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Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Baywatch cast from first episode now from tragedy to ditching fame for new carer
The original LA cast of Baywatch were catapulted to global fame in the 90s thanks to the show's enduring popularity - but, as with any ensemble, the actors have experienced varying degrees of success since leaving the shores of Santa Monica Over three decades have elapsed since Baywatch first brought its sun-soaked drama and lifeguard glamour to television screens worldwide. From Santa Monica's shores to Hawaii's beaches, the iconic red swimsuits and slow-motion runs became ingrained in pop culture - as did its stars. But what transpired after they bid adieu to the sandy set? Here's a look at what the original LA cast of Baywatch is up to these days - from daring career changes to poignant goodbyes. David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon Already a household name from shows like The Young and the Restless, and Knight Rider, David Hasselhoff portrayed the leader of the Baywatch team, Mitch Buchannon. As a semi-retired lifeguard, he was responsible for assigning tasks and training newcomers, reports the Mirror US. His stint as a lifeguard spanned from the pilot episode in 1989 until the franchise's conclusion in 2011, but this pop culture icon never truly exited the limelight. After Baywatch, the actor-cum-singer embraced his fame with cameo appearances in films such as The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He's also made guest appearances on Young Sheldon and starred in Our Ladies in 2019. On stage, he graced the Las Vegas theatre in The Producers and played Franklin in the West End musical 9 to 5 from 2019 to 2020. However, David's aspirations extended beyond the realm of acting. His music career, which was often more celebrated in Europe than in the U.S., saw him release 15 studio albums, starting with his debut in 1983. TV viewers will also recall him as an early judge on America's Got Talent and a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2010. David even ventured into reality TV, featuring in The Hasselhoffs alongside his daughters Hayley and Taylor, although the show had a brief run. He has been married thrice, initially to actress Catherine Hickland from 1984 to 1989, followed by Pamela Bach, another actress, from 1989 until 2006. She tragically took her own life in March this year. In 2018, David tied the knot with Hayley Roberts, a Welsh shop assistant he met in a Cardiff hotel lobby. Now in his 70s, David is set to appear next on screen with Flight of the Conchords' Rhys Darby in the TV series Hoff Roading. Pamela Anderson as C. Pamela Anderson's five-year stint as C. solidified her status as a global sex symbol and one of the most prominent stars of the 90s. Post-Baywatch, she has built a multifaceted legacy, juggling activism, writing, and dealing with the repercussions of early internet fame. A staunch PETA supporter and animal rights advocate, Pamela also had a long-standing affiliation with Playboy, gracing more covers than any other model. Her acting portfolio includes roles in Home Improvement, V.I.P., Scary Movie 3, Borat, and most recently, 2024's The Last Showgirl. She found herself embroiled in scandal when intimate home videos featuring her and then-husband, Mötley Crüe vocalist Tommy Lee, were stolen and circulated online - a medium still in its early stages. The ensuing legal battle was dramatised in Hulu's 2022 series 'Pam and Tommy', produced without Pamela's consent. Her rebuttal came in the form of the Netflix documentary 'Pamela, a love story' (2023) and her memoir 'Love, Pamela', which presented her perspective on the events. In 2022, she made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in 'Chicago', and she's no stranger to the dance floor either, having participated in both the U.S. and French renditions of 'Dancing with the Stars'. Her personal life has been extensively covered in the media: she's been married five times, including high-profile marriages to Tommy Lee and Kid Rock. She and Tommy have two sons, Brandon and Dylan, both of whom have ventured into the entertainment industry. Wendie Malick as Gayle Buchannon Despite only appearing in a few episodes, Wendie Malick played a significant role as Gayle, Mitch's former wife. Her character often butted heads with Mitch over his lifeguard lifestyle, advocating for a more traditional route for their son Hobie. Wendie's career post-Baywatch is a testament to her staying power in television. She rose to sitcom stardom as Nina Van Horn in 'Just Shoot Me!', earning two Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. She continued her success with roles in 'Frasier', 'Hot in Cleveland', and voice acting gigs in animated hits like 'BoJack Horseman' and 'The Owl House'. Continuing her career into her 70s, Wendie excels in merging the realms of comedy and drama while passionately advocating for causes close to her heart, often speaking out for animal rights and environmental issues. Parker Stevenson, who played Craig Pomeroy Craig was a cornerstone character in the initial runs of Baywatch. Portraying the lawyer-turned-lifeguard, he managed to weave his legal expertise into seaside heroics, making recurrent reappearances within the series. Beyond the beachside saga, Parker pursued roles in both film and television, gracing screens in productions like Melrose Place and FBI: The Untold Stories, alongside various TV films. In 2023, he offered nostalgia-drenched insights in the documentary series After Baywatch, ruminating on those halcyon days of production. Aside from acting, Parker is renowned for his enthusiasm for photography and architecture — interests he frequently exhibits on the internet. His personal life garnered attention in the 80s when he wed actress Kirstie Alley; together, they adopted two children. Michael Newman as himself Known in San Fernando Valley as Michael Newman, left his mark on Baywatch not only as an actor but also as its sole authentic lifeguard. His stint as a technical advisor evolved into portraying 'Newmie' for 150 episodes. Post-Baywatch era, Michael transitioned from showbiz to property dealings. Opting for a tranquil existence in California with his wife Sarah and their offspring, life took an unexpected turn in 2006 when he received a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Talking to PEOPLE in 2023, Michael recounted the creeping onset of symptoms that brought his plans to a jarring halt, stating: "All those things you thought you were going to do... stopped." Michael's musings became a key part of After Baywatch, detailing the risks encountered by lifeguards and stressing on the need for Parkinson's awareness. He passed away on October 20, 2024, aged 67, succumbing to heart complications. Director Matt Felker shared that his last moments were spent "surrounded by his family and friends." Alexandra Paul as Stephanie Holden In Baywatch, Alexandra Paul brought to life the bold and moral Stephanie Holden, becoming an enduring fan favourite until her character met an untimely end in the seventh season. From there on, she's enjoyed a thriving post-Baywatch career, with over 100 screen roles including 15 Lifetime movies, and more recent forays into independent cinema such as Tethered in 2022 and Baby Steps in 2023. Her advent into producing is noteworthy too, with her work behind the United Nations-acclaimed documentary Jam Packed: The Challenge of Human Overpopulation. Furthermore, Alexandra's commitment to activism undeniable, being an accredited health coach and staunch supporter of animal welfare, environmental conservation, and LGBTQ+ rights. Within the pages of After Baywatch, Alexandra divulged a poignant memory where she feigned a romantic relationship with fellow actor Jaason Simmons, aiming to safeguard him from being outed publicly, stating how important it was to "make sure he was protected". Carmen Electra as Lani McKenzie Carmen Electra made her splash in Baywatch during its eighth season portraying the aspiring dancer Lani McKenzie. Although her tenure on the show was short-lived, the role cemented her status as a sex symbol and paved the way for a movie career that played on self-mockery and humour. Her acting repertoire features roles in Starsky and Hutch, Disaster Movie and Scary Movie, as well as the upcoming 2023's Good Burger 2. Carmen also garnered acclaim as a dancer with The Pussycat Dolls and penned her book, 'How to Be Sexy', published in 2007. Privately, Carmen's marriage to NBA icon Dennis Rodman catapulted the couple into the limelight, not least for their high-profile and tempestuous relationship which once led to accusations of a violent domestic incident, though charges were ultimately dropped. Subsequently, she exchanged vows with rock artist Dave Navarro and had an engagement with musician Rob Patterson, but their romance concluded in 2012. Nicole Eggert as Roberta "Summer" Quinn Infusing the character of Summer Quinn with palpable warmth and vibrant energy, Nicole Eggert left her mark on seasons three and four of Baywatch. Her post-Baywatch career saw appearances across a broad spectrum - from parts in Married... with Children to Gilmore Girls and lending her voice to Robot Chicken. Venturing into reality television, in 2004, Eggert was cast in The Real Gilligan's Island, and she later clinched second place in ABC's diving competition Splash in 2013. In 2014, she turned heads again by launching her own business venture, an ice cream truck named Scoops, actively sharing her new business exploits on social media platforms. In more recent times, Eggert has become vocal about personal struggles, including levelling abuse claims against Scott Baio from her days on Charles in Charge. These serious allegations continue being part of her narrative, conversed in interviews and echoed across her social media presence.