Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Actor Christopher Atkins Blames Alcohol for Losing ‘Footloose’ Lead

7/26/2026

29 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Christopher Atkins said his drinking caused him to lose the lead role in “Footloose,” which went to Kevin Bacon.
At a Fanboy Expo Knoxville panel, he explained that filmmakers wanted to meet him before casting, but his intoxication ruined the audition.
He has been sober for almost 40 years and now wants to produce his own film.

1 of 1

Story summary

Christopher Atkins said his drinking caused him to lose the lead role in “Footloose,” which went to Kevin Bacon.
At a Fanboy Expo Knoxville panel, he explained that filmmakers wanted to meet him before casting, but his intoxication ruined the audition.
He has been sober for almost 40 years and now wants to produce his own film.