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The 1990s heartthrob now dating Heather Locklear | Source: Getty Images
The 1990s heartthrob now dating Heather Locklear | Source: Getty Images

Nostalgia: Heather Locklear Is Dating a Fellow '90s Soap Opera Star — and His Look Today Is Turning Heads — Photos

Mariia Bilska
By Mariia Bilska
Oct 21, 2026 - 01:27 P.M.

The soap queen has a familiar leading man in her life, but their cuddly appearance together has fans reaching back through decades of television memories.

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Heather Locklear's newest romance became public in April 2026, bringing a delicious dose of nostalgia to anyone who remembers when glamorous television troublemakers ruled the evening.

And a promotional video has given fans something else to discuss, because the man beside her has inspired some VERY different assessments of his original heartthrob looks.

Netizens had a lot of different opinions regarding Heather Locklear's new man, who many loved back in the 1980s and 1990s. | Source: Instagram/ftloretro

Netizens had a lot of different opinions regarding Heather Locklear's new man, who many loved back in the 1980s and 1990s. | Source: Instagram/ftloretro

Heather Had Us Hooked Long Before This Romance

Some actresses enter a scene, and suddenly everyone else has to work a little harder. Heather had that gift, and those of us who remember her soap years hardly need reminding.

Born on September 25, 1961, in Westwood, California, she became a familiar face on "Dynasty" before giving "Melrose Place" fans Amanda Woodward, the woman whose arrival could make an ordinary conversation feel dangerous. According to her IMDb biography, she played Amanda in 199 episodes between 1993 and 1999.

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The 1970s

Heather Locklear radiates early career charm in a black-and-white portrait from the late 1970s. The budding actress smiles with her hands resting in the pockets of her jeans, sporting feathered blonde hair with swept bangs and a cropped, mesh sports jersey. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear radiates early career charm in a black-and-white portrait from the late 1970s. The budding actress smiles with her hands resting in the pockets of her jeans, sporting feathered blonde hair with swept bangs and a cropped, mesh sports jersey. | Source: Getty Images

The future heartthrob showcases his classic good looks in a brooding black-and-white portrait from the 1970s. With sweat glistening along his temple and jawline, he gazes thoughtfully to the side with thick, wavy dark hair and a white terrycloth towel draped around his neck. | Source: Getty Images

The future heartthrob showcases his classic good looks in a brooding black-and-white portrait from the 1970s. With sweat glistening along his temple and jawline, he gazes thoughtfully to the side with thick, wavy dark hair and a white terrycloth towel draped around his neck. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear gets into the competitive spirit during the ABC television special "Battle of the Network Stars IV" in Malibu, California, in 1978. Sporting feathered blonde locks pushed back with a white terrycloth sweatband, the actress prepares to throw a ball while wearing a white athletic tank top with red trim and a watch. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear gets into the competitive spirit during the ABC television special "Battle of the Network Stars IV" in Malibu, California, in 1978. Sporting feathered blonde locks pushed back with a white terrycloth sweatband, the actress prepares to throw a ball while wearing a white athletic tank top with red trim and a watch. | Source: Getty Images

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The rising actor channels effortless cool in a vintage color portrait from circa 1978. Sporting a vibrant blue crewneck t-shirt beneath a black leather jacket with red trim, he looks into the camera with voluminous, sun-kissed brunette curls and sharp, chiselled features. | Source: Getty Images

The rising actor channels effortless cool in a vintage color portrait from circa 1978. Sporting a vibrant blue crewneck t-shirt beneath a black leather jacket with red trim, he looks into the camera with voluminous, sun-kissed brunette curls and sharp, chiselled features. | Source: Getty Images

That was a considerable commitment to keeping us entertained, and goodness, did she deliver. The blonde hair and commanding presence belong to a television era when waiting for the next episode could feel positively unreasonable.

Her screen career also included "The Return of Swamp Thing" in 1989, "Money Talks" in 1997, and "The Perfect Man" in 2005. Still, for devoted soap fans, those years of delicious television drama have a stubborn hold on the heart.

