Baywatch star Michael Newman dies aged 68 following 18-year Parkinson's battle as tributes flood in
Michael Newman has died at the age of 68
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Baywatch star Michael Newman has died at the age of 68, his close friend has confirmed.
The actor was undoubtedly best know for the role of Mike 'Newmie' Newman in the long-running, sun-soaked US series.
Newman was "surrounded by family friends" at the time of his death on Sunday, October 20.
His friend Matt Felker confirmed the tragic news in a quote to US publication, People.
Felker cited a cause of death as "heart complications" before reflecting on his final interaction with the late actor.
He told People: "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'."
Newman is credited with 150 appearances in the long-running beach-based series, according to IMDb.
He starred opposite the likes of David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Yasmine Bleeth and many other big names during its 12 years on the air.
Soon after news of his death broke, fans began to pay tribute across social media.
One fan penned on X: "Just learned that 1 of my favorite actors from Baywatch, Michael Newman, passed away. I'm not sure if @PlanetTyrus or @greggutfeld ever watched the show, but I know I did. #RIPMichaelNewman."
And a second echoed: "I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Newman. He was known for his role in "Baywatch" and contributed to the entertainment industry." (sic)
In recent months, Newman had been taking part in a new docuseries about Baywatch set for release on the US streaming service Hulu.
Titled After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, Newman helped put the documentary together, and was able to reflect on his time working on the show earlier this year.
He told Digital Journal: "Watching it come back is really powerful and gratifying. Baywatch’ is the gift that keeps on giving.
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“Back in the early ‘90s, when we were shooting the show, we had more freedom language-wise and with the wardrobe. I used to have a lot of fun back then. I tried my best to make all the rescues seem very realistic.
“I got to go to work, and I got paid for doing what I love: all the rescue scenes, diving, boat driving were things that I excelled in, and I got to do it all on the show, so that was cool."
In the docuseries, co-star Hasselhoff reflects on his time working with Newman on the set of Baywatch.
Given his work diary also consisted of being a full-time firefighter as well as a trained lifeguard, Newman's commitment and work ethic were always the subject of praise.
Hasselhoff says in the docuseries that Newman was "the best person on the show because he was real".