Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Christopher Atkins.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Christopher Atkins
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Christopher Atkins Bomann[1] (born February 21, 1961)[2] is an American actor and businessman. He starred in the 1980 film The Blue Lagoon and played Peter Richards on Dallas (1983–1984).
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Christopher Atkins Bomann was born[2] and raised[3] in Rye, New York. He is the son of Donald Bomann and Bitsy Nebauer, who divorced during his childhood.[4] Atkins was an aspiring baseball player; when his baseball aspirations were derailed by knee problems, he started a modeling career. When he began acting, Atkins dropped the last name Bomann and used his middle name, Atkins, as his last name.[3]
Career
[edit]
A friend suggested that Atkins audition for The Blue Lagoon.[2] The film's director, Randal Kleiser, stated that Atkins was a sailing instructor with no acting experience when he was cast in the film.[3] Atkins and co-star Brooke Shields played teenaged cousins who find love while living in an isolated tropical paradise after being marooned as children.[5] Released in 1980, the film grossed over $58 million with a production cost of $4.5 million[6][7][8] but received negative critical responses.[9] Atkins appeared both nude and scantily clad in the film.[4][5][10][11] While Blue Lagoon was controversial due to its nude scenes and sexual content,[12] it nevertheless became a "pop culture phenomenon".[13] Although Atkins was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture – Male for The Blue Lagoon,[14] critical responses to his performance were negative. A TV Guide reviewer wrote that "Atkins looks as if he would be more at home on a surfboard,"[15] and Gary Arnold wrote in The Washington Post that Atkins's performance "evoke[s] modeling sessions and beach-party movies."[16]
In 1982 Atkins posed nude for Playgirl,[4][11] and co-starred with Kristy McNichol in The Pirate Movie (1982), an update of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta The Pirates of Penzance.[2] His song "How Can I Live Without Her", which peaked at #71 on the Billboard Hot 100, was used in that film. For his performance in the film A Night in Heaven (1983), Atkins won the 1983 Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor.[17] For one season (1983–1984), Atkins had a recurring role as swimming instructor Peter Richards on Dallas.[2]
In 1999, Atkins appeared in the television sitcom Suddenly Susan, which starred Shields.[3] In 2009, Atkins appeared on VH1's Confessions of a Teen Idol, a reality show featuring former teen idols.[18][19] Atkins was ranked no. 76 on VH1's list of 100 Greatest Teen Stars.[2]
Atkins became a luxury pool builder[18] and co-developed the Christopher Atkins Strike Jacket E.F.L. (Extreme Fishing Lure), "a rubbery slipcovering for traditional baits."[3]
In 2023, Atkins appeared in Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas, where he reunited onscreen with his Dallas costar, Linda Gray.
In July 2025, Atkins once again graced the cover of Playgirl. A new Greg Gorman photoshoot was conducted for the issue.[20]
Personal life
[edit]
Atkins married Lyn Barron Weber of Sydney, Australia, on May 25, 1985. They have two children: son Grant Bomann (b. 1985) and daughter Brittney Bomann (b. 1987).[21][22] They divorced in 2007.[23]
In a 2009 interview, Atkins acknowledged his past struggle with alcoholism and stated that he had been sober for 22 years.[23]
