Hollywood Obsessed

In Part Two of Tony Miros’ unforgettable conversation with actor Christopher Atkins, the journey continues with “The Pirate Movie,” “A Night in Heaven,” and one very unexpected musical career! He takes us behind the scenes of filming “The Pirate Movie” in Australia, where he fell in love with the country and learned singing and fencing for the role. He also reveals the surprising legacy of the film—including his Gold Record for “How Can I Live Without Her,” his unforgettable appearance on “Solid Gold,” and why he still can’t believe he signs more autographs for “The Pirate Movie” than “The Blue Lagoon!”

Atkins then opens up about “A Night in Heaven,” his provocative 1983 film with Leslie Ann Warren, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker John G. Avildsen. The film earned him the tongue-in-cheek distinction of being the “original Magic Mike.” He shares hilarious stories about filming those famously steamy scenes with Leslie Ann Warren, the constantly changing script, and how the movie ultimately took his character in a very unexpected direction. .

Then it’s off to Southfork for a behind-the-scenes trip down “Dallas” memory lane! He recalls playing Peter Richards during Season Seven, people’s concerns about a movie star doing TV, and the hilarious first time he met the legendary Larry Hagman. He shares stories about Charlene Tilton, Linda Gray, and his unforgettable first onscreen kiss with Gray—including the hilarious prank that she pulled on him!

He also talks about reuniting with Brooke Shields on “Suddenly Susan,” reflects on the deeply personal significance of working with Randal Kleiser again on “It’s My Party,” and pulls back the curtain on his experience with VH1’s “Confessions of a Teen Idol”. Now living in Connecticut, Atkins is looking toward the next chapter of his career—writing and developing his own independent films.

CHRISTOPHER ATKINS
Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer who became an international teen idol virtually overnight. Before fame, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend convinced him to audition for "The Blue Lagoon." With no previous acting experience, the 19-year-old won the role over more than 4,000 other actors. Released in 1980 and starring Atkins opposite Brooke Shields, "The Blue Lagoon" became a major box-office success. The film went on to become a cult classic, while Atkins’ youthful looks, athleticism, and natural screen presence made him one of the most recognizable teen idols of the era.

Atkins followed "The Blue Lagoon" with "The Pirate Movie ," playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by "The Pirates of Penzance." He also recorded the song “How Can I Live Without Her?,” which earned him a Gold record. In 1983, he starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in "A Night in Heaven "and joined the cast of the hit CBS primetime soap "Dallas" as Peter Richards, who became romantically involved with Sue Ellen Ewing.

Over the following decades, Atkins continued working in film and television, appearing in projects including "Mortuary Academy," "It’s My Party," "Angel Flight Down," "Blue Lagoon: The Awakening," and "True Legends of the West." He also reunited with Brooke Shields as a guest star on "Suddenly Susan." In 2009, Atkins appeared on VH1’s reality series "Confessions of a Teen Idol," and in 2023, he reunited with his former Dallas co-star Linda Gray in "Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas."

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On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros sits down with actor Christopher Atkins, whose extraordinary journey from aspiring baseball player to international teen idol began with one unexpected audition. Best known for his unforgettable film debut opposite Brooke Shields in the 1980 blockbuster “The Blue Lagoon” and his role as Peter Richards on the iconic primetime soap “Dallas,” Atkins looks back on the wild ride that changed his life forever.

Atkins takes us back to the unlikely circumstances that landed him on a deserted island in Fiji. With absolutely no acting experience, he auditioned for “The Blue Lagoon” alongside approximately 4,000 other young actors and eventually won the role of Richard. He shares hilarious and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about working with a 14-year-old Brooke Shields and director Randal Kleiser, filming for months on a remote island, and why he believes a movie like “The Blue Lagoon” could never be made the same way today.

Then came the part nobody could have prepared him for: global superstardom! Atkins opens up about the exciting ride he had as well as the darker side of teen-idol fame, including frightening encounters with obsessed fans, disturbing letters, and the difficulty of trying to maintain a normal life when you couldn't go anywhere unnoticed.

Atkins talks about taking on more serious roles, including the acclaimed television movie “The Child Bride of Short Creek” with Diane Lane and Helen Hunt, why he caught heat for making the transition from movies to television at a time when film stars were discouraged from doing TV. Its an episode you just HAVE to listen to!

CHRISTOPHER ATKINS
Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer who became an international teen idol virtually overnight. Before fame, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend convinced him to audition for “The Blue Lagoon.” With no previous acting experience, the 19-year-old won the role over more than 4,000 other actors.

Released in 1980, “The Blue Lagoon,” starring Atkins opposite Brooke Shields, became a major box-office success. The romantic adventure has gone on to become a cult classic, while Atkins' youthful looks, athleticism, and natural screen presence made him one of the most recognizable teen idols of the era. His newfound fame was extraordinary, with fans mobbing him wherever he went and teen magazines featuring him on countless covers.

