Baywatch star Michael Newman has tragically died at the age of 68.
Newman rose to fame in the ’90s after playing a lifeguard on the long-running series, starring alongside Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Newman’s close friend, Matt Felker, who revealed the late actor died “from heart complications” on Sunday, October 20, according to PEOPLE.
The 45-year-old, who directed the recent Hulu docuseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, shared that Newman was “surrounded by his family and friends”.
“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 revealed to the outlet.
Newman endured an 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was first diagnosed at the age of 50 in 2006 and devoted his later years to fundraising for the Michael J Fox Foundation.
In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE this August, the late actor opened up about his desire to raise awareness about the condition through his own experiences.
“This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom,” he said. “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.”
Newman revealed he took 10 medications a day and would often wake up “jittery,” adding: “I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends. I’m taking life seriously.”
He said that his life mantra is, “It’s not a run-through,” and concluded: “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.”
Newman was the only member of the Baywatch cast who was actually a lifeguard. He was also a firefighter who balanced his on-screen career with his full-time career.
Once the show concluded in 2001, he returned to firefighting before hanging up his helmet 25 years later.
The late star is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sarah, their children Chris and Emily, and their one-year-old granddaughter, Charlie.
Our thoughts are with Newman’s family and friends at this time.
Farewell to a Country Legend
Throughout his illustrious career, Alan Jackson has released several important albums that have solidified his status as a country music legend. Albums such as “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” (1991), “A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)” (1992), and “Who I Am” (1994) have all produced multiple chart-topping singles.
With a voice that resonates with authenticity and lyrics that capture the essence of life, Jackson has been recognized with numerous awards, including Grammys, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards.
His remarkable talent has also earned him a well-deserved place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Despite his immense success, Jackson has been facing a personal challenge. Approximately three years ago, he revealed that he has been living with a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for the last decade.
This condition primarily affects the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs, leading to muscle weakness and decreased sensation. Symptoms often begin in the feet and legs, impacting mobility and causing difficulties with walking.
Despite these challenges, Jackson has remained resilient and determined to give his fans the performances they deserve.
To kick off this memorable tour, Alan Jackson will be taking the stage in Boston before heading to other cities like Kansas City, Fort Worth, and Orlando.
Tickets for these highly anticipated shows will go on sale on Friday, June 7th. This is a unique opportunity to witness a country music legend bid farewell to the stage, and fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
Country music legend Alan Jackson has made a surprising announcement: he will be embarking on what may be his final live tour. The Last Call: One More For the Road tour, which began in 2022, will continue through 2025, giving fans one last chance to see this iconic performer live on stage. With sold-out shows and packed crowds all across the country, this tour is not one to miss.
In an emotional Instagram post, Jackson expressed his excitement for the tour, saying, “Some of the best times are had right at last call, and this is one last call that you don’t want to miss!”
Known for his classic hits like “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Jackson promises to deliver the songs that have defined his career and touched the hearts of millions of fans.
Don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic of Alan Jackson live in concert. Join him as he takes a final bow and celebrates a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the world of country music. Get ready for a night of music, memories, and an unforgettable farewell from a true country legend.
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