Filmography
[edit]Film and television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Blue Lagoon | Richard Lestrange | Nominated—Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture – Male |
| 1981 | Swan Lake | Prince Siegfried | Voice only, English version |
| 1981 | Child Bride of Short Creek | Isaac King | TV movie |
| 1982 | Aladdin and the Magic Lamp | Aladdin | Voice only, English version |
| 1982 | The Pirate Movie | Frederic | Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor |
| 1983–84 | Dallas | Peter Richards | TV series, 27 episodes (season 7) |
| 1983 | A Night in Heaven | Rick Monroe | Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor |
| 1985 | Secret Weapons | Allan Collier | TV movie |
| 1985 | Hotel | Jason Fielding | Episode: "Echoes" |
| 1987 | Beaks: The Movie | Peter | |
| 1987 | Night Rose: Akhbar's Daughter | Bitterman | TV pilot episode |
| 1988 | Mortuary Academy | Max Grimm | |
| 1989 | Listen to Me | Bruce Arlington | Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor |
| 1990 | Fatal Charm | Adam Brenner | TV movie |
| 1990 | Shakma | Sam | |
| 1991 | Extralarge: Miami Killer | Blake | TV movie |
| 1992 | Wet and Wild Summer! | Bobby McCain | |
| 1993 | The Adventures of the Black Stallion | Drag Racer | Episode: "Racing in the Streets" |
| 1993 | Dracula Rising | Vlad | Direct-to-video |
| 1993 | Die Watching | Michael Terrence | Direct-to-video |
| 1993 | ¡Dispara! | Spence | |
| 1993 | King's Ransom | Spence | Direct-to-video |
| 1994 | Bandit Goes Country | Johnny Bruce | TV movie |
| 1994 | Trigger Fast | Dusty Fog | |
| 1994 | Guns of Honor | Dusty Fog | TV movie |
| 1994 | Signal One | Martin Bullet | |
| 1995 | Project Shadowchaser III | Snake | TV movie |
| 1995 | Smoke n Lightnin | Lightnin | |
| 1996 | It's My Party | Jack Allen | |
| 1996 | Dead Man's Island | Roger Prescott | TV movie |
| 1996 | Angel Flight Down | Jack Bahr | TV movie |
| 1996 | Silk Stalkings | Chance Reynolds | Episode: "Compulsion" |
| 1997 | High Tide | Raider | Episode: "A Rock and a Hard Place" |
| 1997 | Mutual Needs | Andrew | |
| 1998 | The Fairy King of Ar | N/a | Writer and producer |
| 1999 | Suddenly Susan | Tony | Episode: "Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut" |
| 1999 | Lima: Breaking the Silence | Jeff | |
| 1999 | Deadly Delusions | Sam Gitlin | |
| 2000 | Malicious Intent | Alfred Russo | |
| 2000 | Stage Ghost | Matthew Bronson | |
| 2001 | Title to Murder | Paul Shaughnessy | |
| 2001 | Dark Realm | Jack Anderson | Episode: "Emma's Boy" |
| 2001 | The Little Unicorn | PC Sid Edwards | Direct-to-video |
| 2001 | True Legends of the West | Theodore Sutherland | |
| 2002 | 13th Child | Ron | Direct-to-video |
| 2002 | Under the Gun | Bill | |
| 2002 | The Stoneman | Kip Hollings | |
| 2002 | Love Don't Come Easy | Clay | |
| 2002 | Tequila Express | David Manning | |
| 2003 | Quigley | Woodward Channing | |
| 2003 | Strike Force | Ringo | |
| 2006 | Caved In: Prehistoric Terror | John Palmer | TV movie |
| 2007 | Payback | Sean Walker | |
| 2007 | Spiritual Warriors | King of Sparta | |
| 2008 | Blind Ambition | Wild Bill | |
| 2008 | 100 Million BC | Erik Reno | Direct-to-video |
| 2008 | Chinaman's Chance: America's Other Slaves | Jacob | |
| 2009 | Forget Me Not | Mr. Channing | |
| 2009 | Confessions of a Teen Idol | Himself | TV reality series, 8 episodes |
| 2010 | Melissa | Ellis | Short film (directed by his daughter) |
| 2010 | Stained Glass Windows | Detective Marshall | |
| 2011 | Sedona | Pierce | |
| 2011 | Family 2.0 | Michael | Short film |