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Guide to LA ahead of FIFA World Cup including its very space-age stadium
A century of movie-making means nowhere blends science fiction and reality quite like Los Angeles – as I discovered from the back of a driverless taxi – hours after seeing KITT from Knight Rider in a museum. Seeing the steering wheel spin of its own accord was as nerve-racking as watching a London cab's meter spinning… But as the Waymo (an app like Uber, but no driver) safely navigated the streets, it gave a surreal taste of the future. And like any traveller landing at LAX for the first time I had plenty of preconceptions. But no matter if your movie taste is more Barbie than Blade Runner, LA is full of surprises. Thought the City of Angels was too big or busy for your little angels? Think again. It has entertainment for kids of all ages. Even big kids like me in their mid-40s. Ironically the home of the silver screen is perfect for a screen break, as it offers enough stimulation for even TikTok-addicted teenagers to put phones away. LA hosts the World Cup next year and the Olympics in 2028. For sports-loving families, catching a game while in LA is a great option. LA Clippers-owner Steve Ballmer sank £1.5billion into the Intuit Dome basketball arena - and boy, can you tell. The former Microsoft CEO wanted the world's best arena for his NBA team. Befitting a tech titan's toy, it is completely space-age. For starters, after booking a seat online, you upload a selfie on to the Clippers' app and your face acts as your ticket – you literally just walk in. Want a drink, hot dog or jersey? Pick one up from any bar or shop and stroll away. Facial recognition is also linked to your Google or Apple Pay. Pretty cool. I also caught the Lakers at the downtown Arena. Murals of late Lakers' legend Kobe Bryant can be found all over LA and there are always A-list celebrities courtside. The short trip to Anaheim for the original Disneyland will be on most family agendas. Mickey, Minnie and co have entertained generations there since 1955 and the park marks its 70th in July. In truth, every day at Disneyland is a celebration, particularly for younger visitors. The clear ride highlight was the incredible Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Space Mountain also continues to wow and the Guardians of the Galaxy ride was exhilarating. Top tip, download the Disneyland app before arriving for live updates on queues, navigation and details of when popular parades take place. Viewing the fireworks displays from Main Street is a must. Of all the insider movie trivia gained during (ace) tours of Universal Studios and Warner Bros, the most jaw-dropping was that the latter employs gardeners to pick individual leaves from trees so Mafia sets convincingly replicate New York (the Big Apple has an autumn, LA doesn't). Warner Bros is a working studio and the 90-minute tour is unmissable. TV fans can sit on famous sofas from Friends and The Big Bang Theory, and seeing the tricks performed to create your favourite shows is eye-opening. As well as an equally informative tour – including sets from Psycho, Jaws and King Kong – Universal Studios is a full-blown theme park too. The coolest ride is the immersive MarioKart: Bowser's Challenge in Super Nintendo World. Imagine playing MarioKart with friends, while wearing 3D goggles and simultaneously spinning around in a dodgem car and you're not far off. Theme-park tickets, food and merchandise mount up, so it is a relief some top attractions are free. California's golden sands are legendary, and Venice and Santa Monica beaches are easy excursions. The 2.5 mile walk between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach Skatepark is a gem. And where else could you join posers pumping iron on Muscle Beach, watch skaters flip epic tricks, and barter for souvenirs with the merchants of Venice boardwalk? Another fab free excursion is to Griffith Park – named after a Welsh mining magnate who donated it to LA, though on the negative side