Where Are the 80s' Hottest Men Now?

Christopher Atkins

Then

Mark Atkins made a remarkable entrance into the world of acting when he landed his debut role alongside Brooke Shields in the 1980s film, The Blue Lagoon. Surprisingly, Atkins had no previous interest in acting, but his agent convinced him to audition, ultimately beating out 2,000 other aspiring actors for the part. Following his breakthrough, he went on to star in several other films. Additionally, Atkins made an appearance in the popular series Dallas during the 1983-1984 season, portraying the character of Peter Richards, a camp counselor who engages in an affair with Sue Ellen Ewing.

Now

Despite Mark Atkins' ongoing pursuit of an acting career after his initial success, it is his role in The Blue Lagoon that has left an indelible mark on his legacy. The film catapulted him to prominence, earning him accolades such as a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture and a nomination for Best Young Actor at the Young Artist Awards. Recognized as a promising young talent, Atkins continued to navigate the entertainment industry, and in 2009, he participated in VH1's reality show, Confessions of a Teen Idol, where he shared his experiences as a former teen heartthrob. While his career has evolved since his teenage years, The Blue Lagoon remains a significant milestone in Atkins' journey as an actor.