Confessions Of A Teen Idol: Coming Soon To VH1

VH1′s set to give heartthrobs of the ’80s and ’90s another chance at fame via Confessions of a Teen Idol. The reality show/support group is to be spearheaded by Scott Baio, and will premiere January 4 at 8/7c. Sneak peek the show right here. Full details below:

The eight-part series features Christopher Atkins (The Blue Lagoon), David Chokachi (Baywatch), Billy Hufsey (Fame), Jeremy Jackson (Baywatch), Eric Nies (MTV’s The Real World and The Grind), Jamie Walters (Beverly Hills 90210), and Adrian Zmed (TJ Hooker, Grease 2). Each hour-long episode provides a rare, never-before-seen look at fame and its consequences as the guys live together, forming a unique and exclusive support group.

“This is the world’s most unique men’s club. Even the producers are all guys who were famous as teenagers. They speak a different language and this show allows them to not only share their stories of past fame with each other, but forces them to really explore their hopes and fears about daring to want that fame back as grown men,” said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, VH1. “This is not like any reality show you’ve ever seen before. It is not a competition and there are no eliminations. But there is refreshingly honest (and at times very dramatic) look at the addiction of fame and a real opportunity for each one of these guys to get that stardom back.”

Under the guidance of television icon Scott Baio, child star-turned-producer Jason Hervey and celebrity psychology expert Cooper Lawrence, these former heartthrobs will be given all of the tools and connections necessary to make a comeback or be faced with the reality that fame is a lot tougher the second time around. The guys will learn to let go of their past fame, reclaim control of their careers and look ahead to their futures.

“I really feel that it’s important for people to know what fame is like, and who can give better insight than two guys who have lived through the experience like Jason and myself? We’ve been there and know what it’s like to be in the guys’ shoes. We have both learned how to leave the teen idol days behind and move forward with life and our careers,” said Scott Baio, former teen idol and an executive producer for the series. “When we were developing the show, Jason and I knew that VH1 would be a perfect home for it, we have done shows with them in the past and I think this series will add a new, very real element to their programming and set the stage for future adaptations of this unique franchise.”

In the end these former teen idols will be armed with the skills, knowledge and confidence to re-launch their careers in the entertainment industry and chase after one more shot at fame.

We did a preliminary survey of the seven Idols to get an idea of where their heads are as we get ready for the series. Answers and more pictures of the guys follow:

Eric Nies

What role/work are you most proud of?

The work I’m most proud of is Chi Force. My brother and I have been working on these life-changing principles for 10 years and are excited to bring them to the rest of the world. The best work so far has been the charity work and the life-coaching. I’m not just proud of it, I’m thankful that I can make a difference in someone’s life. If someone gets in their power because of what I can share with them, I feel on top of the world. Life is a circle of giving and receiving. We are constantly receiving, and we are not complete until we give selflessly. It’s the ebb and flow of life.

How does it feel to be back on TV?

It’s been a long time, but I feel like I didn’t skip a beat. It was fun and cool, and it had its share of surprises of new friends and places. I’m a veteran at this so it was like second nature for me.

Is your peak still ahead of you?

Of course it is! With each day, we learn more about ourselves, each other and the world we live in, so we are only moving forward. You can never stop growing if you are always seeking more wisdom and knowledge. It’s around us everywhere. My life today is better then it’s ever been. I’m happier and more fulfilled than ever.

What does the word “comeback” mean to you?

It means I was off the radar for a while and now I’m back on the tube again.

Do you think of reality TV as a last resort, or a source of hope for the future?

It’s never a last resort! It was a great opportunity and a lot of fun. It’s the look into the here and now of what I am doing, who I am today and where my efforts are in the projects I am involved in. And in that there is a lot of potential, and inevitably, good things will come from it. It’s how it works. Energy likes energy.

Jamie Walters

What role/work are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my music. I have been playing guitar and singing in bands since I was a little kid, so to have the chance to record my songs and get out on the road and tour around the world was a dream come true. My new record Believed, which is an independent project not on a major label, is really special to me. I really poured my heart and soul into this record. To learn more about it and hear some clips of the songs you can go to my website at jamiewalters.com, or visit CDbaby.com/jamiewalters.