of the ledger he later shot his wife. That nugget was a line from our guide from Bikes and Hikes LA, who as an actor played a doctor on ER. Before you ask, no, it wasn't a down-on-his-luck George Clooney… While Griffith Park is totally free, the guide (Michael) elevated the experience. The massive park on Mount Hollywood has brilliant views, hiking trails and is a great vantage point for photos of the Hollywood sign. Griffith Observatory is another free and fun way of learning about the stars. Checking how much you'd weigh on different planets is interactive amusement, at least until you get to Jupiter and the needle rockets. As well as celestial stars it regularly hosts cinematic ones, appearing in scores of movies, including La La Land. The Petersen Museum on Wilshire Boulevard is impossibly striking and home to not only Michael Knight's KITT and Herbie, the Batmobile and Lightning McQueen, but 250 other significant vehicles. LA is also well served by art museums for those after culture. The Broad in downtown boasts a stunning collection of contemporary works by Warhol, Basquiat and Koons and is also free. The magic cast by tacos in LA is intoxicating and I was enchanted. Angelenos insist LA dining doesn't get more authentic than at its 4,000 roadside taco trucks. I can honestly say I didn't have one mediocre taco – they were uniformly excellent and a bargain option for family dining. To push the taco boat out a little, head to Holbox inside the Mercado la Paloma in south LA. There aren't many Michelin-starred restaurants where you just turn up and join the queue. The 20-minute wait was rewarded by a counter seat where I could watch chefs expertly assemble spankingly fresh seafood tacos. Octopuses, scallops and Baja California Kanpachi with a bewildering array of salsas were among the delights I dived into. A final bill – including tip and tax – of $44 was an absolute steal. LA is a seriously exciting food city, though prices can seem high. For those staying downtown, Asterid by Ray Garcia is a swanky option where the short rib lives long in the memory. In the Arts District, De La Nonna is great value and a cut above most Italians, with its salads and vegetable-led dishes enticing, not to mention a killer cocktail list. On Venice's Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Gjelina is a celeb magnet. By LA standards it's affordable and the Mediterranean-inspired food really lets the Californian produce sing. LA has more than 1,000 hotels to suit all budgets, but I definitely backed a winner at the W Hollywood. Having recently undergone a £38million refurb, it is a glam choice, right on Hollywood Boulevard (Katharine Hepburn and Doris Day have Walk of Fame stars outside). The stylish rooms are huge, with great design touches. A rooftop pool offers breathtaking views and was a stunning spot for a dawn dip to defeat jet lag. Downstairs the Living Room is the sort of grand lobby bar American hotels do so well – great for first-rate drinks and people-watching. Breakfast, while pricey, was spectacular and sets you up until dinnertime. I also stayed at the Omni, located at California Plaza, near the Grand Central Market and downtown attractions. My comfortable room was massive and overlooked Angels Flight, the funicular railway – a staple movie backdrop. The service at the Omni stood out and the breakfast avocado toast at its Noé restaurant put UK versions to shame and was almost too pretty to eat. Almost. LA is famously vast and everything you have heard about its rush-hour traffic is true. Unlike London, where tourists rarely leave Zone 1, LA's attractions are spread out. Pre-planning which attractions can be visited on the same day is key. Most visitors – particularly those enjoying a wider Californian trip – will hire a car. For part of my stay I did without and found a combination of public transport and ride-hailing apps worked well. (LA's public transport doesn't have a great reputation locally, but I personally found it OK). The $11billion rail line from LAX to downtown is due to open for the World Cup and Metro extensions to Beverly Hills are being built. The bus network is more comprehensive than Metro, but unlike Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in Speed, you definitely won't stay above 50mph for long… Movie directors know a great ending sets up the sequel by leaving the audience wanting more. It is just the same with holidays and on that score LA absolutely delivered. There is so much to see and do that you can only really scratch the surface in one trip. And in the immortal words of former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger – 'I'll be back'.
