Who did Michael Newman play in Baywatch? Character explored as actor dies aged 68

Michael Newman, who portrayed Newmie Newman in Baywatch, has recently passed away on October 20, 2024, at the age of 68. Apart from being an actor, he was additionally employed as a firefighter.

The news of Michael's death was first revealed by his friend and director Matt Felker, saying that he was surrounded by his family members and close friends. While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Matt also said that he died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center from heart complications.

Notably, Michael Newman had been additionally battling Parkinson's disease since 2006 and Matt continued by saying:

"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.'"

Social media platforms were also flooded with tributes as the news of Newman's death garnered attention online. Netizens recalled Michael's work over the years, with most of them praising his acting skills on screen.

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Michael Newman portrayed an important role in Baywatch for a long time

The Los Angeles County, California native was mostly known for his appearances in ten seasons of the action-drama series Baywatch. He played Newmie Newman, a senior lifeguard, whose overall appearance on screen was loved by the audience over the years.

Michael Newman's character was tall and muscular and also had a mustache. His height was similar to Captain Mitchell "Mitch" Buchannon, one of the semi-retired head lifeguards.

Newmie was the longest-serving member of the lifeguard team and had a duty to save anyone who was in danger. He and Mitch had a habit of double-dating women and competing to win the hearts of everyone. The character was first seen when he helped Mitch and Sean with their recruits in Hawaii.

The character was promoted to a regular in the seventh season and apart from Mitch, he shared a close friendship with Cody Madison. Furthermore, the character was also inspired by Michael Newman's real-life work as a lifeguard and his last appearance was in the 22nd season of Season 10.

Even though the critical reactions were mostly negative, Baywatch was able to find a huge fanbase among viewers. It also led to a spin-off show alongside a film of the same name, which came out back in 2017.

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Michael Newman was working as a lifeguard before appearing on Baywatch

Newman spent his childhood in Brentwood, Los Angeles, and his parents were established in different fields. His father Michael was a part of the British national water polo team and his mother Joan was employed as a swimming teacher.

Michael Newman later joined the swimming team of the Santa Monica City College and UC Santa Barbara. He obtained his graduation from the Palisades Charter High School and while he became popular for being featured in Baywatch, he performed some water stunts and was an advisor for writers when the rescue scenes were planned for the show.

Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006 at the age of 50. In an interview with People magazine in January this year, Michael revealed that he was supposed to relocate to Hawaii with his wife Sarah before he contracted the disease. However, the plans were eventually canceled, and had to stay in Los Angeles.

Michael said that he has been participating in activities such as swimming or running on the sand and addressed the same by saying:

"I've been training for this. Somebody that was 65 and not very athletic, if they got the news that they got Parkinson's it wouldn't turn out as well. I got them all beat, I guess, if we could call it 'beat.'"

Apart from Sarah, Michael's survivors include a son named Chris, a daughter, Emily, and a granddaughter Charlie.