How 'Baywatch' Star Michael Newman Looked after the Series – His Transformation in Photos

Michael Newman held a standout position on "Baywatch," due to his remarkable athletic abilities. Over 20 years later, despite enduring a lengthy battle with a neurodegenerative disease, he managed to maintain his fitness. Photos show how he transformed over the years.

Michael Newman, who recently died, became widely known for his role as Mike "Newmie" Newman in the hit drama series "Baywatch," which aired from 1989 to 2001. Unlike many of his co-stars, Newman's real-life lifeguarding experience made him especially "too useful" on set, lending authenticity to his role.

After the show ended, his life took a significant turn due to a serious health challenge, and over time, his appearance changed as well.

"Baywatch" followed a team of lifeguards led by Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff). They saved lives, navigated personal dramas, fought crime, and embarked on daily adventures along a Los Angeles beach.

Newman's role on the show was more than just a portrayal; it reflected his expertise. He was the only cast member who had served as a professional lifeguard, making him indispensable on set.

His expertise in stunts was valuable in front of the camera and even gained him a few extra lines because he sometimes advised the writers, making their script more authentic.

"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," the TV star once revealed.

In addition to his lifeguarding experience, the actor was also a firefighter, further demonstrating his exceptional physical capabilities. Newman's commitment extended beyond the television screen as he balanced his filming schedule with his duties at the firehouse.

He never gave up his firefighting career for the entertainment industry and still worked his shifts while filming the series. After over two decades as a firefighter, Newman retired.

Moreover, after "Baywatch," Newman stayed committed to his physical fitness, incorporating underwater training into his routine to maintain his strong physique.

Notably, his commitment to fitness extended beyond the series and he remained just as active in his everyday life. He never stopped venturing into the water. He stayed active through swimming, kayaking, or running on the beach daily.

Newman's active lifestyle became even more critical after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 50 in 2006. Reflecting on the diagnosis, he shared how profoundly it impacted him.

"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," said the veteran star in an interview.

More than a decade after his diagnosis, Newman recognized that many with the disease don't live as comfortably for as long as he had. "It's a slow burn," he remarked, adding, "Parkinson's disease doesn't wait for you. It keeps on plowing in."

He described the ominous nature of the disease, noting how its symptoms "march forward so slowly that you barely notice that they're changing." Yet despite the challenges, the Hollywood star who felt lucky credited his dedicated exercise routine — at least 45 minutes of intense cardio daily — as his primary treatment.

After spending much of the past decade away from the public eye, Newman shared his story through a four-part series that revisited the cultural significance of "Baywatch." Directed by Matt Felker, "Baywatch: The American Dream" takes a closer look at the series and the personal journeys of its cast members.

Newman's involvement in the documentary was tied to an important cause — raising funds for Parkinson's research in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Cedars-Sinai. He disclosed, "This may not help me, it's going to help someone down the road."

Reflecting on his life, Newman admitted there were "a lot of things" he might have chosen to do "differently." However, he remained deeply thankful for his wife, two children, years spent on "Baywatch," the good people he had met in life, and more.

The Los Angeles native also acknowledged the difficult reality of living with Parkinson's. "This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn't want, but it's brought me wisdom," he shared. Though the changes in his body had been gradual, he noted that Parkinson's had slowly taken center stage in his life.

Despite the challenges, Newman deeply appreciated his time with loved ones in an August 2024 interview. He stated, "I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends. I'm taking life seriously."

Sadly, months later, the TV star passed away on October 20, 2024, at 67. His close friend, Felker, shared that the beloved actor died "from heart complications" and was "surrounded by his family and friends."

Following the heartbreaking news of his passing, many fans took to social media to mourn Newman's death. One person wrote, "Crazy he died young. Pretty sure he was the only real life lifeguard on Baywatch." Another commented, "Sad…he was a good guy..real lifeguard..Rest In Peace [sic]." A third noted, "I didn't know this man but he just looks like a beauty."

Michael Newman will be remembered not only for his authentic portrayal on "Baywatch" but for the resilience and grace he showed in the face of life’s greatest challenges. His legacy of strength, dedication, and kindness will continue to inspire fans and loved ones alike.