Top Gear
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Remembering classic games: RoadBlasters (1987)
Remembering classic games: RoadBlasters (1987) Inaccurate title aside, there was very little wrong with this Eighties classic Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. Released by Atari in 1987, RoadBlasters was a sci-fi racer that recognised the arcade video game staple of shooting absolutely everything in sight could be handily applied to driving games as well. In addition to the traditional driving controls, you had a pair of triggers to fire lasers and thumb buttons to launch your special weapons. Rather than a steering wheel, the arcade cabinet, both in its upright and sleek sit-down incarnations, featured a yoke that was instantly evocative of Knight Rider's KITT. And if you played it at the time it was released you probably had the bouffant 1980s Hasselhoff haircut to match. Advertisement - Page continues below The most immediately striking thing about RoadBlasters was the impressive animation of the cherry red player car that sat front and centre in the screen. The sprite had a slightly exaggerated perspective, but the rotation as you turned the vehicle was buttery smooth and totally convincing. You needed that responsiveness as well, because you had to accurately point the nose of the vehicle directly at the tangerine coloured enemy cars and roadside turrets in order to score a successful hit. Miscalculate even slightly and the car would detonate in a lavish explosion. The sci-fi theming lent the game a unique atmosphere, with futuristic bubble cities visible on the horizon and a dropship that swooped down to deposit special weapons onto the roof of your car, even at speeds in excess of 200mph. If that sort of delivery is the next evolution of the fast food drive through, we're here for it. There's little to criticise about RoadBlasters, but we do feel duty bound to point out the fundamental inaccuracy of the title: you're not blasting the road itself, you're blasting things on the road. Still, we'll forgive it, you didn't fight any streets in Street Fighter 2 either. Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
The Sun
13-05-2025
- The Sun
Swift, sleek, smart
DO brick-and-mortar offices cramp your style? Do you do most of your business and meetings over the web? Are you among the envied few who have hybrid or full work-from-home privileges? Then, the Acer Swift 16 AI was probably made for you – savvy, digital age professionals who are often on the move and prefer firepower in a svelte package. And svelte it is, measuring at 9.92mm thick and weighing a mere 1.46kg. You will not have any issues lugging this (essentially) thin crust pizza across the city or international borders. What is more impressive is what you get for all that weight. If you are used to IPS monitors at the office, the first thing likely to blow you away is the laptop's absolutely gorgeous 16-inch WQXGA+ Oled display. Watching movies – or pretty much any kind of content – during your downtime is a mesmerising experience, thanks to its deep, inky blacks and exceptional contrast. An indicator on the touchpad lights up whenever AI features are active. When it is time to work, the wide colour gamut and near-impeccable colour accuracy make photo editing and digital art creation an absolute joy. And with an Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor, the laptop can deliver over 120 TOPS of computational performance, easily handling general productivity tasks and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered workloads. But what really impressed us is the thoughtful suite of quality-of-life features that Acer armed this thing with. Online meetings have exploded in popularity since the pandemic, but are still frequently plagued by low-quality video and sound. And given that first impressions matter – like it or not – your career may be riding on how you appear and sound on screen. That is where Acer's PurifiedView 2.0 and PurifiedVoice 2.0 come in. Powered by AI sorcery, the former helps visually with automatic framing, gaze correction and advanced background blur, while the latter squelches unwanted background noise to ensure your voice comes in clear and crisp. The laptop measures 9.92mm in thickness and weighs only 1.46kg. Speaking of AI, the laptop has a nifty Activity Indicator LED light on the touchpad's top-right corner that lights up whenever its AI features are active. Perhaps drawing inspiration from Hollywood sci-fi – think KITT's red lights from Knight Rider – you will always know when the device is firing up its smart capabilities. But if you know when it is 'thinking', it knows when you are around. Powered by the webcam sensor, Acer User Sensing 2.0 locks the laptop when you walk away and wakes it when you return – obviously useful against prying eyes and especially when you travel. You can also switch screens by glancing from your laptop's monitor to another. These conveniences may seem small at first, but will be pleasantly welcomed by nomadic professionals and freelancers who are just as likely to frequent cafes as they are beaches. Combined with its processing muscle and stunning display, the Acer Swift 16 AI makes a compelling package at RM5,699. If you move around a lot and/or have ever laboured (painfully) on a heavy company-given laptop, you might want to consider this investment.
North Wales Live
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Baywatch legend who saved show from cancellation dies at home aged 73
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. 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." 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.
