Michael Newman, 1956-2024: the real lifeguard of Baywatch dies of Parkinson's

Flags are at half-mast on the beaches of Malibu, as one of the most famous and beloved 'Baywatch' actors, Michael Newman, has died at the age of 68.

The actor died on October 20 "from cardiac complications" resulting from Parkinson's disease, which he had been diagnosed with in 2006, as confirmed by producer Matt Felker to 'People'.

Michael Newman appeared in 150 episodes (1989-2000) of the famous 90s series, being the actor with the longest career in 'Baywatch'. The funny thing was... he was not a professional actor!

Newmie, as his character was called, was in reality a lifeguard and firefighter. His appearances in film and TV after 'Baywatch', the series, were always connected to it. He never played other roles. In addition, he kept working as a lifeguard and firefighter while acting.

Obviously, remaining on 'Baywatch' for 11 seasons brought him together with legends of the Malibu beaches such as Pamela Anderson (pictured, right), Nicole Eggert (pictured, left), Alexandra Paul, David Charvet, and Erika Eleniak, among others.

After completing the project, Michael Newman returned to his job as a firefighter. However, he had to quit his job after being diagnosed with Parkinson's at 50.

From that moment on, the actor and firefighter decided to use the platform that gave him fame to raise awareness of the disease and participate in all kinds of events to raise funds for Parkinson's research.

Michael Newman was always closely linked to the Michael J. Fox Foundation with which he actively collaborated. He even participated in a documentary about the disease produced by Matt Felker.

He said in the promotion for 'After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun' that this terminal illness allowed him to think a lot about life. He didn't really want to, but it gave him unexpected wisdom. He also said that his body changed so slowly that he didn't even notice it, but there was a constant reminder that Parkinson's was the center of his life.

And so, one of those rare characters and people passes away who the world conceived as a good guy without ever knowing him extensively. And so he was.

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