An actor reaching idol status is nothing new. What's the point of fame if you can't break a few hearts on the road to success?

Alan Autry was certainly a heartthrob of the 1980s, even if he had no idea he was holding such a title. Autry became known as tough cop Bubba Skinner of In the Heat of the Night. While Skinner was well-loved as an officer, he was also well-loved by the women of Sparta, if you know what we mean. The same was true for Autry, though he wasn't entirely willing to admit it.

"Well, I don't rightly know about that," said Autry of his hunky hero status during an interview with The Spokesman-Review. "That's what they tell me and I do get letters from women who say they like my work, and well, I guess they kind of like me too. I really don't see why, but, I guess I'll just have to accept it."

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Not just loved for his good looks, Autry was also hailed by viewers for his expert portrayal of Bubba. Autry said that a major motivation in his acting was the appreciation he held for the law profession.

"I respect the work they have to do," said Autry. "I think that comes through in how I approach Skinner."

Autry's portrayal also earned him the approval of police officers around the country.

"As an actor, my job is to make Bubba Skinner seem as real to you as possible. And when you find actual police officers from all over the country accepting what I do with the character, then I know I'm doing my job right."