| 2011 | Exodus Fall | Wayne Minor | |
| 2011 | Assassins' Code | Daniel Dodd | |
| 2011 | Hidden | Dian's Husband | |
| 2011 | Harley's Hill | Mr. Miller | Direct-to-video |
| 2012 | Blue Lagoon: The Awakening | Mr. Christiansen | TV movie |
| 2013 | Crazy Kind of Love | Mr. Jeffries | |
| 2013 | Amy | Chris | Also associate producer |
| 2014 | Waiting in the Wings: The Musical | Priest | |
| 2014 | Better Late Than Never | N/a | Short film (executive producer) |
| 2014 | Guardian Angel | John Robertson | |
| 2014 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Jimmy Turelli | Episode: "Dead Rails" |
| 2015 | A Horse for Summer | Pastor Bob | |
| 2015 | The Sparrows: Nesting | Mike Sparrow | Action On Film International Film Festival – Best Actor |
| 2015 | Kids vs Monsters | Charles | |
| 2015 | A Tennis Shoe in the Street | Lucky / Brandon | |
| 2016 | The Eleventh | Neil | TV series short, 5 episodes |
| 2016 | The Unlikely's | Daniel Jacobsen | |
| 2018 | Gathering of Heroes: Legend of the Seven Swords | Garrik Grayraven | |
| 2018 | The City of Gold | Richard Davenport | |
| 2019 | Defrost: The Virtual Series | George Michael Garrison | TV series short, 11 episodes |
| 2019 | One Remains | Samuel Mahoney | |
| 2020 | Lake of Fire 2020 | Henry Wayne | |
| 2021 | Attraction to Paris | Edward | |
| 2023 | Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas | Pete | Television film |
References
[edit]- ^ "Atkins, Christopher 1961– | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com.
- ^ a b c d e f "Happy Birthday To Rye's Christopher Atkins". Rye Daily Voice. February 21, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e Tauber, Michelle (October 9, 2000). "From the Depths". People.com.
- ^ a b c Wallace, David (July 11, 1983). "Look Out, J.R.—Chris Atkins Is Muscling in on the Action as Dallas Beefs Up Its Cast". People.com.
- ^ a b McMurrin, Kristin (August 11, 1980). "Too Much, Too Young?". People. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ "The Blue Lagoon (1980) - Financial Information". The-Numbers.com. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
- ^ "AFI Catalog of Feature Films: The First 100 Years 1893–1993". AFI.com. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
- ^ "The Blue Lagoon". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
- ^ "The Blue Lagoon". Rotten Tomatoes. July 4, 1980. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
- ^ "Christopher Atkins: Poster Child for Gay Rights Movement?". Advocate.com. January 9, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ a b "Chris Atkins". HollywoodShow.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ Bender, Abbey (March 4, 2019). "Sexualized Innocence: Revisiting The Blue Lagoon". www.RogerEbert.com.
- ^ Mackie, Drew (July 1, 2015). "Celebrate The Blue Lagoon's 35th Anniversary with 10 Movie Facts You Should Know". People.com.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 8, 2012). "Denise Richards To Co-Star In 'Blue Lagoon' Reboot, Christopher Atkins To Make Cameo". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ "The Blue Lagoon Reviews". TV Guide. Red Ventures. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
- ^ Arnold, Gary. "Depth Defying". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Andrew (November 27, 2014). "Reliving Reckless by Bryan Adams". Vancouver Courier.
- ^ a b Bierly, Mandy (January 2, 2009). "Christopher Atkins: PopWatch 'Teen Idol' Q&A (Part 4 of 4)". EW.com.
- ^ McNamara, Mary (January 6, 2009). "Idol hopes underlie these 'Confessions'". The Boston Globe.
