Christopher Atkins was just a teenager when he landed the role of a lifetime, starring alongside the iconic Brooke Shields in the 1980 film The Blue Lagoon. It wasn’t just any movie for him; it was a life-changing experience. “That film wasn’t just about acting; it was an entire journey,” Christopher recalls in an exclusive interview with Closer. “We lived in tents on the island, except they built a proper house for Brooke!” The movie catapulted him into fame, earning him a Golden Globe nomination and opening doors to a world where he shared beers with legends like Paul Newman, tamed lions, and even shared a passionate kiss with Linda Gray on Dallas.
Today, at 63, Christopher enjoys a quieter life filled with simple pleasures. Between fishing trips and carving wood, this proud grandpa is also nurturing his creative side by working on a screenplay. “Some people think it’s odd that I’m still chasing dreams,” he laughs. “But I believe in dreaming big. There’s still so much I want to accomplish.”
From Baseball Dreams to Hollywood Stardom
What did you want to be as a kid?
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Christopher's journey to Hollywood wasn’t always a straight line. “Back in high school, my dream was to play professional baseball,” he says. “But then I had three knee surgeries, and that dream was shattered. I never imagined I’d end up in show business. Sometimes, destiny has its own plans, and you just have to roll with it.”
The Blue Lagoon: A Career-Defining Role
How did you feel when you beat out 4,000 others for the role in The Blue Lagoon?
“Honestly, I don’t know why they chose me,” Christopher admits. “Maybe it was because I was lean and muscular at the time. The director was looking for someone who fit the ‘Greek Adonis’ mold, so they even curled my hair to match the look.” The film became a global sensation, and Christopher’s career took off like a rocket.
The Blue Lagoon Legacy
Was there ever talk of a sequel?
“People are divided about the ending,” Christopher explains. “Half the audience thought our characters died, while the other half believed they survived. They did draft a few versions of a sequel, where our characters were separated by their families before returning to the island. But, for one reason or another, it never came to fruition.”
A Night to Remember
What was it like being part of the ‘Night of 100 Stars’ TV special in 1982?
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“That was an unforgettable experience,” Christopher says with a laugh. “Brooke and I performed a song and dance number with Diane Keaton and Warren Beatty. And then there was this incredible moment when Paul Newman had a case of beer sitting on the windowsill at Radio City Music Hall. I ended up sitting there with Newman, Princess Grace, Richard Chamberlain, and Gene Kelly, all enjoying a beer and watching rehearsals on a monitor. You couldn’t replicate that kind of magic today.”
Friendships Forged in Hollywood
Do you keep in touch with Brooke or Kristy McNichol, your co-star in The Pirate Movie?
“I adore both of them, but I’m in touch with Kristy more often than Brooke,” he says. “She’s incredibly busy, but we always have a great time when we catch up.”
Adventures Beyond the Screen
Tell us about your stint on Circus of the Stars. What was your stunt?
“I did something no one else had ever done on that show—I put my head in a lion’s mouth,” Christopher recalls. “The trainer told me to say ‘good boy’ down the lion’s throat while my head was in there. The sound guy asked me to stop saying it, so I challenged him to try it first. Let’s just say he declined.”
The Dallas Days
What was the reaction to your character’s relationship with Linda Gray on Dallas?
“Some fans were definitely not fans of the age difference,” Christopher laughs. “I remember one woman in the Bahamas gave me a serious scolding, saying, ‘She’s too old for you!’ But hey, Sue Ellen was a strong character, and Peter was just trying to keep up!”
