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Christopher Atkins, who was born in Rye, turns 53 on Friday.
Atkins, an actor, who became famous with his debut role co-starring with Brooke Shields in the 1980 film "The Blue Lagoon," was born Feb. 21, 1961.
He went on to star with Kristy McNichol in "The Pirate Movie" (1982), an update of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta "The Pirates of Penzance." He hit No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with the song "How Can I Live Without Her?", which appeared in "The Pirate Movie."
In "A Night in Heaven" (1983), also starring Lesley Ann Warren, Atkins played Rick Monroe, an outspoken and overconfident student working his way through college as a male stripper. For one season (1983–1984), Atkins had a recurring role as swimming instructor Peter Richards in the hit CBS prime time soap opera "Dallas."
Atkins was nominated for a Golden Globe Awards for New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture – Male for "The Blue Lagoon" as well as Best Young Actor for the Young Artist Awards. He's ranked Number 76 on VH1's 100 Greatest Teen Stars.
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