- ^ Norcen, Luca (July 10, 2025). "Christopher Atkins: The Blue Lagoon Turns 45". Playgirl. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
- ^ "Actor Christopher Atkins, wife Lyn Barron, daughter Brittney Bomann and son Grant Bomann". Ron Galella archive. 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
- ^ "Christopher Atkins". nndb.com. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
- ^ a b Rizzo, Monica (February 16, 2009). "Christopher Atkins second act". People. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Christopher Atkins.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
Christopher Atkins
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Family and upbringing
Christopher Atkins was born Christopher Atkins Bomann on February 21, 1961, in Rye, New York, to Donald Bomann, a real estate agency owner and business executive, and Bitsy Nebauer, a science teacher.[12] Raised in the affluent suburb of Rye, Atkins experienced a relatively stable early childhood centered around family and local activities, though this changed when his parents divorced during his youth, which altered the family structure and left him as an only child navigating a single-parent household.[13] As a young boy, Atkins developed a strong passion for sports, particularly aspiring to become a professional baseball player, a dream he pursued diligently through high school.[13] However, recurring knee issues, diagnosed as chondromalacia—a degenerative cartilage condition—derailed these ambitions, requiring multiple surgeries that effectively ended his athletic prospects.[14] Atkins later reflected on the devastation of this setback, stating in an interview, "I had three knee operations in high school that took me out of baseball, which was my dream. It destroyed me."[15] This injury prompted him to explore alternative interests, ultimately leading to a brief transition into modeling as he sought new directions in his late teens.[13] For his emerging professional pursuits, Atkins adopted a stage name by dropping his surname Bomann and using his middle name, Atkins, to simplify his identity in the entertainment industry.[12] This change marked a pivotal shift from his personal upbringing to public-facing endeavors, reflecting the practical adaptations he made following the challenges of his formative years.[13]Entry into entertainment
Atkins' entry into the entertainment industry began during his teenage years in Rye, New York, when a knee injury sustained during his high school baseball pursuits derailed his athletic ambitions and prompted a pivot to modeling as a means of recovery and leveraging his physical appeal.[16] Working as a sailing instructor at a local club, he caught the attention of a parent's camera; the photographs were sent to a modeling agent, marking the start of his professional modeling career around age 17.[17] This opportunity expanded quickly, leading to representation by a local agency and soon after by the prestigious Ford Models in New York, where he built experience in print and promotional work.[18] Complementing his modeling, Atkins took on roles as a lifeguard, which further honed his on-camera presence through public-facing responsibilities and physical demonstrations, such as safety training and rescues.[12] These early jobs, combining outdoor athleticism with poised visibility, aligned with the era's demand for youthful, photogenic talent in advertising and catalogs. Despite having no prior interest in performing arts—he had planned to study sports medicine in college—Atkins' modeling portfolio drew the notice of a talent scout from Columbia Pictures.[19] The scout invited him to an open casting call for a major film role, where, as an 18-year-old high school senior with zero acting experience, he auditioned among approximately 4,000 candidates and secured the part after several callbacks.[17] This unexpected breakthrough prompted Atkins to commit fully to acting, forgoing immediate college plans and signing a four-picture deal with the studio, thus transitioning from modeling and lifeguarding to a professional entertainment career.[19]Acting career
Breakthrough roles in the 1980s
