Michael “Newmie” Newman, the real-life lifeguard and beloved cast member of Baywatch, has passed away at the age of 67. He died on October 20 due to heart complications at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends. The news was confirmed by his close friend, Matt Felker, director of the Hulu docuseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.
Newman had heroically battled Parkinson’s illness for nearly two decades after being diagnosed with it in 2006. His fight raised awareness about Parkinson’s disease, and he collaborated with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help discover a cure. Newman frequently spoke openly about how the terminal illness had altered his life, giving him “a lot of thinking time, which brought wisdom.”
Newman was not just any actor; he was a real Los Angeles County lifeguard, making him the only cast member on Baywatch with actual lifeguarding experience. He began his lifeguarding career at just 10 years old as a Junior Lifeguard in Santa Monica and continued for over 20 years. His authenticity added a layer of realism to the action-drama series, which followed a team of lifeguards patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles and Hawaii.
His tenure as Mike “Newmie” Newman lasted ten seasons, from 1989 to 2000, making him one of the show’s longest-serving characters, second only to David Hasselhoff. Newman featured in 150 episodes and executed many of the show’s daring water stunts. He provided insights into lifeguarding situations, giving the series a sense of reality that grabbed audiences worldwide.
Baywatch: A Global Phenomenon
Although Baywatch underperformed during its debut season on NBC, it found popularity in syndication, airing in 140 countries and reaching an incredible 1.1 billion people worldwide. Newman’s portrayal of “Newmie” contributed significantly to the series’ iconic fame. David Hasselhoff was joined by a diverse cast that included Pamela Anderson, Yasmine Bleeth, Nicole Eggert, Jeremy Jackson, and Gregory Alan Williams. It became well-known for its thrilling rescues and action sequences, as well as its emphasis on the lifeguards’ personal conflicts and relationships.
Newman also appeared in spinoffs such as Baywatch Nights and the film Baywatch: White Thunder at Glacier Bay. Despite his celebrity, he continued to work as a full-time firefighter, balancing his television career with his dedication to public service.
A Life of Resilience
Newman was born on April 26, 1957, in San Francisco and reared in Los Angeles. He comes from a family of swimmers. His father was a member of the British national water polo team, while his mother taught swimming. He graduated from Palisades Charter High School and swam at Santa Monica City College and UC Santa Barbara. His dedication to water and lifesaving was clear throughout his life.
Parkinson’s has a huge impact on his plans. After being diagnosed at 50, he faced the fact that “all the things you thought you were going to do with your children and grandchildren… stopped.” Despite this, he stayed active, attempting to slow the progression of the condition through a rigorous exercise regimen.
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Honoring His Legacy
Newman is survived by his 37-year-old wife, Sarah, two children, Chris and Emily, and a granddaughter, Charlie June. In recent years, he has worked relentlessly to generate money for Parkinson’s research. Speaking about his experiences in the documentary After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share his story.
Donations in Newman’s memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, supporting the ongoing search for a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Newman’s legacy will endure not just through his TV role but also in the lives he touched as a lifeguard and a firefighter. His contributions to Baywatch, lifeguarding, and the fight against Parkinson’s will be remembered by fans and loved ones alike.
