fell in love with the country and learned singing and fencing for the role. He also reveals the surprising legacy of the film—including his Gold Record for “How Can I Live Without Her,” his unforgettable appearance on “Solid Gold,” and why he still can’t believe he signs more autographs for “The Pirate Movie” than “The Blue Lagoon!”
Atkins then opens up about “A Night in Heaven,” his provocative 1983 film with Leslie Ann Warren, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker John G. Avildsen. The film earned him the tongue-in-cheek distinction of being the “original Magic Mike.” He shares hilarious stories about filming those famously steamy scenes with Leslie Ann Warren, the constantly changing script, and how the movie ultimately took his character in a very unexpected direction. .
Then it’s off to Southfork for a behind-the-scenes trip down “Dallas” memory lane! He recalls playing Peter Richards during Season Seven, people’s concerns about a movie star doing TV, and the hilarious first time he met the legendary Larry Hagman. He shares stories about Charlene Tilton, Linda Gray, and his unforgettable first onscreen kiss with Gray—including the hilarious prank that she pulled on him!
He also talks about reuniting with Brooke Shields on “Suddenly Susan,” reflects on the deeply personal significance of working with Randal Kleiser again on “It’s My Party,” and pulls back the curtain on his experience with VH1’s “Confessions of a Teen Idol”. Now living in Connecticut, Atkins is looking toward the next chapter of his career—writing and developing his own independent films.
CHRISTOPHER ATKINS
Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer who became an international teen idol virtually overnight. Before fame, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend convinced him to audition for "The Blue Lagoon." With no previous acting experience, the 19-year-old won the role over more than 4,000 other actors. Released in 1980 and starring Atkins opposite Brooke Shields, "The Blue Lagoon" became a major box-office success. The film went on to become a cult classic, while Atkins’ youthful looks, athleticism, and natural screen presence made him one of the most recognizable teen idols of the era.
Atkins followed "The Blue Lagoon" with "The Pirate Movie ," playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by "The Pirates of Penzance." He also recorded the song “How Can I Live Without Her?,” which earned him a Gold record. In 1983, he starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in "A Night in Heaven "and joined the cast of the hit CBS primetime soap "Dallas" as Peter Richards, who became romantically involved with Sue Ellen Ewing.
Over the following decades, Atkins continued working in film and television, appearing in projects including "Mortuary Academy," "It’s My Party," "Angel Flight Down," "Blue Lagoon: The Awakening," and "True Legends of the West." He also reunited with Brooke Shields as a guest star on "Suddenly Susan." In 2009, Atkins appeared on VH1’s reality series "Confessions of a Teen Idol," and in 2023, he reunited with his former Dallas co-star Linda Gray in "Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas."
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Actor/Writer/Director/Producer
Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, writer, director, and producer who rose to international fame as one of the most recognizable teen idols of the 1980s.
Born in Valdese, North Carolina, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend encouraged him to audition for “The Blue Lagoon.” With no prior acting experience or interest in pursuing a career in Hollywood, Atkins nevertheless won the role from more than 4,000 other young actors.
At just 19, Atkins made his film debut in “The Blue Lagoon” (1980), starring opposite Brooke Shields. The romantic adventure film was a major box-office success, earning more than $58 million against a $4.5 million production budget. The film has since become a classic of romantic fantasy and adventure. Atkins' natural good looks, athleticism, swimming abilities, and undeniable screen presence quickly made him a worldwide teen idol. Following the film's success, he was mobbed by fans wherever he went, with female admirers sometimes literally tearing at his clothes.
He followed “The Blue Lagoon” with “The Pirate Movie” (1982), playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan's “The Pirates of Penzance.” Atkins also recorded the song "How Can I Live Without Her?" for the film, which reached No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though initially a critical and commercial disappointment, “The Pirate Movie” has since developed a devoted cult following.
In “A Night in Heaven” (1983), co-starring Lesley Ann War… Read More
