Christopher Atkins Net Worth

What Is Christopher Atkins' Net Worth?

Christopher Atkins is an American actor who has a net worth of $2 million.

Christopher Atkins became an international teen idol after making his acting debut opposite Brooke Shields in the 1980 romantic adventure film "The Blue Lagoon." Although the film was controversial and received largely negative reviews, it became a major commercial success and earned Atkins a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year.

Atkins followed his breakthrough with starring roles in "The Pirate Movie" and "A Night in Heaven." He also played Peter Richards, the much younger love interest of Linda Gray's Sue Ellen Ewing, during the seventh season of the primetime television drama "Dallas." Although he never again achieved the enormous mainstream fame generated by "The Blue Lagoon," Atkins continued working steadily in movies and television for several decades.

His later credits have included "Suddenly Susan," "Confessions of a Teen Idol," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Blue Lagoon: The Awakening," and "Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas." Outside of acting, Atkins has worked in businesses including luxury swimming-pool construction and fishing equipment.

Early Life

Christopher Atkins Bomann was born on February 21, 1961, in Rye, New York. He originally hoped to pursue a career in baseball, but knee problems interfered with his athletic ambitions.

Atkins subsequently began modeling and worked as a lifeguard and sailing instructor. He had no professional acting experience when a friend encouraged him to audition for "The Blue Lagoon." After a lengthy casting process involving thousands of prospective actors, he was selected to play Richard Lestrange.

When he began acting, he dropped the surname Bomann and used his middle name, Atkins, as his professional last name.

"The Blue Lagoon"

Atkins was 18 years old when he filmed "The Blue Lagoon" opposite Brooke Shields. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the movie followed two young cousins who grow up together on an isolated tropical island after surviving a shipwreck.

The film attracted significant controversy because of its nudity and sexual content, particularly because Shields was underage during production. Despite poor reviews, "The Blue Lagoon" earned approximately $58.9 million at the domestic box office against a production budget of $4.5 million.

The movie transformed Atkins into one of the most recognizable young actors of the early 1980s. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture.

Later Acting Career

In 1982, Atkins starred with Kristy McNichol in the musical comedy "The Pirate Movie," a loose adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance." He also performed the song "How Can I Live Without Her," which appeared on the film's soundtrack and reached the Billboard Hot 100.

Atkins next starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in the 1983 romantic drama "A Night in Heaven." That same year, he joined the cast of "Dallas" as Peter Richards, a camp counselor and swimming instructor who became involved with Sue Ellen Ewing. Atkins appeared in 27 episodes during the show's 1983–1984 season.

His subsequent credits included "Hotel," "Mortuary Academy," "Suddenly Susan," "100 Million BC," "Forget Me Not," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and "A Horse for Summer." In 2012, he appeared in the television remake "Blue Lagoon: The Awakening."

Atkins reunited with his former "Dallas" co-star Linda Gray in the 2023 television movie "Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas."

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Alcoholism and Sobriety

Atkins has spoken openly about struggling with alcohol after becoming famous at a young age. He later revealed that his drinking cost him the opportunity to star in the 1984 movie "Footloose."

According to Atkins, filmmakers were seriously considering him for the role of Ren McCormack, but he performed poorly during an important meeting because he had been drinking. The part ultimately went to Kevin Bacon.

Atkins eventually became sober and has maintained his sobriety for nearly four decades. He has described overcoming alcoholism as one of the most important accomplishments of his life.

Personal Life

Atkins married Australian model Lyn Barron Weber in 1985. They had two children, Grant and Brittney, before divorcing in 2007.

Brittney Bomann followed her father into the entertainment industry and has worked as an actress, writer, producer, and director. Atkins is also a grandfather and has spoken about prioritizing his children and grandchildren over the demands of Hollywood.

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