How does it feel to be back on TV?

Being on TV again turned out to be a good experience, the other cast members on the show were really good guys and we had a lot of fun living together. We were able to share common experiences with each other from our days as “teen idols.” This was really cool for me because rarely do I ever get the chance to talk to people who can relate to those times in my life. I really had no idea what to expect when I signed on to doing the show, the other guys on the show really made it a positive experience.

Is your peak still ahead of you?

I think that life is full of peaks and valleys, it’s about the journey and I’m confident that I still have great peaks ahead of me.

What does the word “comeback” mean to you?

Comeback, for me, is the chance to reconnect with my old fans and connect with new ones.

Do you think of reality TV as a last resort, or a source of hope for the future?

Reality TV gives people the unique opportunity to get some insight into real people, like myself, who previously only played characters on TV.

Jeremy Jackson

What role/work are you most proud of?

When I was about 12-years-old, I played a character Michael Bulkin in an independent film. I worked with Sally Kirkland (my co-star) to really become me and feel true deep emotion in the film. It was an amazing experience.

How does it feel to be back on TV?

Like home.

Is your peak still ahead of you?

I try to find a new peak everyday. As long as I continue to grow and strive for better, I hope I have great things to look forward to.

What does the word “comeback” mean to you?

My comeback is a very personal battle. I was my own worst enemy during my teen years and for me to know comeback means to fix all the things I tried so hard to destroy.

Do you think of reality TV as a last resort, or a source of hope for the future?

Reality TV is what people love to hate. People have negative things to say about reality, but they sure do watch the heck out of it! Our world is changing daily and so is the entertainment industry. Not every reality show is great, but neither is every movie or scripted TV show. You can’t hit a home run every time, but I really feel like we have a grand slam on our hands with this show.

Chris Atkins

What role/work are you most proud of?

The role of being a father.

How does it feel to be back on TV?

Awesome!

Is your peak still ahead of you?

Absolutely.

What does the word “comeback” mean to you?

Offers again.

Do you think of reality TV as a last resort, or a source of hope for the future?

I’m pitching two reality shows right now. I think reality is here to stay and will continue to morph and mold to many generations. My dream though is features, it’s where I started and where I feel the most comfortable.

David Chokachi

What role/work are you most proud of?

The role I’m most proud of is the role of Jake McCarty on the TV series Witchblade, which aired on TNT. I played a New York City Detective, who was actually an undercover agent for the FBI. The show itself was so well-written and -produced. Ralph Hemecker, the show runner and Executive Producer, is a genius. Ralph gave my character this story arc that just kept twisting. As an actor it was a dream job, because just when you think your character has it all figured out, Ralph would throw in a major curve-ball. My character had a story line where the world of undercover started to mess with his head, and lines were blurred, and it was extremely dark and edgy – and that, for me, was so fun – to go there as an actor. I love that stuff.

How does it feel to be back on TV?

Well, without sounding arrogant, I never really left TV, or film. I just finished working on my third TV series eight months ago, as a series regular. I also just wrapped two films and a short. I mean, of course there are peaks and valleys, that’s the life of an actor. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to work quite consistently in both TV and Film.

Is your peak still ahead of you?

Yeah, I think it is. You never stop growing, and learning – as an actor, and as a human being. I feel like this growth will make way for better performances, and for a more enriched life.

What does the word “comeback” mean to you?

In the words of a talented performer, LL Cool J, “Don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years!” No – really, the word “comeback” means to me a willingness to never give up, to always keep fighting, and never take no for answer. Because it can happen, as long as you are prepared, when the moment comes.

Do you think of reality TV as a last resort, or a source of hope for the future?