Away from the scripts, Heather's relationships attracted their own audience. She married Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee in 1986, with their marriage ending in 1993, before marrying Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora in 1994.

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The 1980s

Heather Locklear epitomizes 1980s glamour in a studio portrait session from February 2, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. With voluminous, layered blonde waves framing her face, she gazes directly at the camera showcasing rosy blush, bold red lipstick, and pearl stud earrings while wearing a vibrant red top accented with an oversized black satin bow. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear epitomizes 1980s glamour in a studio portrait session from February 2, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. With voluminous, layered blonde waves framing her face, she gazes directly at the camera showcasing rosy blush, bold red lipstick, and pearl stud earrings while wearing a vibrant red top accented with an oversized black satin bow. | Source: Getty Images

The "Falcon Crest" cast member shows off his heartthrob physique while sitting poolside in a sun-drenched shoot from October 1981 in Los Angeles, California. Emerging from the water in dark swim briefs, he leans onto the pool deck with slicked-back wet dark hair and an intense gaze toward the camera. | Source: Getty Images

The "Falcon Crest" cast member shows off his heartthrob physique while sitting poolside in a sun-drenched shoot from October 1981 in Los Angeles, California. Emerging from the water in dark swim briefs, he leans onto the pool deck with slicked-back wet dark hair and an intense gaze toward the camera. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear shares a joyful laugh during the 8th Annual Jimmy Stewart Marathon Kick-Off Party at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 1989. The actress shines in a sleek black leather jacket, with her signature blonde hair styled in full, feathered layers framing her radiant smile. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear shares a joyful laugh during the 8th Annual Jimmy Stewart Marathon Kick-Off Party at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 1989. The actress shines in a sleek black leather jacket, with her signature blonde hair styled in full, feathered layers framing her radiant smile. | Source: Getty Images

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The television star exudes effortless 1980s cool while stepping out in the evening, leaning against a dark luxury vehicle. Sporting a stylish mullet haircut, he pairs an olive mock-neck top with a glossy black leather motorcycle jacket as flashbulbs capture his trademark jawline and easy smile. | Source: Getty Images

The television star exudes effortless 1980s cool while stepping out in the evening, leaning against a dark luxury vehicle. Sporting a stylish mullet haircut, he pairs an olive mock-neck top with a glossy black leather motorcycle jacket as flashbulbs capture his trademark jawline and easy smile. | Source: Getty Images

Heather and Richie welcomed a daughter before divorcing in 2007. More recently, her five-year, on-and-off relationship with former fiancé Chris Heisser ended in 2025.

And now? Her next romantic chapter comes with a leading man who knows a thing or two about keeping a television audience interested.

A 'Falcon Crest' Favorite Gets the Girl

Enter Lorenzo Lamas. Yes, THAT Lorenzo, who played Lance Cumson on "Falcon Crest" and later became Reno Raines on "Renegade."

Lorenzo Lamas looks impeccably dapper while filming a CBS vignette for "In Celebration 1886-1986: An American Portrait" on January 1, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. Posing against a vibrant royal blue backdrop, the actor sports styled, wavy dark hair and a classic black tuxedo complete with a pleated white dress shirt and black bow tie. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Lamas looks impeccably dapper while filming a CBS vignette for "In Celebration 1886-1986: An American Portrait" on January 1, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. Posing against a vibrant royal blue backdrop, the actor sports styled, wavy dark hair and a classic black tuxedo complete with a pleated white dress shirt and black bow tie. | Source: Getty Images

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For anyone whose viewing habits included those shows, this pairing is almost too good. Heather and Lorenzo shared an era of television fame long before they shared a romance.

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They first met while posing for a 1983 Playgirl cover, when she was appearing on "Dynasty" and he was starring on "Falcon Crest." Heather wore a bikini, Lorenzo wore a Speedo, and the photographs would eventually acquire a rather lovely sequel.

Looking back at the shoot on X in 2025, Lorenzo wrote, "I cannot believe that this was 43 years ago! Side note, speedos on request only."

