Baywatch legend who saved show from cancellation dies at home aged 73
Baywatch legend who saved show from cancellation dies at home aged 73
Paul Nichols, who is credited with saving Baywatch from the axe, has died at the age of 73, just 12 days after the death of his wife of 31 years, Linda
The 1997 The cast of the hit television series "Baywatch"
(Image: Getty Images )
Paul Nichols, the Baywatch legend who played a pivotal role in rescuing the show from cancellation, has passed away. The star died at his home in Weatherford, Texas, with his death occurring on March 14, although it was only recently announced by his family.
His wife of 31 years, Linda, had died just 12 days before him. Currently, no cause of death has been revealed. Back in 1991, while working for The Lippen Group, Nichols was instrumental in the resurgence of 'Baywatch' by helping All American Television in moving the show to first-run syndication.
This move rejuvenated the series after NBC had dropped it following its debut season.
Paul Nichols, the veteran publicist has died at his home in Weatherford
His strategic move ensured the survival and subsequent success of the series, which went on to run until 2001, starring David Hasselhoff and becoming an international sensation. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Les Eisner, a fellow publicist, praised Nichols' impact in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, noting that he "was largely responsible for branding [Baywatch] as the world's most-watched TV series. Whether that was true or not, who knows? But it stuck."
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Although the significance of Nichols' contribution to 'Baywatch' might not have been immediately apparent in 1991, by 1996, the show was reportedly attracting a staggering 1.1 billion viewers weekly, according to the Express, reports the Irish Mirror.
'Baywatch' continues to hold the esteemed Guinness World Record for being the most-watched TV show worldwide.
Broadcast in 142 countries and translated into 44 languages, the series' success led to the creation of a spin-off, 'Baywatch Nights', and a feature film in 2017.
The show didn't just pull in viewers; it catapulted its cast to international stardom.
David Hasselhoff, already known for 'Knight Rider', became a global icon through 'Baywatch', which also introduced talents like Pamela Anderson and Donna D'Errico to a broader audience.
Born on March 22, 1948, in Delaware, Paul graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from Penn State University in 1970.
He began his career as a DJ before landing a role on the renowned talk show The Mike Douglas Show in Philadelphia.
In 1980, he moved to California to work for John Davidson, Douglas' successor.
His impressive career also included stints at Group W, All American Television and Sony Pictures Television.
Paul's wife Linda, who sadly passed away on March 2 aged 77, held a senior role at the TV marketing association Promax.
After retiring, the couple relocated to Texas to be closer to her family.
Paul is survived by his brother Robert, sister-in-law Denise, nephews Steve and James, and niece Caitlin.
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