The 1980s were a golden age for daytime soaps, with a plethora of heartthrob actors gracing our screens. But what happened to these iconic stars after they left their beloved shows? Let's take a look at the lives of 11 of these legendary actors and their post-soap careers.
The Disappearance of the Heartthrobs
Terry Lester: Lester's journey began on The Young and the Restless in 1980, where he played Jack Abbott for 9 years. He then moved to Santa Barbara as Mason Capwell, appearing in 193 episodes. Lester's career took a turn in the 90s, with episodic roles in Star Trek: Voyager and Diagnosis Murder. His last role was in Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000, just 4 years before his untimely death at 53.
Lorenzo Lamas: Lamas' most famous role was Lance Cumson on Falcon Crest from 1981 to 1990. But his true passion lies in aviation. Lamas is a qualified commercial helicopter and airplane pilot, using his skills to fly disadvantaged children to camp and transport those who cannot travel by domestic flights.
Tom Watt: Watt's career began on EastEnders in 1985 as Lofty Holloway, a role he played for 3 years. He then transitioned into sports journalism and broadcasting, ghostwriting David Beckham's biography My Side. Watt has occasionally returned to the screen, including a 2022 reprisal of his EastEnders role.
Kin Shriner: Shriner's career began on General Hospital, a role he held until 2024. He also starred on Texas and Rituals in the 80s. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he underwent botched foot surgery, leaving him immobile for months. He has not been seen on screen since 2024, but fans are hoping for a comeback.
Doug Davidson: Davidson's career spanned almost 4000 episodes on The Young and the Restless from 1978 to 2020. After his soap run, he made a brief appearance in a 2022 episode of Hot Topics Celeb TV Unscripted Afterdark. However, he is set to return to the screen with an upcoming project, Season of Rage, currently in pre-production.
Sean Wilson: Wilson's career began on * Coronation Street* in 1985, playing Martin Platt until 2005. Post-soap, he ventured into cheese making, owning his own cheese company, Saddleworth Cheese. The business was dissolved in 2018, but Wilson's love for cheese remains.
Peter Barton: Barton's career took off with a role in the iconic horror film Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter. He then starred in The Young and the Restless from 1988 to 1993, returning for a brief appearance in 2005. Barton has since retired from acting, enjoying a peaceful life away from the spotlight.
Todd Curtis: Curtis' career began on Capital in 1982, but his most memorable role was Skip Evans on The Young and the Restless from 1987 to 1990. His last role was in the 1996 action feature American Tigers. Curtis has kept a low profile since, but his legacy as a heartthrob remains.
Larkin Malloy: Malloy's career was a soap opera extravaganza, with roles on Guiding Light, All My Children, and The Edge of Night. He slowed down in the 90s, appearing in Law & Order and As the World Turns. Malloy made a posthumous appearance in Tainted Dreams before his passing in 2016.
Christopher Atkins: Atkins' career began with a controversial role as swim coach Peter Richards on Dallas, where he had an affair with Sue Ellen Ewing. He has since taken on smaller movie projects and founded Rocky River Outdoor Products. Atkins is reportedly due to return to the screen with four acting projects in the works.
Lane Davies: Davies' career began on Santa Barbara in 1984, playing a total of 901 episodes. He also starred on Days of Our Lives in 1981. Davies has taken a break from acting, but is reportedly set to return with three projects in post-production.
The Legacy of the Heartthrobs
These actors have certainly left their mark on the world of soaps, but their post-soap careers have been just as fascinating. From aviation to sports journalism, cheese making to retirement, these heartthrobs have certainly kept us entertained. As for their return to the screen, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: their legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of their fans.
