'Blue Lagoon' star Christopher Atkins says drinking lost him 'Footloose'

Key Points:

• Christopher Atkins revealed that his drinking problem cost him the lead role in the 1984 film "Footloose," which went to Kevin Bacon instead, as he was too intoxicated to perform well during the final casting meeting.
• Atkins reflected on his breakout role in the 1980 film "The Blue Lagoon," sharing that he was inexperienced and unprepared for acting but that the movie changed his life and brought him sudden fame.
• He discussed the natural approach to nudity in "The Blue Lagoon," explaining that the film's director aimed for authenticity, and the cast and crew treated the environment as a natural setting without focusing on exhibitionism.
• Despite early career challenges, Atkins has been sober for nearly 40 years and expressed no regrets about his path, emphasizing his priorities shifted toward family and that he now aims to produce his own film project.
• "The Blue Lagoon" was commercially successful, grossing over $58 million worldwide and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography, despite mixed critical reviews.