NBC SOAP GOES FOR THE GOLD

NEW YORK — Heartthrob hunks and jocks litter the afternoon soap screens these days. It seems you can’t switch a channel without seeing another shirtless young man displaying impressive biceps and pectorals.

But “Search For Tomorrow” has gone a step further and landed one of this country’s genuine jock-heroes for a recurring role. He’s Steve Lundquist, who is making his acting debut on the NBC serial as sportswriter Steve Kendall, Lloyd’s long-absent son, who was last portrayed by a slightly older actor, Philip Brown.

Nicknamed “Lunk,” the 6-foot-2-inch Georgia boy won the hearts of Americans during the 1984 Olympics, at which he won two gold medals. Lundquist set new world records in both the 100-meter breast stroke and as an anchor in medley competition.

His seemingly boundless energy explains his desire to pursue an acting career: “I realized I felt very comfortable in front of a camera and began going to acting class shortly after the Los Angeles Olympics. During the eight months I studied, I turned down opportunities to do a few shows because I felt I wasn’t ready. Now I am.”