Michael Newman Dead at 68: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Baywatch Star
- Michael Newman, the ‘Baywatch’ alum, passed away at the age of 68.
- The actor was both a real lifeguard and firefighter, embodying heroism.
- He dedicated himself to Parkinson's awareness and cherished his family.
Michael Newman, the iconic lifeguard from Baywatch, has sadly passed away at 68. He was a legend, not just on-screen but also in real life. After a brave 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Newman’s journey came to an end due to heart complications.
Friends and fans remember him not just for his role as the beach’s hero but also for his larger-than-life spirit. Let’s dive into five interesting facts about this legendary actor. You might think you know everything about him, but there are some surprising details that make his life story even more remarkable!
1. Real-Life Lifeguard
Did you know Michael Newman was the only actor from Baywatch who actually worked as a lifeguard? According to Deadline, he started his lifeguarding career when he was just 10 years old.
He was a proud Santa Monica Junior Lifeguard, learning the ropes before hitting the big time. Newman took those real-life skills to the screen, making him the ultimate lifeguard role model.
2. Firefighter Too
While filming Baywatch, Newman also worked as a firefighter. Yes, he was balancing two heroic jobs at once! After 25 years in firefighting, he decided to focus solely on acting.
His friends say he was always ready to jump in and help, whether at the beach or at a fire. Newman truly embodied what it means to be a hero.
3. Advocate for Parkinson’s Awareness
Newman also fought for Parkinson’s awareness after being diagnosed in 2006. The star teamed up with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to raise money for research.
He said in an interview with PEOPLE, “The telling of my personal story brings awareness to the importance of finding a Parkinson’s cure.” He took his personal battles and turned them into a cause that could help others.
4. Daily Struggles
Newman took 10 medications each day to manage his condition. That’s a lot, right? He often woke up feeling jittery and rough. He didn’t hide it, though.
Instead, he shared it. Newman wanted people to know how hard it can be to manage an illness. It’s not always sunshine and surfboards, even for our heroes. But he kept pushing forward, using his platform to shine a light on his journey.
5. Family First
At the core of Newman’s life was his family. He is survived by his wife, two kids, and a grandchild who he loved dearly.
Before the actor was diagnosed, he dreamed of retiring in Hawaii with his family, and they even built their dream home near where they filmed Baywatch. His love for his family was as big as his passion for the ocean. That’s the real legacy he leaves behind.
