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.
Breaking: Prince William and Kate Middleton Release a Moving Statement Amidst Cancer Battle
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recently revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer. Her grace and bravery are being praised by people worldwide. Now, the Royal couple has issued a public statement together and addressed the public and their sentiments.
Kate’s battle with cancer.
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Kate, at 42 years old, bravely shared her health struggles with the world. She underwent surgery in January, initially believed to be for a non-serious condition. However, subsequent tests revealed a cancer diagnosis.
William and Catherine released a statement.
Prince William and Princess Kate have been deeply moved by the wave of support following the announcement of Kate’s health condition. A statement from Kensington Palace highlighted their appreciation for the kind words from people during this time. «The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message»
© princeandprincessofwales / Instagram
«They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time,» shared a spokesperson. A source also revealed that the couple chose to delay the public announcement until the Easter vacation commenced for their children, allowing the family a private window to digest the developments before it became a subject of global conversation.
In Kate’s hard time, her brother has come forward to show her support. You can read his sweet tribute to her here.
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