Atkins followed “The Blue Lagoon” with “The Pirate Movie” (1982), playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan's “The Pirates of Penzance.” He also recorded "How Can I Live Without Her?," which reached No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1983, he starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in “A Night in Heaven” and joined the cast of the hit CBS primetime soap “Dallas” .

Throughout the following decades, Atkins continued working in film and television, appearing in projects including “Mortuary Academy,” “Its My Party,” “Angel Flight Down,” “Strike Force,” “Spiritual Warriors,” “13th Child,” “Tequila Express,” “Quigley,” “Blue Lagoon: The Awakening,” and “True Legends of the West.” He also reunited with Brooke Shields as a guest star on “Suddenly Susan.” In 2009, he appeared on VH1's reality series “Confessions of a Teen Idol” . In 2023, Atkins reunited with his former “Dallas” co-star Linda Gray in “Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas.”

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In Part Two of Tony Miros' unforgettable conversation with actor, director, and producer Robert Duncan McNeill, the beloved “Star Trek: Voyager” star takes listeners behind the scenes of one of television's most iconic science fiction series. He shares fascinating stories about the pressure of launching ‘Voyager’ and the fledgling UPN network, recalls the brief tenure of Geneviève Bujold as Captain Janeway, and explains how he instantly knew Kate Mulgrew was the perfect person to command the USS Voyager.

He discusses earning his first opportunity behind the camera on ‘Voyager,’ how directing changed the course of his career, and what makes ‘Star Trek’s’ larger-than-life storytelling so rewarding for both actors and audiences.

Fans will love his behind-the-scenes memories of some of ‘Voyager’s’ most memorable episodes. He also recalls the cast's biggest pranksters, and offers his candid thoughts on the arrival of Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine.

The conversation also explores the enduring legacy of “Star Trek.” He remembers attending his first convention, explains why the “Star Trek” community has kept the ‘Voyager ‘cast connected like family for nearly three decades, and discusses returning as both Tom Paris and Nick Locarno on “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” He also talks about producing acclaimed series including “Resident Alien,” “Chuck,” “The Arrangement,” and “So Help Me Todd".

Finally, he shares the story behind launching The Delta Flyers podcast with Garrett Wang and what's still on his creative bucket list—from directing his first feature film and writing a book to the possibility of one day stepping back into Tom Paris' shoes.

ROBERT DUNCAN MCNEILL

Robert Duncan McNeill is an acclaimed actor, director, producer, and writer whose career spans more than four decades in television, film, and theater. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer, Director, and Writer on all four seasons of the hit sci-fi comedy "Resident Alien," earning an ASTRA Award nomination in 2024 for directing and co-writing the acclaimed Season 3 finale, "Homecoming." The series also received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Comedy Series in 2021.

A highly respected television director, Robert has helmed more than 100 episodes across comedy, drama, action, and science fiction. His producing and directing credits include "Chuck," "Turner & Hooch," "The Gifted," "The Arrangement," "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce," "666 Park Avenue," and "What About Brian," as well as the pilot episodes for "Samantha Who?" and "Heartbeat."

Before stepping behind the camera, Robert enjoyed a successful acting career after graduating from The Juilliard School. He appeared on Broadway in "Six Degrees of Separation," earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for "All My Children," starred in "Masters of the Universe," and became a fan favorite as Lieutenant Tom Paris throughout all seven seasons of "Star Trek: Voyager." It was during 'Voyager' that he launched his directing career, which has since made him one of television's most accomplished filmmakers.

In 2020, Robert reunited with his longtime 'Voyager' co-star Garrett Wang to co-host the hit podcast "The Delta Flyers," where they revisit every episode of "Star Trek: Voyager." Now expanded to include "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," the podcast remains a favorite among "Star Trek" fans and reflects Robert's enduring connection to one of television's most beloved franchises.
 
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On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros welcomes actor, director, producer, and “Star Trek: Voyager” favorite Robert Duncan McNeill for an engaging and deeply personal conversation about the career that has kept him in front of—and behind—the camera for more than four decades.

Robert reflects on his childhood in Atlanta, where a painfully shy young boy unexpectedly discovered a love for acting after being cast as a Munchkin in a local production of “The Wizard of Oz”. What began as a way to overcome his shyness soon became a lifelong passion, leading him from community theater to New York City, Juilliard, Broadway, and eventually Hollywood.

He shares fascinating stories about earning his first professional jobs, joining the cast of “All My Children” as Charlie Brent, receiving a Daytime Emmy nomination, and juggling the soap opera with filming “Masters of the Universe” alongside Courteney Cox & Frank Langella. Robert also looks back on his unforgettable Broadway run in “Six Degrees of Separation” with Stockard Channing.

Of course, there's plenty of “Star Trek” to talk about. Robert recalls his first appearance as Nick Locarno on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” how that experience led to his iconic role as Lieutenant Tom Paris on ‘Voyager,’ and why their camaraderie, laughter, and genuine affection for one another still make the ‘Voyager’ family one of the most beloved in TV history.

