The Breakfast Club icon Anthony Michael Hall reveals how he survived toxic Hollywood

’80s film icon Anthony Michael Hall recently celebrated 50 years in the entertainment industry, after getting his start in acting at just eight years old. The legendary actor landed his first major gig in National Lampoon’s Vacation at 14, and went on to become a defining star of the ’80s thanks to his work with John Hughes.

Anthony, who has acted in everything from The Breakfast Club and Weird Science to Sixteen Candles and Edward Scissorhands, explained to Fox News Digital just how he survived five decades in the notoriously toxic industry. 

“Having a thick skin, and just being game and just wanting to work with the best people you can,” he explained when asked how he had lasted so long in Hollywood. “Just being persistent and tenacious. And thank God I was born with a hard head. But you have to have a thick skin.”

“You have to really want and love what you do. So I think that’s it,” he continued. “Stay humble, stay focused, keep your eyes on the road, and just keep moving ahead somehow. There’s no guarantees of anything in this business, and it’s a tough business, but it’s really great business, so I’m very fortunate.”

Anthony added that he had opened himself up to new jobs, like in the upcoming reality show Nation’s Dumbest, which he never considered taking before. “[I] feel very blessed. This is my 51st year doing this, and this was really a unique thing, because it was something I never expected,” he said of the show. 

“It really took me by surprise, and it was really a lot of fun. So, it was about learning that lesson, too. Staying open to new opportunities, just being cool with it and having fun. So, we really had a great time, all of us. It was nice.”

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The 58-year-old is not slowing down anytime soon, and in fact is looking to expand into the production space. “I’m still working!” he told People. “I’m actively building up my production company and just always working, year-round. I’m blessed to have had such a long career.”

As for his life as an ’80s teen idol, Anthony shared that he was forever grateful for the opportunities that films like The Breakfast Club gave him. 

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“I embrace all the John Hughes stuff,” he said. “That was truly the beginning of my career. The gift is to have a career and creative life like I have. I’m really grateful.”

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Anthony’s personal life has also blossomed in recent years, ever since he met and married his wife, Lucia Oskerova, and welcomed a son, Anthony Michael II, with her. 

“I have found my soulmate. I have, and I love her,” he enthused. “And being a dad, it’s a full-time job…but we love it. We just embrace it, and he’s such a joy. Fatherhood and being a husband – that’s absolutely the greatest role.”