Michael Newman, the rock-ribbed heartthrob of hit 80s series “Baywatch,” has died at 68, the New York Post reports.
Newman, cast as lifeguard Mike “Newmie” Newman for most of the show’s 11 seasons, died from complications following an 18-year struggle with Parkinson’s, according to close friend Matt Felker who also directed the recent Hulu docuseries “Baywatch.” Felker confirmed Newman died “from heart complications” on Sunday evening “surrounded by his family and friends.” He added to People Magazine, “I got to see Mike the last time he was conscious and he looked [at] me and in typical Mike fashion said, ‘You’re just in time.’”
In a bit of TV trivia, Newman became known among the show’s cast as the only actor formally trained as a lifeguard. he appeared on 150 episodes of the show, second only to the lead character Mitchell “Mitch” Buchannon played by actor David Hasselhoff. In addition to his role on “Baywatch,” Newman worked full-time as a firefighter, a profession he returned to after the show ended in 2001. He retired after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006.
The Los Angeles native was grateful to ride the fame from his time on the show, and his public fight with the disease was a focus of the documentary “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun” which chronicled the post-show lives of its leading actors. In an earlier interview with People Magazine, Newman expressed his gratitude to his friend Felker for releasing his docuseries which began streaming in August. “Matt Felker, in the making of this documentary, has given me and other Baywatch cast members a chance to tell our stories as they truly reflect our real lives,” he said. “This opportunity means a lot to me.”
Born in August 1956, Newman began lifeguarding at just 10 years old when he entered the profession as a Santa Monica Junior lifeguard, according to IMDB. He never left his home county, staying and working in Hollywood for over 20 years. In addition to his time on “Baywatch,” he returned to his old role for three episodes of the 1995 spinoff “Baywatch Nights.” Newman also starred in “Welcome to Hollywood” and “Enemy Action.” He spent his later years retired and enjoying family time with his wife of 36 years Sarah Newman, their two children Chris and Emily, and their one-year-old grandchild Charlie.
Shortly before his death, Newman told People that his 18-year struggle gave him more than enough time to reflect on a life well-lived. “This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom,” he admitted. “My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the center of my life. I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends,” he went on. “I’m taking life seriously.”
Newman’s words to live by? “It’s not a run-through,” he said.