Christopher Atkins achieved widespread recognition in the 1980s with his debut role in The Blue Lagoon (1980), where he portrayed Richard Lestrange, a young shipwreck survivor who grows up alongside his cousin Emmeline (Brooke Shields) on a remote island, discovering love and survival in an isolated paradise.[20] Atkins, then 18 years old, was cast after working as a model and sailing instructor, auditioning based on his photogenic appeal and athletic build to match Shields' established presence from modeling.[9] Filming took place on a undeveloped Fijian island without roads, electricity, or running water, forcing the cast and crew to live in tents while equipment was stored on a nearby ship; Atkins performed his own nude scenes, including brief frontal nudity, which added to the production's logistical challenges amid the tropical isolation.[20] The film was a commercial success, grossing $58.8 million worldwide against a $4.5 million budget, propelling Atkins to teen idol status.[21] For his performance, Atkins earned a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – Actor at the 1981 ceremony.[22] Following The Blue Lagoon, Atkins starred in The Pirate Movie (1982), a musical comedy adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, directed by Ken Annakin. In the film, Atkins played Frederic, a young pirate apprenticed to a band of swashbucklers who falls in love with the bookish Mabel (Kristy McNichol) during a dreamlike adventure sparked by her fainting at a pirate festival.[23] The production blended 1980s pop songs with operetta elements, but critics panned it for its uneven tone and Atkins' stiff delivery, with The New York Times noting his inability to match the role's vocal and dramatic demands despite his physical presence.[24] It holds a 9% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its status as a campy flop that failed to capitalize on Atkins' post-Blue Lagoon fame.[25] He also provided the voice for Prince Siegfried in the 1982 English-dubbed animated adaptation of Swan Lake.[26] Atkins' next lead came in A Night in Heaven (1983), a romantic drama where he portrayed Rick Monroe, a high school teacher who secretly works as a male stripper named Terry and embarks on an affair with his married professor Faye (Lesley Ann Warren), exploring themes of marital dissatisfaction and youthful temptation.[27] The film, directed by John G. Avildsen, aimed for erotic tension but was criticized for its convoluted plot and lack of resolution, earning a 1.5/4 stars from Roger Ebert, who described it as a muddled mix of soap opera and exploitation.[28] With a 30% Rotten Tomatoes score, it underscored Atkins' typecasting as a sex symbol, leading to his win of the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor in 1983.[29][30] Transitioning to television, Atkins joined the CBS prime-time soap Dallas for the 1983–1984 season as Peter Richards, a young swimming instructor who begins a scandalous affair with Sue Ellen Ewing (Linda Gray), complicating the Ewing family dynamics. During filming, producers issued a note instructing him to "please stop stuffing your Speedo," suspecting enhancement of his swimsuit appearance, though Atkins has repeatedly denied the accusation, calling it a "backhanded compliment" to his natural physique.[31] Atkins' 1980s roles solidified his image as a quintessential heartthrob, with media outlets like Playgirl and tabloids extensively covering his tousled blond hair, athletic form, and loincloth-clad persona from The Blue Lagoon, which fueled fan frenzy and typecast him in romantic, physique-focused parts despite mixed critical acclaim.[9]Television work and later projects
Following his role on Dallas, Atkins made a guest appearance on Knots Landing in 1980 as a surfer in the episode "The Constant." This led to additional TV work in the mid-1980s, including the role of Mark in the 1984 episode "Skeletons" of Hotel. In the 1990s, Atkins appeared in various television movies and series, often in supporting capacities. Notable examples include his performance as David in the post-apocalyptic TV film Terminal Virus (1995), a low-budget production exploring a world ravaged by a deadly plague that separated society into warring factions. He also guest-starred on shows like Silk Stalkings (1996) as Chance Reynolds and High Tide (1997) as Raider, contributing to episodic crime dramas typical of syndicated television at the time. These roles marked a shift toward genre fare, with Atkins frequently cast in action-oriented or thriller narratives. Atkins continued with film projects into the late 1980s and 2000s, including the romantic drama Listen to Me (1989), where he played Tucker Muldowney, a college student involved in a heated debate team romance opposite Kirk Cameron; the film, directed by Douglas Day Stewart, aimed to capture youthful idealism but received mixed reviews for its melodramatic tone.