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The legendary star of Baywatch, one of the most famed TV shows in American history, Michael Newman, has sadly passed away, as confirmed by a close friend, Matt Felker. The 68-year-old allegedly passed away from "heart complications" following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Newman was best known for playing the character Mike “Newmie” Newman in Baywatch, which cemented his place in television history.
Michael Newman was allegedly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 18 years ago. Since 2006, the former actor and firefighter has fought off the disease. More recently, Michael Newman also worked in Matt Felker's docuseries for Hulu After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.
Newman shot to fame during his long stint in Baywatch and remained a fan favorite even after the show ended. He was also the only real-life coastguard to be featured on the show. While shooting for Baywatch, he also actively worked as a firefighter. He appeared in 150 episodes, putting him only second to David Hasselhoff.
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Who was Michael Newman and what happened to him?
Shooting to fame in the 1990s, Michael Newman was an American actor and firefighter who appeared in 150 episodes of Baywatch, one of the most popular soap operas of all time. Newman also worked as a lifeguard prior to his role in the show.
He even appeared in Baywartch's spinoff in 1995. However, in 2006, he was reportedly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He continued to battle it for over a decade before finally succumbing to it on October 20, 2024. Since then, the news of his death was not shared in public.
Today, however, Matt Felker, who was also taking Newman's help in putting together his upcoming docuseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, confirmed that the actor had passed away at 68. Felker even shared that Newman had sensed his incoming death and had told Felker the last time they met that he was "just in time."
The actor reportedly died surrounded by family and loved ones.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a condition where the brain and its functions deteriorate over time. It heavily affects balance, muscle control, and stability, but can also cause various other symptoms. The symptoms of the disease vary widely but it is one of the most common age-related diseases around the world.
The likelihood of getting this disease increases after the age of 60 and is much rarer in younger people. Cleveland Clinic describes the disease as:
"Parkinson’s disease is a condition where a part of your brain deteriorates, causing more severe symptoms over time. While this condition is best known for how it affects muscle control, balance and movement, it can also cause a wide range of other effects on your senses, thinking ability, mental health and more."
It is incurable and only progresses with time.
Tributes have started pouring in from all over the world as fans and industry professionals continue mourning the death of Michael Newman.
