Michael Newman, the real-life lifeguard and firefighter known for his role on the iconic series Baywatch, has passed away at the age of 67 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Matthew Felker, a friend of Newman and the director of the documentary series After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, confirmed the news. Newman died on Sunday at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
His passing was attributed to complications from Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2006. Felker paid tribute to Newman on social media, stating, “He found humor all the way until the end. Before I left him, we read letters and played videos from friends from all walks of life. He knew he was loved.”
Born on April 26, 1957, in San Francisco and raised in Los Angeles, Newman served as a Los Angeles County lifeguard for two decades, starting at the age of 10. Little did he know that he would rise to fame as one of the world’s most recognized lifeguards.
Newman joined Baywatch after being approached by co-creator and former lifeguard Greg Bonnan. He debuted in the 1989 TV movie pilot and remained with the show throughout its lengthy run. His character was loosely based on his life, sharing the same name. Notably, he was the only cast member who was an actual lifeguard, lending his expertise to the production by performing stunts and offering suggestions to the writers.
Although Newman was not featured in the opening credits for the initial seasons, his popularity as “Newmie” eventually led to his promotion to the main cast. “I was too useful for them to get rid of me,” he shared with People earlier this year. “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.”
He appeared in 150 episodes of Baywatch, the highest number for any cast member aside from David Hasselhoff. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and being canceled by NBC after just one season, Baywatch grew into a global phenomenon during its syndication, transforming its cast into international stars.
Throughout his time on Baywatch, Newman continued working as a Los Angeles firefighter and returned to the fire department full-time after the show concluded in 2001. At 50, he received his Parkinson’s diagnosis, reflecting, “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.”
Despite his condition, Newman remained active and continued swimming. After keeping his diagnosis private for several years, he went public and began fundraising for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Newman was beloved by Baywatch fans and cherished his time on the show. “Where would I be without it?” he remarked to People. “Well, it would’ve been kind of a boring life, I guess.”
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, their children, Chris and Emily, and their one-year-old granddaughter, Charlie, according to TMZ. Donations in his memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Rest in peace, Michael Newman, an iconic and cherished figure from Baywatch. Please share this tribute in his memory.