Michael Newman, widely recognized for his role in the iconic ’90s series “Baywatch,” has sadly passed away at the age of 68. Known for his remarkable performances, Newman was part of the cast alongside star David Hasselhoff, who often referred to him as one of his closest friends. Hasselhoff has stated, “He saved my life at least four times.”

The director and friend Matt Falker, who worked on the documentary “After Baywatch,” announced on social media that Newman died on the evening of October 20 due to heart complications, surrounded by family and friends. Falker expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are all so fortunate to have had someone as exceptional as Michael in our lives, who truly made a difference.”

David Hasselhoff reflected on their friendship by sharing a photo of the two together. He reminisced about the numerous action scenes filmed on the beach, highlighting Newman’s impressive swimming skills that allowed him to execute complex water stunts effortlessly. Hasselhoff recalled, “He was never afraid of the water. I remember those episodes we worked on together; he was just fantastic. He was a great actor, and we will all miss him.”

Newman played the unique role of a real-life firefighter lifeguard in “Baywatch,” appearing from 1989 to 2001 over a total of 150 episodes. Remarkably, he continued to serve in the fire department during his time on the show and beyond. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 50. In a documentary, he opened up about his battle with the illness, mentioning that he had to take ten different medications each day and often woke up shaking. Yet, he maintained a positive outlook on life, stating, “I cherish every day I get to spend with my family and friends.”