THE BLUE LAGOON
While the original 1923 silent-screen adaptation of the shipwreck tale may be lost, these big-screen takes inspired by Henry De Vere Stacpoole’s 1908 novel won’t leave those looking for a true coming-of-age story stranded.
Christopher Atkins
Though his film debut as washed-ashore Richard would be his biggest role, Christopher wasn’t left high and dry. After starring in The Pirate Movie and TV’s Dallas, he appeared in over 50 feature and TV movies, including Lifetime’s 2012 pic Blue Lagoon: The Awakening. Along the way, he also founded his own outdoor-sports company.
Brooke Shields
Following innocent castaway Emmeline, Brooke, 53, modeled for Calvin Klein ads and did the pic Endless Love. She then took a break to attend Princeton before resuming her career — appearing in pics like Brenda Starr, hitting Broadway in Grease, Cabaret and Chicago and starring on TV’s Suddenly Susan, Lipstick Jungle and SVU.
Donald Houston 1923–1991
After his movie debut as Emmeline’s desert island companion Michael, Donald didn’t see his career wash away. He established himself as a character actor on British TV and in movies such as Where Eagles Dare, Voyage of the Damned and Clash of the Titans.
Jean Simmons 1929–2010
Subsequent to her turn as the lost Emmeline, Jean found even greater success on screen — winning a Golden Globe for Guys and Dolls and starring in The Robe, Elmer Gantry and Spartacus. She also won an Emmy for The Thorn Birds.
Brian Krause
While his part as Richard in the Blue Lagoon sequel made a splash, Brian,
49, didn’t exactly tread water afterward. He’s starred in a slew of movies (including the cult classic Sleepwalkers) as well as TV shows, most famously as angel Leo on Charmed.
Milla Jovovich
Although the marooned
Lilli struggled as she came of age, Milla, 42, came into her own in a wide variety of films such as Chaplin, Dazed and Confused, The Fifth Element, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc and as Alice in the Resident Evil postapocalyptic pics.