David Hasselhoff took to Instagram following the death of his friend and co-star Michael Newman, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The 72-year-old shared a throwback photo of him and Newman during their Baywatch days and accompanied it with a heartfelt tribute.
Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006, but that did not stop him from keeping at his firefighting career, which he continued long after Baywatch. David recalled how often Newman saved his life, applying his skills to transfer from the scarab to jet skis flawlessly.
Fans join David Hasselhoff to pay tribute to late Michael Newman
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In David’s eyes, Newman was a multi-talented person as he saw him act, direct, play lifeguard in real life, and swim impressively during their years on set. “Newman was a warrior…he literally saved my life at least 4 times… I remember directing him in a few episodes and he was really good. He became a great actor. We will all miss him,” he wrote.
Fans took to the comments to comfort David and pen their tributes to the late TV personality. “He will never be forgotten. As long as Baywatch continues on Roku or any streaming platform, Michael Newman will always be there to rescue us!” someone exclaimed, while another acknowledged his help with lifesaving tips and demonstrations.
Michael Newman might have seen his passing coming
Director Matthew Felker, who is behind the recently released After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun docuseries, confirmed Newman’s passing on social media, noting that they had just seen each other a few days before. As if he knew what was coming, Newman told Felker that his visit was just in time, and they had a good laugh before parting ways.
Although he did not prioritize acting after Baywatch, he reprised his role in spinoffs like Baywatch Hawaii, Baywatch: White Thunder At Glacier Bay, and Baywatch Nights. The late actor spent most of his later years reaching out to those suffering from Parkinson’s like him via the Michael J. Fox Foundation.