Parker Stevenson was one of television’s most recognizable heartthrobs in the 1970s, winning over audiences with his starring role in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. Now 74, the actor has stepped away from regular acting work in recent years, but he hasn’t disappeared from the spotlight entirely. Stevenson still makes appearances celebrating the shows that helped define his career, including Baywatch. Recent photographs reveal a very different look from the one fans remember from his younger days.
The Role That Made Him a ’70s Heartthrob
Stevenson began his acting career in 1972, but his breakthrough arrived in 1976, when he landed the role of Frank Hardy in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. His talent, combined with his signature long brown hair and youthful charm, quickly made him a television favorite. Before long, he had become one of the era’s most admired young stars, attracting a devoted fan base.
From The Hardy Boys to Baywatch
Stevenson later took on another memorable television role, joining the cast of Baywatch as Craig Pomeroy. He appeared during the show’s first, eighth, and ninth seasons and also stepped behind the camera to direct an episode during season three.
Even years after his time on the beachside drama, Stevenson continues to celebrate the series and its legacy. In 2024, he attended the red carpet event for After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, demonstrating that his connection to the iconic show remains strong.
His Marriage to Kirstie Alley
Stevenson’s personal life also attracted considerable attention, particularly his marriage to actress Kirstie Alley. The couple married in 1983 and remained together until their divorce in 1997. During their relationship, they adopted two children, William True Stevenson and Lillie Parker Graham.
Despite their eventual separation, the former couple maintained an important connection through their family. Stevenson previously explained that their marriage ended because of differing life goals rather than any single dramatic event.
When Alley died from colon cancer in 2022, Stevenson shared a heartfelt tribute to his former wife on Instagram. Remembering the years they spent together, he expressed gratitude for their shared life and the family they built, including their children and grandchildren. His emotional message made clear that their time together would always hold a special place in his heart.
Finding Love Again
Stevenson eventually found love again, marrying chef and food stylist Lisa Schoen in 2018. Their relationship began in an unexpectedly ordinary way when they became neighbors in a beachfront apartment complex.
In an interview with Closer, Stevenson recalled how Schoen temporarily exchanged her New York home for a downstairs apartment while he lived upstairs. Their first interaction involved a simple request: she wanted to borrow a large stockpot.
Stevenson had one available, and just two days later, Schoen returned it filled with homemade chicken soup. He remembered it as the best chicken soup he had ever tasted—a small gesture that became part of the story of how they met.
Fans Can’t Get Over His New Look
Although Stevenson is no longer the long-haired young star audiences remember, his latest photographs have attracted plenty of attention online.
In June, photographer Todd MacMillan shared a collection of portraits of the actor on Instagram, accompanying the images with the caption, “Down on the West Coast, they got their icons.”
The photographs offered an intimate look at Stevenson outdoors by the beach. His once-dark hair has given way to gray, and he now sports a beard, creating a striking contrast with his familiar appearance from the 1970s.
Fans were quick to share their reactions. One admirer called him “Still so handsome,” while another praised the portrait, describing it as a stunning photograph and noting how photogenic he remains.
The images serve as a reminder of just how much time has passed since Stevenson first became a household name, while also showing that many fans continue to find him as charming as ever.
What’s Next for Parker Stevenson?
Even after decades in the entertainment industry, Stevenson still has plenty of experiences he’d like to pursue. In a 2023 conversation with Closer, he spoke about his desire to spend an extended period traveling through Spain or England with his wife.
His vision goes beyond a typical vacation. Stevenson hopes Schoen could explore the local food culture and work with regional ingredients while he documents their journey through photography.
For an actor whose career has spanned generations of television, the idea of combining travel, photography, and time with his wife offers an appealing next chapter—one that allows him to explore new interests beyond the screen.