Fans cannot wait to see former teen heartthrob, Christopher Atkins, 65, and fellow 80s sweetheart, Kristi McNichol, 63, come together at the upcoming Fanboy Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee, taking place from July 10-12.
The Pirate Movie co-stars, who each had their own run in the spotlight as early as 13-years-old, are now coming together in their midlife to give 80s teen fans what they’d been waiting for, at the ComicCon convention centre.
Kristi, only 14 years old when she got her big break onscreen as Letitia “Buddy” Lawrence in popular series Family, in 1976 – has taken a long hiatus since she announced her retirement in 2001.
After starring on Empty Nest for several seasons, the mom-of-three had her fill of TV life, making only a few appearances, one being the Hollywood Show pop culture convention in June 2025.
© Getty ImageOne fan posted a lovely selfie with the actress from the event, captioning it: “Me & Kristy McNichol! What a great chat we had! Sweet!”. Fans were quick to share in their love for the child-star, who now lives a private life with husband David Birney and three children.
The star has been candid about her battles with mental health, and reasons for quitting the spotlight after a successful career, as she revealed to Woman’s World in 2001: “Many people have asked me why I left the show. It was because I was suffering from manic depression [now more commonly called bipolar disorder], but I didn’t want to talk about it at the time. It was very private. Now I want to tell people the truth.”
© Getty ImagesHer new-York born co-star, who has also slowed down after a successful career behind the silver screen, was best known for his role alongside Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon, the 1980 movie about two teens who were marooned on a tropical island as children, and then grew up and fell in love. Christopher went on to appear on the popular ’80s TV show, Dallas, and even reunited with Shields many years later on her hit NBC sitcom, Suddenly Susan.
Now, the ruggedly handsome legend has swapped the stage for nature trails, as an avid outdoorsman who loves to head out for a hike. Three weeks ago, the star shared a photo on Instagram, proving he’s still got those golden good looks that made him famous, expressing his excitement for the upcoming event in Tennessee.
© InstagramThe caption read: “Back out in the woods! I look forward to seeing everyone next weekend for The Pirate Movie screening, meet and greet with me and Kristy and Q&A after!”
Fans were delighted to know the star was coming back out into the public sphere, with comments like: “Loved the movie wish i could be there! Great photo of you!”, and “You are looking great Christopher”, in the thousands.
© InstagramIt hasn’t all been quiet retirement for the 80s star however, as he graced the cover of Playgirl‘s July issue in 2025, wearing a soaked white shift and showcasing his famous golden locks.
© Getty ImagesIt seems the 80s co-stars are still adored by their fans, more than 40 years after their roles in The Pirate Movie, and fans are looking forward to seeing the former teen heartthrob and child sweetheart grace their screens together again.
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