[32] Later, he played Matt, a ranch hand, in the family-friendly fantasy The Little Unicorn (2001), a direct-to-video release produced by Legacy Releasing Corporation that followed a girl's quest to save an endangered unicorn, emphasizing themes of environmentalism and hope. Atkins returned to primetime television in the 2000s and 2010s with guest spots on procedural dramas. He appeared as a TV actor in an episode of CSI: Miami in 2006 and recurred in smaller parts on shows like The Net (1998) and Diagnosis: Murder (1999). In 2003, he took on the role of Roger in The Extreme Team, a straight-to-DVD action-adventure film about extreme sports enthusiasts uncovering a conspiracy, produced by Moonstone Entertainment with a focus on high-stakes stunts. Post-1980s, Atkins experienced a decline in major leading roles, transitioning to character actors in independent films and television guest appearances, often in supporting or ensemble capacities within B-movies and holiday specials.[33] His most recent acting project was the Lifetime holiday film Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas (2023), where he played producer Nick "Butch" Carey, reuniting onscreen with former Dallas co-star Linda Gray as a group of 1980s soap divas film a Christmas episode amid personal rivalries.[34]Business and other ventures
Entrepreneurial activities
In the 1990s, as his acting opportunities diminished following the peak of his early fame, Christopher Atkins transitioned into entrepreneurship, drawing on prior experience in construction and a personal affinity for water-related activities from his time as a sailing instructor. This shift was motivated by financial challenges and a desire for stable income to support his family, leading him to establish himself in the construction sector.[35][19] Atkins founded Dreamscape Pools, a company specializing in high-end residential swimming pools, particularly elaborate lagoon-style designs that evoke natural water environments. The business emerged in the late 1990s, focusing on luxury custom installations for affluent clients, where Atkins personally oversaw construction to blend aesthetic appeal with functional durability. His hands-on approach stemmed from earlier construction work during lean periods in his acting career, allowing him to channel creative interests into creating premium outdoor spaces.[19][35] Parallel to his pool construction work, Atkins co-developed the Strike Jacket E.F.L. (Extreme Fishing Lure), a innovative protective gear product launched in 2003 through his sporting goods company, Rocky River Outdoor Products. This rubbery slipcovering fits over traditional fishing baits like crankbaits and jerkbaits, enhancing their action, texture, and visual appeal to mimic natural prey and attract bass more effectively during fishing. The product was marketed to anglers via online sales and tackle stores, reflecting Atkins' entrepreneurial diversification into outdoor recreation accessories.[36][12] As of 2025, Atkins remains active in pool design and construction through Dreamscape Pools, with ongoing operations emphasizing innovative, high-end residential projects that incorporate sustainable and tropical-inspired elements. While specific expansions are not publicly detailed, his work continues to prioritize custom luxury builds, maintaining a steady presence in the sector amid occasional acting pursuits.[35]Recent media appearances
In July 2025, Atkins returned to the cover of Playgirl magazine for the first time since his September 1982 feature, marking 43 years since his original nude photoshoot with photographer Greg Gorman.[37] The 2025 shoot, also photographed by Gorman in West Hollywood, adopted a playful theme celebrating the 45th anniversary of The Blue Lagoon (1980), with Atkins posing nude in a towel and a "martini shot" in a freezing pool to evoke his early comfort with on-screen nudity.[37] The feature included a candid interview where Atkins reflected on the film's cultural impact in normalizing male nudity and its role as a milestone for teen audiences and gay rights, positioning him as a enduring "poster child" for 1980s heartthrobs.[37] Cultural reception highlighted Atkins' ageless appeal at age 64, with media outlets praising the shoot as a bold reclamation of his sex symbol status.[38] Throughout 2024 and 2025, Atkins engaged in several interviews reflecting on his career highlights, particularly his Dallas stint and Blue Lagoon legacy. In an April 2025 People magazine feature, he shared anecdotes from his 1983 guest role as Peter Richards on Dallas, revealing that CBS reprimanded him via note for allegedly stuffing his Speedo during pool scenes, which he dismissed as a "backhanded compliment" while denying any enhancement.