The cast of Baywatch have been sharing their tributes to Michael Newman, following his death at age 68
David Chokachi shared on his Instagram:
Newmie, I was blessed to have you in my life, as a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration; to always train hard, live life to the fullest, laugh as much as possible, and cherish your time with your family. When I landed the role of Cody Madison on Baywatch, you were the one who gave me day one of lifeguard training and I come from an ocean background but it was still extremely humbling. I was smart enough to follow your cues, because anytime we had a block of free time while shooting, you would always say,
“Chokes, want to go train/paddle” and of course, I was like hek yeah, because it was an opportunity to continue to learn and train with a World Champion Lifeguard competitor. My favorite days on the show were when it would be you and I shooting second unit, which meant lots of high speed action, driving the scarabs(the high speed rescue boats) full throttle and turning them on a dime close to Venice pier for a rescue, chasing bad guys on the wave runners, fighting bad guys while scuba diving in the open ocean, or charging through high surf to make multiple rescues. Even when stunts seemed a little sketchy, I never worried when I was with you because I knew you were always watching, ready to pounce if something went wrong. I can’t say enough, except, I love you and I will miss you so very much!
#RIP Michael Newman
Alexandra Paul shared on Instagram:
Michael Newman, who was on Baywatch as long as David Hasselhoff (and technically longer, since Michael starred in the sizzle reel that sold the show to NBC in
1989) has died at age 68 from heart complications, 18 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Michael was a real life hero, saving many, many lives over the course of his long career as a Los Angeles firefighter and lifeguard. He was also a swimming and rescue consultant on the series, and he taught me how to dive off a moving speedboat.
One of my favorite Baywatch memories is being in a boat with him in the Santa Monica bay, both of us waiting to shoot 2nd rescue scenes. It was an idyllic day: warm, sunny with a blue calm ocean and sea gulls flying above us. We talked about how lucky we were to be there in that beautiful moment, and I felt such gratitude. Michael, no one could dive, swim, run and rescue with such power and grace as you
– you were a specimen. I thank you for making our show better, for all the lives you have saved and the people you comforted. Your legacy lives on in the 150 Baywatch episodes in which you appear, but most importantly in your son Christopher who is following in your lifeguard footsteps, in your lovely daughter Emily and your new grandchild, and in the love of your wife Sarah. You will be so missed.
Donna D’Errico shared:
Newmie was nicer to me than anyone else on the show. Ever kind and encouraging, he was a gentle, calming force that made my years on Baywatch easier. I was always so happy whenever we had scenes together because he was a joy to work with. He knew of my fear of water and inability to swim and, being an excellent swimmer himself, quietly helped me through my water scenes. I’m so sad to hear of his passing today. #RIP #newmiefish
Gena Lee Nolin shared to her story:
Lifeguard, firefighter, actor, teacher, husband, father, friend & casemate!
Michael Newman was Baywatch!
Somehow I don’t think you’re resting – rather, racing and winning! Until we meet again…
