Michael Newman held a standout position on “Baywatch,” owing to his remarkable athletic abilities. Over twenty years later, despite enduring a lengthy battle with a terminal illness, 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.
Donna D’Errico, Michael Newman, and Traci Bingham attend a “Baywatch” press event on July 17, 1996, in Malibu Beach in Malibu, California. | Source: Getty Images
After the show ended, his life took a significant turn due to a serious health challenge, and over time, his appearance changed as well.
Michael Newman on the set of “Baywatch,” 1996 | Source: Getty Images
“Baywatch” followed a team of lifeguards led by Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff) as they saved lives, navigated personal dramas, fought crime, and embarked on daily adventures along a Los Angeles beach.
The cast on the set of “Baywatch,” 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Newman’s role on the show was more than just a portrayal; it reflected his real-life expertise. He was the only cast member who had actually served as a professional lifeguard, a fact that made him indispensable on set.
Michael Newman on the set of “Baywatch,” 1997 | Source: Getty Images
His unmatched skills allowed him to perform stunts in the water that no one else could replicate, while his knowledge proved so valuable that he even advised the writers on how to make rescue scenes more authentic—in return for a few extra lines. His dedication eventually paid off.
Michael Newman and a child actor on the set of “Baywatch” | Source: YouTube/Baywatch
“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.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, Michael Newman, and Rep. Brian Bilbray pictured on July 25, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Even while starring in “Baywatch,” he continued working as a firefighter. After the series concluded, he remained dedicated to firefighting, serving for a total of 25 years before retiring.
Michael Newman during Celebrity Sports Invitational Ski Event on January 11, 2003, in Lake Tahoe, California. | Source: Getty Images
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, continuing to stay active through swimming, kayaking, or running on the beach each day.
Newman’s active lifestyle became even more critical after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 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 later, 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.”
Describing the illness as “sinister,” he noted how its symptoms “march forward so slowly that you barely notice that they’re changing.” Yet despite the challenges, the Hollywood star credited his dedicated exercise routine—at least 45 minutes of intense cardio daily—as his primary treatment. In that sense, he considered himself “lucky.”
Mike Newman at the Pedal On The Pier charity event on June 5, 2011, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
After spending much of the past decade away from the public eye, Newman chose to share his story through a four-part series that revisits 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.
Mike Newman pictured at the Pedal On The Pier charity event on June 5, 2011, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity’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. Though he acknowledged, “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, his two children, his experiences competing in lifeguarding events worldwide, the good people he encountered along the way, and the unforgettable years he spent on “Baywatch.”
Michael Newman at the premiere of the docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As the Los Angeles native reflected on his journey, he 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.
Michael Newman and Parker Stevenson attend the premiere of the docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the challenges, Newman expressed deep appreciation for the time he had with his 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.”
Michael Newman attends the premiere of the docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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’s impact reaches well beyond his time on “Baywatch” and his extraordinary athletic talents. His strength, kindness, and dedication to both his family and his profession will continue to inspire those who knew him and admired his journey.