[39] Earlier, in a February 2025 Digital Journal interview, Atkins discussed checking off career "boxes" with recent producing work and his transition from acting to business ventures.[40] These pieces often framed his reflections as nostalgic insights into 1980s teen idol life, emphasizing personal growth and industry challenges. Atkins participated in nostalgia-driven events and podcasts centered on 1980s icons and Blue Lagoon retrospectives. In April 2025, he appeared on The Morning Show from Bali, reminiscing about the film's production, his friendship with Brooke Shields, and its enduring teen appeal.[41] A May 2025 episode of The Grue Rume Show podcast delved into behind-the-scenes stories from Blue Lagoon and Dallas, with Atkins highlighting the hysterical challenges of his breakout roles.[42] Later that month, an audio chat on the 45th anniversary of Blue Lagoon allowed him to celebrate the film's legacy and its global fanbase.[43] In August 2025, he joined a Dallas-themed "Newlywed Game" on The Southfork Experience alongside castmates like Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray, fostering fan engagement through lighthearted reunions.[44] Public appearances in 2025 included conventions promoting his 1980s roles, such as the Fanboy Expo Knoxville in July, where he signed autographs and discussed The Blue Lagoon and The Pirate Movie.[45] On social media, Atkins maintained an active Instagram presence (@christopheratkins1), sharing updates on these events and briefly promoting his pool construction business as his primary occupation, blending personal posts with professional nods to fan interactions.[46] Media portrayals in 2024–2025 often cast Atkins as a "where are they now" figure at age 64, focusing on his evolved image—straightened hair and mature physique—while celebrating his resilience as an 1980s survivor still captivating audiences with charisma and candor.[47] Outlets like Parade and AOL highlighted his Playgirl return as emblematic of defying age stereotypes, reinforcing his status as a timeless icon.[48]Personal life
Marriage and family
Christopher Atkins married Australian model Lyn Barron Weber on May 25, 1985.[49] The couple, who met during the filming of The Pirate Movie in Australia, relocated there for several years, where Atkins balanced his demanding acting schedule with family responsibilities, often prioritizing time with his young children amid his Hollywood commitments.[50] Their marriage lasted 22 years until their divorce in 2007.[49] The couple had two children: son Grant Bomann (born 1985) and daughter Brittney Bomann (born 1987).[51] Grant, whose godmother was singer Olivia Newton-John, excelled in baseball as a youth, becoming a standout player recruited for Division I college competition in North Carolina, a milestone that brought Atkins significant personal joy.[50][40] Brittney pursued acting, appearing in several films, and later became a certified USA Archery Level 3 coach; she married Jonathan Fletcher in 2016.[52] Following the divorce, Atkins and Barron maintained an amicable relationship, co-parenting their children effectively and remaining close friends.[53] As of 2021, Atkins has three grandchildren through his children and has expressed fulfillment in his role as a grandfather.[53] He has not remarried, though public records indicate subsequent relationships, including a partnership with Australian businesswoman Justine McIllree in 2021 and a girlfriend noted in 2024.[54][53][55]Sobriety and health
In the early 1980s, following his breakout role in The Blue Lagoon (1980), Christopher Atkins grappled with the intense pressures of sudden fame, including constant travel, high expectations, and extravagant Hollywood parties, which contributed to the onset of his alcohol addiction.[56] The physical and emotional demands of filming in remote tropical locations, such as spearfishing and enduring harsh environmental conditions during production, exacerbated the stress that fueled his substance issues.[14] Atkins entered a 28-day rehabilitation program in Harrison, New York, in 1986, marking the beginning of his recovery journey.[56] He achieved sobriety around 1987 and, as of 2025, has maintained 38 years without alcohol, a milestone he first publicly noted in a 2009 interview as 22 years sober.[14] His ongoing support system includes attending three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week, which he credits for sustaining his long-term recovery.[56] The rigors of his early career, including the physical exertion required for roles involving outdoor activities and stunts, took a toll on his well-being, contributing to burnout that intertwined with his addiction struggles.