Christopher Atkins looks back on role he lost to Kevin Bacon

Christopher Atkins has shared how one decision may have cost him the chance to star in Footloose.

During a Q&A panel at Fanboy Expo Knoxville in Tennessee, the actor reflected on his Hollywood journey and the opportunities that slipped away.

According to People magazine, he revealed that his lifestyle at the time affected his meeting with the film’s team.

He admitted that he was struggling with excessive partying when producers wanted to see him for the role.

"I was a mess back then. I was partying it up way too much, and they called me in," the star recalled.

"I said … 'I can't go in right now. I've been drinking and carrying on.' And they said, ‘No, they need to see you.' And I went in and I just blew that audition … I mean, it wasn’t even an audition...I had the part, but I was so messed up that they said, ‘Yeah, we’re going to have to pass on this guy," he said.

"And I'm almost 40 years sober, so there you go," he added.

The actor also reflected on becoming famous after The Blue Lagoon, saying he never expected acting to become his career. 

He recalled being unfamiliar with the film industry before landing the role at just 18.

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