ROBERT DUNCAN MCNEILL

Robert Duncan McNeill is an acclaimed actor, director, producer, and writer whose career spans more than four decades in television, film, and theater. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer, Director, and Writer on all four seasons of the hit sci-fi comedy “Resident Alien,” earning an ASTRA Award nomination in 2024 for directing and co-writing the acclaimed Season 3 finale, "Homecoming." The series also received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Comedy Series in 2021.

As one of television's most accomplished directors, Robert has helmed more than 100 episodes across science fiction, comedy, drama, and action. His extensive producing and directing credits include “Chuck,” “Turner & Hooch,” “The Gifted,” “The Arrangement,” “Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce,” “666 Park Avenue,” and “What About Brian.” He also directed the pilot for ABC's hit comedy “Samantha Who?” and the pilot for NBC's medical drama “Heartbeat.”

Before moving behind the camera, Robert built an impressive acting career after graduating from The Juilliard School. He appeared on Broadway in “Six Degrees of Separation,” earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for “All My Children,” and starred alongside Courteney Cox in “Masters of the Universe.”

Robert is best known to audiences worldwide for his iconic portrayal of Lieutenant Tom Paris in all seven seasons of “Star Trek: Voyager.” After first appearing as Nick Locarno on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” he returned to create one of the franchise's most beloved characters. It was during ‘Voyager’ that he began directing, launching the second phase of a career that has made him one of television's most respected filmmakers.

In 2020, Robert reunited with his longtime friend and ‘Voyager’ co-star Garrett Wang to launch the hit podcast “The Delta Flyers,” where the pair revisit every episode of “Star Trek: Voyager.” The podcast has since expanded to include “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” featuring regular appearances by Armin Shimerman and Terry Farrell, and remains a favorite destination for “Star Trek” fans around the world.
 
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In Part Two of Tony Miros' conversation with actress, author, and speaker Lydia Cornell, the “Too Close for Comfort” star pulls back the curtain on one of TV's most beloved sitcoms. Lydia shares what it was really like working alongside Emmy Award winner Ted Knight, the magic that made the series a hit, and the enormous pressure she faced as one of television's biggest sex symbols. She opens up about the relentless scrutiny over her appearance, the tabloids spying on the set, and the behind-the-scenes tensions that threatened to change the direction of the series.

Lydia candidly discusses her complicated relationship with Ted Knight, revealing how studio politics, publicity, and misunderstandings created friction between them despite their deep affection for one another. She recalls becoming close friends with co-stars Nancy Dussault and Jim J. Bullock, reflects on Deborah Van Valkenburgh's remarkable career, and explains how industry pressures contributed to her struggles with alcohol and drug use during the height of her fame. She also shares why she believes TCFC lost its way after major cast changes and how Ted's untimely passing brought a heartbreaking end to an era.

The conversation expands beyond the sitcom to explore Lydia's life after TCFC. She discusses guest-starring on hit series including “The Love Boat,” “Charlie's Angels,” “Quantum Leap,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where she improvised alongside Larry David in one of the show's memorable episodes. Lydia also reflects on the challenges women continue to face in Hollywood, her acclaimed one-woman show “RelationShop,” her passion for writing and teaching acting, and the inspiration behind her upcoming memoir, “Hiding My Brain in My Bra.”

Finally, Lydia shares the deeply personal journey that transformed her life. Celebrating more than three decades of sobriety, she speaks openly about overcoming addiction, healing from trauma, and discovering a renewed sense of purpose through recovery. She offers heartfelt advice for aspiring performers, reflects on learning to embrace her sitcom legacy after years of taking it for granted, and explains why making people laugh has become one of the greatest gifts of her career.

LYDIA CORNELL

Lydia Cornell is an actress, comedian, writer, and producer best known for her starring role as Sara Rush on the hit ABC sitcom Too Close for Comfort. Born Lydia Korniloff in El Paso, Texas, she is the great-granddaughter of author Harriet Beecher Stowe and grew up in a family of accomplished musicians. After studying drama and several other disciplines at the University of Colorado Boulder, she worked at the legendary Caribou Ranch Recording Studios.

After moving to LA in 1978, Lydia worked as a production assistant for Jack Webb Productions before landing her first screen role in Steel, starring Lee Majors. Following appearances on The Love Boat and the cult horror film Blood Tide, she found stardom as Ted Knight's daughter, Sara Rush, on Too Close for Comfort. She later enjoyed a successful television career with guest appearances on Charlie's Angels, Knight Rider, The Dukes of Hazzard, The A-Team, Full House, Quantum Leap, The Drew Carey Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and many other popular series, while also appearing on several television game shows.

Beyond acting, Lydia has built an impressive career as a stand-up comedian, producer, novelist, and inspirational speaker. She wrote and produced the feature film Venus Conspiracy and has remained a passionate advocate for addiction recovery.

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