I think with reality TV, it’s just like regular TV, in the sense that there’s good and bad. I like to think the show we did is going to skew towards the good side. It’s a rare look behind the curtain of the entertainment business. I think this show will allow people to see that there’s more depth to all of us than what you just see on the screen or TV, and in doing so, the audience will relate. That being said, I hope this show will open some doors, and help me find that next series or film that really stands out.

Adrian Zmed

What role/work are you most proud of?

I’ve done a lot of film, TV and Broadway roles, and it’s tough to pick just one , so I’ll pick one from each medium: Johnny in Grease 2, Romano in TJ Hooker and Marvin in the Broadway show Falsettos…all for different reasons but I’m very proud of my work in all of them.

How does it feel to be back on TV?

It’s like coming back to the home you grew up in. Some of it is the same and some of it has changed but still, it’s good to be home.

Is your peak still ahead of you?

Life is filled with many peaks and valleys, so there are still many peaks to achieve and valleys to endure.

What does the word “comeback” mean to you?

To me, “comeback” implies that I’ve left and came back, but those who follow theater know I’ve never left acting, having continued to sing and dance on Broadway and national tours. I guess it means I’m more in the public eye because TV reaches a lot more people at a time.

Do you think of reality TV as a last resort, or a source of hope for the future?

Certainly not a last resort, because I’m very happy performing on stage. I did this show so that it would be a launching pad for all of the projects I’m developing for my production company.

Billy Hufsey

What role/work are you most proud of?

I would probably have to say, I am most proud of my recent work, raising money in my hometown for, Feed a Family. My performance helped raise nearly $2 million dollars for families in need, which is so prevalent in these tough economic times. There is nothing more gratifying than helping somebody who, for whatever reason, can’t help themselves. I am not smart enough to be a doctor to cure someone of a disease, however I do always try to use the gifts and talents I have to help others that are less fortunate.

The character role or acting work I am most proud of? After being out of the business for such a long time I would have to say I am most proud of my scene in this show, Confessions of a Teen Idol, where I was asked to be emotional, in my second line, by the biggest acting coach there is, Howard Fine. You will all just have to wait to see what scene I am referring to when you tune in for the season…

How does it feel to be back on TV?

After retiring from entertainment for the past eight years, I have to say I am actually in a state of euphoria. I believe the old adage, “You don’t know what you’re missing until you don’t have it anymore”, truly applies.

I am not only excited about being back on television but also I am excited about being able to perform, which is what I truly believe God put me on this Earth to do. There is nothing more gratifying than putting smiles on peoples faces and hope in their hearts, which is what I believe entertainers do. With the crazy times we are living in today, all we have is each other, which is what I believe to be the best gift of all.

Is your peak still ahead of you?

I sure hope so!!!

There are many peaks and valleys in someone’s career and throughout their lives. It’s not the magnitude of the degree of success, monetary success or fame that evaluates someone’s life. I believe that the ultimate success for someone is inner peace, happiness, and contentment. My “peak” is today, as it is everyday – as I get out of bed with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.

What does the word “comeback” mean to you?

A “comeback”" to me means that I made a conscious decision to retire from the entertainment business, when I was still at the peak of my career, and I have now made a conscious decision to return to an industry that doesn’t often give second chances. Not only being out of the industry, but also coming back into it after an eight-year hiatus, would actually not just be a “comeback,” it would be a miracle!

I have given up everything to successfully obtain this “comeback.” I believe that if your passion is your work then you will never work a day in your life. And I am so grateful that my passion is my work.

Do you think of reality TV as a last resort, or a source of hope for the future?

Is reality a last resort? – hum – as I just returned back to the entertainment business eight months ago, I have filmed a pilot called Son of a Gun, a movie titled Crazy Girls and a recorded a new CD project scheduled to be released in February 2009. Reality TV was not a “last resort” but it has been my “best resort” because it not only provided me an opportunity to sharpen my tools, it also has given me the opportunity to work with six very talented actors which consequently has helped me grow as an entertainer and provided me with greater hope for my future. Confessions of a Teen Idol is my “best” resort.

Remember, Confessions of a Teen Idol premieres January 4 at 8/7c on VH1.