The grown-up romance developed quietly. They were spotted at a dinner party in New York City in November 2025, followed by a New Year's Eve outing at Barry's Steakhouse inside Las Vegas's Circa Resort & Casino.

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When TMZ reported their relationship on April 10, 2026, it shared photographs of the pair posing in the kitchen with chef Barry Dakake. Sources said they had a private table and were affectionate with each other.

The 1990s

Lorenzo Lamas and his then-wife, actress Kathleen Kinmont, share a joyful red-carpet moment during a 1990s evening event. Lamas looks polished in a classic black tuxedo, white pleated shirt, and black bow tie, while Kinmont laughs beside him in an elegant black dress, swept-back blonde hair, and statement earrings. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Lamas and his then-wife, actress Kathleen Kinmont, share a joyful red-carpet moment during a 1990s evening event. Lamas looks polished in a classic black tuxedo, white pleated shirt, and black bow tie, while Kinmont laughs beside him in an elegant black dress, swept-back blonde hair, and statement earrings. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear and then-husband Tommy Lee make a bold entrance hand-in-hand at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards on February 21, 1990. The rock-and-roll power couple matches in head-to-toe black leather, with Lee in dark sunglasses and an embroidered biker jacket, while Locklear debuts a textured blonde bob, drop earrings, and a sequined high-neck top beneath an oversized leather blazer. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear and then-husband Tommy Lee make a bold entrance hand-in-hand at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards on February 21, 1990. The rock-and-roll power couple matches in head-to-toe black leather, with Lee in dark sunglasses and an embroidered biker jacket, while Locklear debuts a textured blonde bob, drop earrings, and a sequined high-neck top beneath an oversized leather blazer. | Source: Getty Images

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Those sources also said their adult children were planning to spend time together that weekend. Family introductions were entering the picture, which makes this considerably sweeter than a nostalgic photo opportunity.

Lorenzo brought his own complicated romantic history to the relationship. The father of six has been married six times, with his latest marriage to Kenna Nicole Scott ending in 2025.

By late April, he and Heather were greeting fans together at the Chiller Theatre Expo in Parsippany, New Jersey. They sat beside each other in matching black leather jackets during the April 25 weekend and were photographed at the Hilton Parsippany on April 26.

Matching leather for two television favorites? The soap fan in us approves.

Lorenzo Lamas channels his rugged "Renegade" persona in a 1993 portrait. Posing with his arms crossed against a striped backdrop, the actor sports shoulder-length dark waves, light stubble, and his signature sharp gaze while wearing a deep red button-down shirt paired with a black leather vest. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Lamas channels his rugged "Renegade" persona in a 1993 portrait. Posing with his arms crossed against a striped backdrop, the actor sports shoulder-length dark waves, light stubble, and his signature sharp gaze while wearing a deep red button-down shirt paired with a black leather vest. | Source: Getty Images

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Heather Locklear strikes a playful pose poolside during an evening event in 1995. Raising both hands with a lighthearted expression, the actress pairs a sheer black crochet plunge top with light-wash, high-waisted denim jeans and strappy silver heeled sandals. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear strikes a playful pose poolside during an evening event in 1995. Raising both hands with a lighthearted expression, the actress pairs a sheer black crochet plunge top with light-wash, high-waisted denim jeans and strappy silver heeled sandals. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Has Quite a Tender Speech for His Leading Lady

Asked whether he had imagined finding his way to Heather more than four decades after meeting her, Lorenzo gave Fox News an answer worth hearing in full.

"The short answer is no," he said. "I mean, I've been through a lot of trial and error, and she is the most amazing woman that I think I've ever met."

Well, that is a leading-man declaration. At 68, Lorenzo sounded thoroughly taken with the woman who had once posed beside him during their early fame.

