The actor who won hearts in The Blue Lagoon is back in the spotlight, looking like he’s lived life to the fullest with lines carved into his face and silver hair.
He nearly broke down from the struggles he faced away from the limelight in Hollywood, but he has since accepted a simpler life.
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Let’s look at his journey’s highs and lows, from beating alcoholism to going bankrupt to his current predicament.
Christopher Atkins, a former member of Blue Lagoon, gained immense popularity over four decades ago, primarily due to his role in the iconic 1980 film. Even though he never intended to become an actor, destiny had other plans.
Atkins grew up dreaming of being a professional baseball player. He was born in New York. Sadly, a knee injury ended his sports career. He ultimately decided to try his hand at modeling and teaching sailing instead of heading to the baseball field. A fateful audition led to his breakthrough job as Richard in The Blue Lagoon, a position that would change his life forever.
According to Now to Love, Atkins’s selection for the part out of 4,000 candidates was proof of his undeniable charm on screen. The film, which also starred Brooke Shields, told the story of two kids who end up stranded on a tropical island and became an instant hit at the box office.
Although the young actor was nervous to be in one of the first big-budget movies featuring male nudity, people from all around the world were impressed with his performance.
“We were married six months after we met,” he recalled their brief romance. “It was love at first sight.” After then, we had two kids: Brittany and Grant. However, the glamorous life in Hollywood had a darker side.
As Atkins’s career progressed, he began to feel the weight of celebrity expectations. His extravagant parties, frequent travel, and high standards drove him to inebriation.
The family settled in Los Angeles, but their seemingly perfect life collapsed when Atkins found out that his former manager had embezzled nearly half a million dollars from him. The financial betrayal nearly caused the singer to go bankrupt and set the stage for an alcohol-fueled breakdown in 1986. Reflecting on that trying period, he said to Lifestyle Magazine, “There is nothing worse than having your whole life pulled out from under you.”
A pivotal milestone in his life occurred when his parents intervened following a heated argument with his wife. To deal with his addiction, Atkins checked himself into a 28-day treatment clinic. After recuperating, he reappeared with a new perspective on life. “I came to the realization that being a father took precedence over my alcoholism after I left there,” he said. Despite his best attempts, his marriage could not bear the weight of his problems. “Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t work out, but we’re still very close friends,” he said.
Atkins takes great pride in having maintained sobriety for almost three decades. He gave his children, Grant and Brittany, his whole attention in an attempt to be a loving father. Grant pursued his ambition of being a baseball player, while Brittany went into acting and starred in British children’s movies, one of which was written by her father.
Atkins continued to work in film and television, but he longed for another major hit like The Blue Lagoon. “I consider myself an actress because I have been performing for 43 years… I still hope to make an appearance in a “A” movie one day,” he remarked.
In terms of love, Atkins remains hopeful. After 20 years of marriage and multiple romantic encounters, he is still searching for someone who possesses the same zest for life. “It seems like I’m too old for drama, but I want a woman.” He reportedly stated, “A woman who loves to laugh, can be spontaneous…has to be open,” according to Page Six.
Now a grandfather to three sons, Atkins is thoroughly content with his new position. We always have a fantastic time camping, fishing, playing ball, and wrestling. I often take them snake hunting. They’re so entertaining,” he gushed.
