David Hasseloff Remembers Late Baywatch Costar Michael Newman
In a heartfelt tribute, David Hasselhoff remembered his late Baywatch costar, Michael Newman, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 68 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Hasselhoff shared a photo of him and Newman on the show’s set, saying, “Newman was a warrior… he literally saved my life at least 4 times. He did the transfer from the scarab to jet skis several times perfectly. What an amazing man. He was never afraid of the water.”
Jeremy Jackson, who played Hobie Buchanan on the show, commented, “RIP to the one and only @newmiefish.”
Newman appeared on Baywatch for 10 seasons, from 1989 to 2000, and his character, Newmie, was based loosely on himself. He was the only real lifeguard in the cast and was not initially a featured actor, but after he began performing stunts and offering guidance to the writers on rescue scenes, he became invaluable.
Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006, and in 2023, he told People magazine, “I was too useful for them to get rid of me. I basically started off as a stuntman, and after seven years of being out of the opening credits, I finally was anointed and allowed to be in the front of the show.”
Newman’s death follows a long battle with the disease, which he described as a “slow burn.” He told People, “Everything changes. All those things that you thought you were going to do with your children and grandchildren, pictures we were going to take, all the plans I had… stopped.”
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, their two children, and their granddaughter, Charlie.
The news of Newman’s passing comes as Baywatch celebrates its 33rd anniversary since its 1989 premiere. The show’s enduring popularity is a testament to its talented cast, including Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and Yasmine Bleeth, among others.
The red bathing suits, tan bodies, and slow-motion running make Baywatch impossible to forget, even decades after its original airing. The drama, which followed lifeguards on a California (and later, Hawaiian) beach as they saved innocent people from drowning, sharks, and the occasional serial killer, will always be remembered for its iconic characters, including Newman’s lovable and dedicated lifeguard, Newmie.