[57] Now at age 64, Atkins prioritizes wellness through a routine of stretching, bodyweight exercises, and low-key activities like driftwood sculpting, reflecting a balanced approach to health post-recovery.[58] Since 2009, he has shared updates on his sobriety in interviews and podcasts, emphasizing personal resolve and the absence of relapses amid a quieter life away from Hollywood's spotlight.[59]Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notable Co-stars | Production Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Blue Lagoon | Richard Lestrange | Randal Kleiser | Brooke Shields, Leo McKern | Romantic adventure film produced by Columbia Pictures with a budget of $4.5 million, grossing $58.8 million at the domestic box office.[60][61] |
| 1982 | The Pirate Movie | Frederic | Ken Annakin | Kristy McNichol, Ted Hamilton | Musical comedy adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance, released by 20th Century Fox.[62] |
| 1983 | A Night in Heaven | Rick Monroe | John G. Avildsen | Lesley Ann Warren, Robert Mitchum | Erotic drama distributed by 20th Century Fox, focusing on a stripper's double life.[27] |
| 1988 | Mortuary Academy | Max Grimm | Michael Schroeder | Perry Lang, Lynn Danielson, Paul Bartel | Low-budget comedy parodying Police Academy, released direct-to-video.[63] |
| 1989 | Listen to Me | Bruce Arlington | Douglas Day Stewart | Kirk Cameron, Jami Gertz, Roy Scheider | Coming-of-age drama about college debaters, released by Columbia Pictures.[64] |
| 1990 | Fatal Charm | Adam Brenner | Fritz Kiersch | Amanda Peterson, James Remar | Thriller released direct-to-video, centered on a convicted killer's obsession.[65] |
| 1990 | Shakma | Sam | Hugh Parks | Amanda Wyss, Roddy McDowall, Ari Meyers | Horror film involving a murderous baboon, released direct-to-video.[66] |
| 1993 | Die Watching | Billy | Charles Davis | Christopher Atkins, Cami Cooper, Tim Thomerson | Thriller about a killer filming murders, released direct-to-video.[67] |
| 1993 | Dracula Rising | Vlad | Fred Gallo | Stacey Travis, Doug Wert | Low-budget vampire film produced by Roger Corman, released direct-to-video.[68] |
| 1993 | Wet and Wild Summer | Bobby McCain | Maurice Murphy | Elliott Gould, Rebecca Cross | Comedy about an American in Australia, also known as Exchange Lifeguards, released theatrically in some markets.[69] |
| 1995 | Project Shadowchaser III | Snake | John Eyres | Scott Paulin, Meg Foster, Frank Zagarino | Science fiction action film, direct-to-video.[70] |
| 2001 | Caved In: Prehistoric Terror | Spenser | Jon Bonnell | Christopher Atkins, Nicolle Dickson, Garret T. Sato | Horror film involving prehistoric creatures, direct-to-video.[71] |
| 2002 | The Little Unicorn | PC Sid Edwards | Paul Matthews | George Hamilton, Iris Bohm | Family fantasy film about a magical unicorn, released direct-to-video.[72] |
| 2008 | 100 Million BC | Eric Travers | Griff Furst | Michael Gross, Greg Perrow | Science fiction film about time-traveling to prehistoric times, direct-to-video.[73] |
Television
Atkins' television work spans series guest appearances, TV movies, and miniseries, beginning with his breakthrough role on a major prime-time soap and continuing through numerous small-screen projects into the 2020s.| Year | Title | Role | Type | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983–1984 | Dallas | Peter Richards | TV Series | 27 |
| 1985 | Hotel | Jason Fielding | TV Series (guest) | 1 |
| 1991 | Detective Extralarge | Blake | TV Series (guest) | 1 |
| 1994 | Bandit Goes Country | Johnny Bruce | TV Movie | N/A |
| 1996 | Dead Man's Island | Roger Prescott | TV Movie | N/A |
| 1996 | Angel Flight Down | Jack Bahr | TV Movie | N/A |
| 1996 | Silk Stalkings | Chance Reynolds | TV Series (guest) | 1 |
| 1997 | High Tide | Raider | TV Series (guest) | 1 |
| 1999 | Suddenly Susan | Tony | TV Series (guest) | 1 |
| 2009 | Confessions of a Teen Idol | Self | TV Series (reality) | 8 |
| 2014 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Jimmy Turelli | TV Series (guest) | 1 |
| 2014 | The Sparrows: Nesting | Mike Sparrow | TV Movie | N/A |
| 2016 | The Eleventh | Neil | TV Mini Series | 5 |
| 2018 | The City of Gold | Richard Davenport | TV Movie | N/A |
| 2019 | Defrost: The Virtual Series | George Michael Garrison | TV Short Series | 11 |
| 2019 | One Remains | Samuel Mahoney | TV Movie | N/A |
| 2021 | Attraction to Paris | Edward | TV Movie | N/A |
| 2023 | Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas | Pete | TV Movie | N/A |