The 2000s

Lorenzo Lamas attends the American Comedy Awards at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California, on February 6, 2000. Turning toward the camera with an intense stare and light facial stubble, the actor sports slicked-back dark hair, a small hoop earring, and a classic black tuxedo featuring satin lapels and a crisp black bow tie. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Lamas attends the American Comedy Awards at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California, on February 6, 2000. Turning toward the camera with an intense stare and light facial stubble, the actor sports slicked-back dark hair, a small hoop earring, and a classic black tuxedo featuring satin lapels and a crisp black bow tie. | Source: Getty Images

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Heather Locklear brings effortless rock-and-roll style to the 2000 ABC Summer Press Tour at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, California. Posing with a confident tilt of the head and her hands behind her back, the actress wears a customized, one-shoulder black Bon Jovi graphic tank top paired with light-wash blue jeans and loose blonde waves. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear brings effortless rock-and-roll style to the 2000 ABC Summer Press Tour at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, California. Posing with a confident tilt of the head and her hands behind her back, the actress wears a customized, one-shoulder black Bon Jovi graphic tank top paired with light-wash blue jeans and loose blonde waves. | Source: Getty Images

And based on his family history, he was made for the screen. His mother was actress Arlene Dahl, and his father was Argentinian actor Fernando Lamas. Born in Santa Monica and raised in Pacific Palisades, Lorenzo moved with his family to New York in 1968, graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in 1975, then returned to California.

With encouragement from his father, he studied at Tony Barr's Film Actors Workshop and landed a small television role in 1976. Karate and tae kwon do followed in 1979, before his best-known roles made him such a familiar face.

His career biography also includes professional racing, stage appearances in "The King and I" and "A Chorus Line," and a touring cabaret show. He became a commercial helicopter and airplane pilot, too, using his flying skills to help disadvantaged children and people facing health or financial difficulties.

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Lorenzo Lamas brings heavy biker edge to the 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade at The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California, on November 29, 2009. Smiling subtly with trimmed facial hair, the actor accessorizes his signature shoulder-length dark mane with blue-tinted wraparound sunglasses, a dark leather neck gaiter, a patterned button-down, and a weathered leather jacket. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Lamas brings heavy biker edge to the 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade at The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California, on November 29, 2009. Smiling subtly with trimmed facial hair, the actor accessorizes his signature shoulder-length dark mane with blue-tinted wraparound sunglasses, a dark leather neck gaiter, a patterned button-down, and a weathered leather jacket. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear is all smiles during an interview on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" on November 11, 2009. Sitting comfortably in a brown armchair on the set, the actress looks stunning in a little black one-shoulder dress with sequined detailing, styled with voluminous blonde curls, black peep-toe slingback heels, and an ankle tattoo on display. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear is all smiles during an interview on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" on November 11, 2009. Sitting comfortably in a brown armchair on the set, the actress looks stunning in a little black one-shoulder dress with sequined detailing, styled with voluminous blonde curls, black peep-toe slingback heels, and an ankle tattoo on display. | Source: Getty Images

The motorcycle has remained another love. As Lorenzo told Fox News, "When the pressure gets a little bit too much in Hollywood, I go on vacation." But lately, he has also been meeting with fans at more conventions.

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A Patio Cuddle Gives Fans Plenty to Inspect

The couple was spotted in an August 20 promotional clip for For the Love of Retro, which offered a much more casual scene than their old magazine shoot and immediately ignited netizens' comments.

The event took place on September 5 and 6 at the Telford International Centre in Telford, England. In the Instagram video, Lorenzo sits outdoors in a high-backed patio chair with Heather across his lap. And his current appearance became quite the conversation.

