The late summer and early autumn of 1983 offered Alex Hayes a rare commodity: downtime. After the back-to-back shoots of 'Sixteen Candles' and 'Footloose', September and October were dedicated to rest, recharging, and simply living life outside a film set bubble. Much of this time was spent in Los Angeles with Diane Lane. Having publicly confirmed their relationship during the Utah screening event for 'Risky Business', they were now Hollywood's newest "it" couple. Paparazzi shots of them dining out, attending industry events, or simply walking hand-in-hand frequently appeared in newspapers and magazines, fueling public fascination.
Amidst the relative calm, career decisions still loomed. Diane, fresh off the physically demanding 'Footloose' shoot, had faced a difficult choice earlier in the year. She had been slated for a promising role in Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious Harlem jazz-age epic, 'The Cotton Club'. Working with Coppola again after 'The Outsiders' and 'Rumble Fish' was incredibly appealing. However, the notoriously complex and shifting production schedule for 'The Cotton Club' ultimately clashed insurmountably with her commitment to 'Footloose' during the summer. With regret, she'd had to withdraw from Coppola's film.
Around this same time, another high-profile project landed on Alex's desk via CAA. Columbia Pictures offered him the lead role in a new film to be directed by John G. Avildsen, the acclaimed director of 'Rocky'. The film was titled 'The Karate Kid'. Alex read the script about an underdog teenager moving to LA who learns martial arts from an elderly handyman to defend himself against bullies.
While intrigued by the story's heart, Alex and Avildsen, after a candid discussion, mutually agreed it wasn't the right fit for him. Alex's current fame and screen presence, they both felt, might overpower the essential vulnerability and underdog nature of the Daniel LaRusso character. It needed an actor the audience could discover alongside the character. Respectfully, Alex passed on the role.
However, he hadn't forgotten the script. Lounging by his pool one sunny afternoon with Diane, he mentioned it. "You know that 'Karate Kid' script I read? The lead wasn't right for me, but it's a really good story, Diane. Solid plot, great mentor character... Pat Morita is apparently up for that part." He paused, thinking. "There's a great role for the girlfriend, Ali Mills. Smart, supportive, caught between worlds. You should have Nancy get you the script. Take a look. I think it could be a really good film."
Intrigued by Alex's genuine enthusiasm for the project he himself had turned down, Diane did just that. She read the script, loved the character of Ali, and pursued the role. Her recent involvement with Alex and Alex's subtle endorsement likely didn't hurt. She landed the part. With her schedule now clear after having to pass on 'The Cotton Club', she prepared for another shoot – filming for 'The Karate Kid' was set to begin in Los Angeles in the last week of October 1983.
For Alex and Diane, these months were a blend of enjoying their time together in the public eye and navigating the complex tapestry of Hollywood opportunities, decisions, and the inevitable scheduling conflicts that shaped their rapidly ascending careers.
While Alex enjoyed his downtime in September and October 1983 and Diane Lane prepared for 'The Karate Kid', 'Risky Business' continued its remarkable run in theaters, proving to have incredibly strong legs well beyond the summer season. The critical acclaim and persistent audience buzz kept the film performing at impressive levels deep into the fall.
The film's week-by-week domestic performance showed phenomenal holds:
Week 5: Grossed $5.81 million. (Cumulative: $56.67 million)
Week 6: Grossed $5.37 million. (Cumulative: $62.04 million)
Week 7: Grossed $5.05 million. (Cumulative: $67.09 million)
Week 8: Grossed $4.89 million. (Cumulative: $71.98 million)
Week 9: Grossed $4.35 million. (Cumulative: $76.33 million)
Week 10: Grossed $3.91 million. (Cumulative: $80.24 million)
Week 11: Grossed $3.56 million. (Cumulative: $83.80 million)
Week 12: Grossed $3.31 million. (Cumulative: $87.11 million)
Week 13: Grossed $3.04 million.
By the end of its thirteenth week (concluding Thursday, October 20, 1983), 'Risky Business' had grossed a cumulative total of $90.15 million domestically. It had blown past Alex's earlier $80 million estimate and had now crossed the $90 million threshold, firmly establishing itself not just as a major hit, but as one of the highest-grossing R-rated films and a true box office phenomenon of the year.
This achievement sparked considerable discussion among industry analysts, who began seriously speculating whether 'Risky Business' could become one of the very few R-rated films ever to gross $100 million domestically. The film's continued strong holds made the $100 million target seem achievable, further cementing its status as a major R-rated phenomenon of the year.
The fall of 1983 saw Alex Hayes back in the familiar whirlwind of film promotion. With the Utah shoot for 'Footloose' completed and 'Risky Business' continuing its impressive run in theaters, the focus shifted to his next release: the John Hughes comedy, 'Sixteen Candles'. Despite playing a supporting role as the popular Jake Ryan, Alex's star power meant he was central to Universal Pictures' marketing campaign.
Throughout September and October 1983, Alex made the rounds, appearing on virtually all the major television talk shows. From chatting with Johnny Carson again to joking with David Letterman and sitting down with Merv Griffin and Phil Donahue, he dutifully promoted the upcoming film, sharing anecdotes about working with John Hughes and the talented young cast. His high visibility kept his name in the headlines and built anticipation for the movie's debut.
Finally, the time came for the release. On the clear evening of November 3rd, 1983, the night before 'Sixteen Candles' was set to open nationwide, the lights blazed outside the historic Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for the official premiere. While perhaps not drawing the same level of near-hysteria as the '10 Things I Hate About You' premiere the previous year, there was still a significant buzz. John Hughes was a respected writer, and any film starring Alex Hayes was automatically a major event. Fans lined the barricades, camera flashes popped from the press section, and a sense of optimistic excitement filled the air as Universal Pictures prepared to unveil their latest film.
The arrivals began on Red Carpet, a steady stream of cars pulling up to the entrance of the Pantages Theatre. Director John Hughes stepped out, looking pleased and slightly overwhelmed by the flashing bulbs. The film's young stars followed, generating excitement: Molly Ringwald, radiating youthful charm; Anthony Michael Hall, looking sharp despite his age; Haviland Morris, Justin Henry, Gedde Watanabe, and others from the ensemble cast enjoyed their moment in the spotlight. Veteran actors Paul Dooley and Blanche Baker also graced the carpet, adding a touch of seasoned professionalism.
Industry heavyweights made their presence known. Sidney Sheinberg, the powerful head of Universal Pictures, arrived, surveying the scene with a satisfied air. Michael Ovitz and Nancy Jones from CAA worked the crowd expertly, their presence signifying the importance of the event and their star client.
And then, arriving last, pulling the focus of every camera and reporter, came Alex Hayes with Diane Lane. If the previous arrivals had generated buzz, Alex's appearance ignited a frenzy. He was undeniably the center of attention. Eschewing typical premiere formality, Alex wore simple blue jeans and a stylish grey jacket over a t-shirt, looking effortlessly cool. Diane Lane matched his casual vibe in dark jeans and a denim jacket. Despite the low-key attire, the intensity of the media focus on Alex was immense.
As they made their way towards the theater entrance amidst the shouts and flashes, Sidney Sheinberg and John Hughes intercepted them.
"Alex, Diane, glad you could make it!" Sheinberg greeted them warmly.
Hughes added, "Great to see you both." He clapped Alex on the shoulder. "And congratulations again on 'Risky Business' – it's still doing incredible numbers. Fantastic success."
Alex smiled, shaking their hands. "Thanks, Sidney, John. Appreciate that." They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Alex and Diane continued into the theater, the energy of the premiere swirling around them.