Just twelve days after his wife’s death, Paul Nichols, known for saving Baywatch from getting canceled, has passed away. His family only recently shared the news of his death, which occurred on March 14 at his Weatherford, Texas, home. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. The couple had been together for decades, and their passing so close together has left friends and family heartbroken.
His efforts made the show a success, and according to the Guinness World Records, it remains one of the most-watched TV series of all time. It would have faded into obscurity had it not been for his strategic public relations efforts.
Paul Nichols did not give up on ‘Baywatch’
Paul Nichols dead: Baywatch icon dies less than two weeks after wife’s death https://t.co/tJMxSnJFP6 pic.twitter.com/dHfsozwsdB
— Mirror Celeb (@MirrorCeleb) May 8, 2025
Baywatch was first canceled by NBC in 1989, after just one season. However, thanks to Nichols’ efforts in 1991, the show was revived and went on to become a global success. Nichols worked with All-American Television to give Baywatch a second chance. His strategy changed the game, enabling the show to air for an additional 10 years.
The show was eventually cancelled in 2001 after running for 11 seasons. By 1996, Baywatch was said to have reached an estimated 1.1 billion viewers each week. Its popularity spread to 142 countries, with broadcasts in 44 languages. His work did revive the show and made it a huge part of television history, totally shaping the landscape of global TV entertainment.
Life after ‘Baywatch’
Paul Nichols was born in Delaware on March 22, 1948. He earned a degree in broadcast journalism from Penn State University and graduated in 1970. He started as a DJ before moving into public relations. Over the years, he held roles at several major companies, including All American Television, Group W, and Sony Pictures Television.
He was married to Linda, a senior executive in TV marketing, for 31 years. After retiring, the couple settled in Weatherford, Texas, to be near her family. Linda passed away on March 2 at the age of 77, just 12 days before Paul. His surviving family members include his brother Robert, sister-in-law Denise, nephews Steve and James, and niece Caitlin.