The 2010s

Lorenzo Lamas attends the Los Angeles premiere of "Love & Mercy" at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California, on June 2, 2015. Smiling closely toward the camera, the actor pairs a full, salt-and-pepper beard and cropped, textured dark hair with a sharp black shirt, matching tie, and tailored suit jacket. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Lamas attends the Los Angeles premiere of "Love & Mercy" at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California, on June 2, 2015. Smiling closely toward the camera, the actor pairs a full, salt-and-pepper beard and cropped, textured dark hair with a sharp black shirt, matching tie, and tailored suit jacket. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear smiles warmly at the premiere screening of "Too Close to Home" at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California, on August 16, 2016. The actress looks radiant with side-swept blonde fringe and textured layers, pairing glossy nude lips and an olive-green top with a delicate pendant necklace. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear smiles warmly at the premiere screening of "Too Close to Home" at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California, on August 16, 2016. The actress looks radiant with side-swept blonde fringe and textured layers, pairing glossy nude lips and an olive-green top with a delicate pendant necklace. | Source: Getty Images

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His dark hair and his facial features prompted one commenter to write, "Wow he looks 20 years younger. Dyed the hair and tightened the face!! Reno is back!!!" Another had an entirely different reaction, writing, "He doesn't look anything like he use to back in the day!!! I didn't recognize him at all [sic]."

Lorenzo wore a textured white short-sleeved knit shirt with an open camp collar and dark casual shorts, with a prominent tattoo visible on his right forearm. But the questions in the comments section became particularly focused on his eyes.

Netizens had a lot of different opinions regarding Heather Locklear's new man, who many loved back in the 1980s and 1990s. | Source: Instagram/ftloretro

Netizens had a lot of different opinions regarding Heather Locklear's new man, who many loved back in the 1980s and 1990s. | Source: Instagram/ftloretro

One user asked, "What are his eyes so small [sic]?" Another wrote, "What happened to his eyes? Hes had work done right? Wow [sic]."

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Heather, meanwhile, smiled toward the camera while holding a small, fluffy white dog against her chest. Her faded slate-blue graphic T-shirt was tucked into high-waisted, straight-leg jeans, with large, thin hoop earrings and a silver watch completing the relaxed outfit.

Netizens had a lot of different opinions regarding Heather Locklear's new man, who many loved back in the 1980s and 1990s. | Source: Instagram/ftloretro

Netizens had a lot of different opinions regarding Heather Locklear's new man, who many loved back in the 1980s and 1990s. | Source: Instagram/ftloretro

One admirer wrote, "Wao Heather, she looks the same as she did many years ago [sic]." Another added, "She's as beautiful as ever and her eyes still as magical [sic]."

The comfortable pose earned affection, too. "She looks so healthy now! He looks great ! I'm happy for them," one commenter wrote, while another was still puzzling over Lorenzo's appearance: "What happened to him???"

Decades after that bikini-and-Speedo introduction, these two have given their longtime fans a real romance to root for, although many will still speculate on whether they have changed. The photos below reveal that better than anything else.

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Their Current Look in 2026

April

Lorenzo Lamas and Heather Locklear pose closely together while attending the Chiller Theatre Expo Spring 2026 at the Hilton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey, on April 26, 2026. Making their first major public appearance as a couple, the pair smile warmly in coordinating black ensembles, with Lamas in a black leather moto jacket and Locklear leaning in while wearing a delicate lace top, gold hoop earrings, and layered blonde waves. | Source: Getty Images

Lorenzo Lamas and Heather Locklear pose closely together while attending the Chiller Theatre Expo Spring 2026 at the Hilton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey, on April 26, 2026. Making their first major public appearance as a couple, the pair smile warmly in coordinating black ensembles, with Lamas in a black leather moto jacket and Locklear leaning in while wearing a delicate lace top, gold hoop earrings, and layered blonde waves. | Source: Getty Images

May

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August

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September

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Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas share a sweet kiss from atop their horses during a visit to Sunset Ranch in the Hollywood Hills on September 22, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Dressed for horseback riding in protective riding helmets and denim jeans, Locklear wears a white tank top while leaning in to kiss Lamas, who sports a black button-down shirt and wristwatch. | Source: Getty Images

Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas share a sweet kiss from atop their horses during a visit to Sunset Ranch in the Hollywood Hills on September 22, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Dressed for horseback riding in protective riding helmets and denim jeans, Locklear wears a white tank top while leaning in to kiss Lamas, who sports a black button-down shirt and wristwatch. | Source: Getty Images

Oh swoon!

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