This former “The Blue Lagoon” star stunned fans with his aged yet graceful look at 63. Take a look at his journey from a teen heartthrob to a doting grandfather, the dark times he overcame, and how he found peace away from Hollywood after years in the spotlight.
The actor who once set hearts racing in “The Blue Lagoon” has reappeared, looking vastly different from his teenage glory days. With silver hair and visible lines that tell a story of a life fully lived, his transformation pleasantly surprised many.
The young actor filming “The Blue Lagoon,” circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Away from the cameras, he faced battles that nearly broke him, but today, he’s embraced a quieter life far from Hollywood’s glare. Take a look at the remarkable twists and turns of his life, including battling alcoholism and going bankrupt, and where he is now.
The “The Blue Lagoon” star, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
The Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall of a Hollywood Heartthrob
This “The Blue Lagoon” star, who once graced screens as a young heartthrob, experienced a meteoric rise to fame that few could have anticipated. Over four decades ago, he was catapulted into stardom, largely due to his breakout role in the iconic 1980 film.
The actor, circa 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Interestingly, acting was never part of his original plan. Growing up in New York, he had dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. Unfortunately, a knee injury dashed those ambitions, leading him to an unexpected career path.
Instead of stepping onto a baseball field, the former Hollywood star found himself teaching sailing and dabbling in modeling. Fate, however, had other plans. A chance audition for a film titled “The Blue Lagoon,” co-starring Brooke Shields, led to him being cast as Richard, a role that would forever alter the course of his life.
Brooke Shields and the young actor on the set of “The Blue Lagoon,” circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
He was selected from among 4,000 hopefuls, a testament to his undeniable on-screen appeal. The film, which told the story of two teenagers stranded on a tropical island, quickly became a box-office sensation. It was one of the first mainstream movies to feature male nudity, which was daunting for the young actor.
Brooke Shields and the young actor in New York, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Filming took place on Fiji’s Turtle Island, a location that, at the time, was far from the luxury resort it is today. The isolation of the location, combined with the challenging scenes, tested the actor’s resolve. Despite these challenges, the film’s success firmly established him as a teen idol.
The young Hollywood star, circa 1982. | Source: Getty Images
After his success with “The Blue Lagoon,” he went on to star in “The Pirate Movie,” where he met Australian model Lyn Barron, who would become his wife. Recalling their first meeting, he shared, “It was love at first sight, and six months later we were married. We went on to have two kids, Grant and Brittany.”
The “The Blue Lagoon” star and Lyn Barron at Robin Leach’s Christmas Party on December 2, 1984, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood came with a darker side. As his career progressed, the pressures of fame began to take a toll. The constant travel, lavish parties, and high expectations gradually led him down a destructive path of alcoholism.
Lyn Barron and the young actor on their wedding day on May 25, 1985, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The couple had settled in Los Angeles, but their seemingly perfect life began to crumble when the actor discovered that his former manager had embezzled nearly half a million dollars from him.
The “The Blue Lagoon” actor participating in Connie Stevens’ Third Annual All-Male Celebrity fashion show and luncheon to benefit Windfeather on June 8, 1986, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The financial betrayal left the star nearly broke, a devastating blow that led to an alcohol-fueled breakdown in 1986. The actor later reflected on that difficult time, admitting, “There is nothing worse than having your whole life pulled out from under you.”
The Hollywood star and his family at the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ “Coming Out of Their Shells” Rock & Roll Tour on November 21, 1990, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
The situation reached a breaking point after a heated argument with his wife in their family home. It was then that his parents stepped in, forcing him to confront his demons.
The actor at the premiere of “The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle” on June 24, 2000, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
He entered a rehab program, spending 28 days working to overcome his addiction. Emerging from rehab, he had a newfound clarity about what mattered most in his life. “I came out of there realizing that I wanted to be a dad more than I wanted to be a drunk,” he recalled.
The Hollywood star at Alana Curry’s 25th Birthday Bash on May 4, 2005, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his efforts, his marriage could not withstand the strain of his struggles. “Sadly, the marriage didn’t last, but we remain genuinely great friends,” he said.
The actor at the opening night of “The Pee-wee Herman Show” on January 20, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
A New Chapter – Life After Hollywood
Christopher Atkins had been sober for over 30 years, a significant milestone that marked his dedication to turning his life around. After overcoming his addiction, the actor made a conscious effort to be a devoted father, determined to be there for his children.
Grant and Brittany followed in their father’s footsteps, though each took a different path. Grant became an avid baseball player, pursuing the dream that his father once held.
Brittany, on the other hand, ventured into acting, appearing in three children’s films for British television, one of which was written by her father. While Christopher continued to land film and television roles, he longed to return to the big screen in another box office hit like “The Blue Lagoon.”
“I consider myself an actor, that’s what I’ve done for 43 years, that’s my business, this is what I do, I still, to this day, dream of being in an ‘A’ movie again,” he revealed.
Aside from his professional aspirations, Christopher remained open to the possibility of finding love once more. He had been married for 20 years and had experienced other relationships over the years, but he still hoped to find a partner who shared his zest for life.
“I want a woman, obviously no drama, I’m too old for that. A woman who loves to laugh, can be spontaneous…has to be open,” he shared.
Now a grandfather to three boys, Christopher finds immense joy in his role as a grandfather. “I take them snake hunting, we go camping, fishing, play ball, wrestle all the time, we have a blast. They’re so much fun,” he said.
In 2019, the actor made a significant life change by leaving Hollywood behind and moving to Connecticut. The decision was driven by his desire to be closer to his elderly mother, Bitsy, who had been dealing with memory issues.
Despite his retreat from Hollywood, many praised Atkins for still looking good all these years later, embracing his natural appearance with grace and charm.
“You look great! Beautiful view!”one person shared on Instagram. Another person commented, “Like your gray hair and natural aging with wrinkles.”A third user added, “👏👏Still as HOT AS EVER. YOU ONLY HAVE GOTTEN BETTER W AGE🔥🔥.” “Wooow looking great man❤️🔥❤️,” another person typed. Another wrote, “You are amazing👏.”
Christopher Atkins’ journey from Hollywood heartthrob to devoted father and grandfather showcases a life full of highs and lows. Despite the challenges he faced, including a battle with addiction and personal setbacks, he emerged stronger.
Now living a quieter life in Connecticut, the actor remains hopeful for a return to the big screen while cherishing the simple joys of family and personal peace.
