Baywatch star Michael Newman has tragically died at the age of 68.
Newman rose to fame in the ’90s after playing a lifeguard on the long-running series, starring alongside Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Newman’s close friend, Matt Felker, who revealed the late actor died “from heart complications” on Sunday, October 20, according to PEOPLE.
The 45-year-old, who directed the recent Hulu docuseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, shared that Newman was “surrounded by his family and friends”.
“I got to see Mike the last time he was conscious and he looked [at] me and in typical Mike fashion said, ‘You’re just in time,'” Felker revealed to the outlet.
Newman endured an 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was first diagnosed at the age of 50 in 2006 and devoted his later years to fundraising for the Michael J Fox Foundation.
In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE this August, the late actor opened up about his desire to raise awareness about the condition through his own experiences.
“This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom,” he said. “My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the center of my life.”
Newman revealed he took 10 medications a day and would often wake up “jittery,” adding: “I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends. I’m taking life seriously.”
He said that his life mantra is, “It’s not a run-through,” and concluded: “All those things that you thought you were going to do with your children and grandchildren, pictures we were going to take, all the plans I had… stopped.”
Newman was the only member of the Baywatch cast who was actually a lifeguard. He was also a firefighter who balanced his on-screen career with his full-time career.
Once the show concluded in 2001, he returned to firefighting before hanging up his helmet 25 years later.
The late star is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sarah, their children Chris and Emily, and their one-year-old granddaughter, Charlie.
Our thoughts are with Newman’s family and friends at this time.
A beautiful cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Loren Allred
Loren Allred, celebrated for her exceptional singing abilities, delivered a captivating rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” during her appearance on America’s Got Talent. Her performance quickly garnered widespread attention, racking up nearly a million views within days and highlighting her remarkable talent.
Allred’s performance culminated in a breathtaking final score that drew a standing ovation from both the judges and audience. Backstage, her fellow contestants expressed their awe with loud “wows”, cementing her reputation as a true star.
In a preview released by America’s Got Talent, Fantasy League, Allred revealed her identity as the voice behind The Greatest Showman’s hit song “Never Enough”. Seizing the moment to showcase her live singing skills, she delivered a new rendition of the platinum-selling track that left everyone spellbound.
Her appearance on AGT marked a pivotal moment in her journey and revealed the artist behind the success of “Never Enough”. With previous experience on Britain’s Got Talent, Allred continues to boldly share her extraordinary talent with global audiences.
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing vocal performance of Loren Allred as she delivers a breathtaking rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” on America’s Got Talent. Watch the video below to witness her unforgettable performance.
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