Remembering ‘Baywatch’ Hero Michael Newman: A Life of Lifesaving and Parkinson’s Resilience

The entertainment industry and Baywatch fans worldwide are mourning the loss of beloved actor and lifeguard Michael Newman, who passed away at the age of 68 on October 20th. Newman, who played the role of lifeguard “Newmie” on the iconic TV series from 1989 to 2000, died from heart complications after an 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

“Michael ‘Newmie’ Newman was an inspiration to all,” said fellow Baywatch star Nicole Eggert in a heartfelt tribute. “From his knowledge, skill, and willingness to share to his long fight with Parkinson’s disease, he was a beacon of strength.”

Unlike many of his co-stars, Newman was a real-life lifeguard, having worked for the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Service for 20 years, starting at the young age of 10 as a Santa Monica Junior Lifeguard. This experience made him a natural fit for the role of Newmie on the series, which followed the lives of lifeguards patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles and Hawaii.

In a 2022 interview, Newman reflected on his time on Baywatch, saying, “I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends. I’m taking life seriously. It’s not a run-through.”

At the age of 50, Newman’s life took an unexpected turn in 2006 when he received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Despite the challenges posed by the degenerative neurological disorder, he remained dedicated to his family, friends, and the causes he held dear.

“This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom,” Newman said. Parkinson’s has become the center of my life, despite my body changing so slowly that I hardly notice it.

Newman’s friend and fellow Baywatch documentary director Matthew Felker shared a touching tribute on Instagram, recounting their final moments together. “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,'” Felker wrote.

In addition to his acting career, Newman was also a full-time firefighter, continuing to serve in that role even after Baywatch had ended. His dedication to public service and his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity made him a true hero both on and off the screen.

As the entertainment world mourns the loss of this remarkable man, Eggert’s words capture the essence of Michael Newman’s legacy: “The beaches will never be the same, and my heart goes out to his family at this time of tremendous loss. May he rest easy and forever continue to catch waves.”