In the 1970s, he emerged as a beloved teen idol on television, gaining widespread recognition for his standout performance in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. That role opened the door to other major opportunities, including a prominent part in the drama series Family and leading roles in the Walking Tall film series. In addition to his acting success, he also enjoyed a thriving career in music.
Long before he became a household name, he began his journey in the entertainment industry at just five years old, often working alongside his sister on various small acting gigs. His personal life also drew public attention, especially his relationship with Nicollette Sheridan, which lasted from 1979 to 1985. Then, during the 1990s, he was in a relationship with Elaine Bilstad, a chapter that ended sadly when she passed away due to a heart-related illness.
Well, you know, his journey into music really kicked off when he took a shot at singing—and honestly, it was kind of unexpected how well it went. I mean, the first time people really noticed him was with this catchy cover of “Runaround Sue,” which quickly gained a lot of attention. Yeah, that performance sort of put him on the map, and from there, his passion for singing just grew. It’s funny how one moment, like that cover, can define the start of something big for someone. So yeah, his first real turn as a singer? Definitely tied to that song—and honestly, it was a solid debut.