The Cast of Baywatch Then and Now

The Cast of Baywatch Then and Now

Sun, sand, and sexy lifeguards made for the perfect mix in the 1989 debut of "Baywatch." Created by Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Gregory J. Bonann, "Baywatch" featured a group of steamy lifeguards who saved lives while attempting to rescue themselves from their own personal drama; unfortunately, however, the characters and storyline weren't enough for NBC, who debuted the show and then proceeded to abruptly cancel it after only one season: by some sort of miracle "Baywatch" got a second chance and in 1991 it was welcomed back into syndication in.

Starring cast members like David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, "Baywatch" and its red swimsuit babes quickly became one of the most popular shows of the 1990s; lasting a total of 11 seasons and 242 episodes, the show transformed formerly unknown actors into international superstars with syndication worldwide. Dubbed a massive success, fans of "Baywatch" begged for more of their favorite characters, which led to numerous spin offs and reunion specials in later years.

So, after all these years what's happened to our favorite lifeguards? Are they still rocking their bathing suit bods or have they turned in their swim trunks for good? Let's take a look at 16 of our favorite cast members from "Baywatch," and see what they have been up to since their last big rescue!

#16 – Peter Phelps

Debuting as an Australian soap opera star on ‘The Restless Years," Pete Phelps finally got his big break when he was cast as one of the first lifeguards of "Baywatch." Landing the role of Trevor Cole, however, wasn't enough for Phelps, as he left the hit show after its first season, making him the first of the original cast to jump ship.

Phelps had other plans for his career when he returned to his native Australia after an appearance in "Point Break", which starred Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze; since then, Phelps has kept busy by making special appearances in films like Stingers, which earned him an award for Most Popular Actor, and Lantana, which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Male Actor. Despite the success of Pete's career it has become obvious that time hasn't been easy on this former lifeguard who, at 55 years old, has now traded in his swim trunks for plaid cotton boxers and a comfortable home life with his wife, Donna, and their two children.

#15 – Jeremy Jackson

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment of Jeremy Jackson's life is that he beat out Leonardo Dicaprio for the role of Hobie back when it needed to be recast. During Jackson's 8 year stint on Baywatch he featured in a total of 159 episodes, but it turns out that during his time on set he developed one heck of a drug habit; his bodacious body turned out to be the product of a severe addiction to steroids, and as soon as he got off set he was shipping himself off to rehab.

Jeremy decided to turn his road to recovery into an opportunity to re-start his career and began appearing in some rather smutty reality shows like "Celeb Rehab with Dr. Drew" and "Confessions of a Teen Idol," but neither of the shows generated the attention he desperately wanted. It wasn't until a s** tape was released featuring Jackson and the p*** star Sky Lopez, and his appearance on the 2015 UK version of "Celebrity Big Brother," that he finally bounced back into the spotlight (although that probably isn't a strategy fit for everyone).

#14 – Carmen Electra

Born Tara Leigh Patrick, Carmen Electra changed more than just her name while her career skyrocketed as a model, actor, singer, and dancer. Starting out as a dancer at an Ohio amusement park, Electra got fed up and packed her bags: moving to California where she met the music legend Prince, who inspired her to start her short-lived music career.

Carmen quickly found herself in small acting roles, as well as on the cover of Playboy: finally earning her the fame that she desired. By 1997 Electra had landed her first major break out role when she was cast as Lani McKenziie on "Baywatch."

Like Phelps, Electra's lifeguard days as Lani only lasted a year, but time has definitely been kinder to this stunning actress more than it has to her former colleague. Today, at 43 years old, Electra is probably the only original "Baywatch" babe who could easily make an appearance on a new spinoff series, but you'll have to catch her first: after all, these days she keeps pretty busy as a guest judge on "Britain's Got Talent."

#13 – Gregory Alan Williams

Gregory Allen Williams is one of the biggest success stories out of the entire "Baywatch" cast as the very talented actor went on to have major roles in hit T.V. shows like "The Sopranos," "West Wing," "Boston legal," and "One Tree Hill," as well as a number of major film appearances. If keeping his acting career alive wasn't enough, Williams published four books that attained moderate success, and it seems he also kept his dashing good looks to boot. After 94 episodes of "Baywatch" you might think that the hot sun would ruin his skin, but Gregory looks surprisingly youthful even at the age of 59.

Williams was one of the few cast members that returned to the "Baywatch" reunions and was greeted positively by everyone: that's how much of an upstanding guy he is. Allen is living a more relaxed lifestyle nowadays away from all the media and paparazzi, but he still makes time for the occasional film appearance: he has stated that he enjoys acting and intends to keep in the business as long as his health permits.

#12 – Parker Stevenson

Despite his mother being an aspiring actress, Parker Stevenson's acting career actually happened by complete accident (much to the disapproval of his father). Starting out with "A Separate Peace" in 1972, Stevenson quickly landed his next role in "Lifeguard" before becoming a household name alongside teen heartthrob Shaun Cassidy in the "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries" series during the later years of the 1970s.

By 1989 Stevenson would become a heartthrob in his own right after being cast as Craig Pomeroy on "Baywatch." After adding a year of "Baywatch" to his repertoire, Stevenson looked for greener pastures and only made sporadic appearances on the show in 1997 and 1998. After ending his 14 year marriage in 1997 to "Cheers" star, Kirstie Alley, Stevenson slowed down his acting career to pursue his first true passion: photography; now 63 years old with two children, the distinguished looking Parker enjoys time on both sides of the camera, with his latest appearance being in the 2015 film "His Secret Family."

#11 – Michael Bergin

Michael Bergin is not only known for being incredibly handsome, he is also known for being so handsome that he became one of the first male supermodels of all time. If you're struggling to think of where you might have seen Bergin before aside from "Baywatch" then look no farther than the racy series of underwear ads released by Calvin Klein; after the prestigious underwear position was passed down by none other than Mark Wahlberg it wasn't long before the job was snatched up by a job hungry Bergin.

So what does an underwear model do with his life once he is seen as a sex icon? He shacks up with a Kennedy, of course, specifically Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy; she happened to be a Calvin Klein publicist at the time of their meeting, and the two were knocking boots while she was still being courted by John F. Kennedy Jr. (her future husband). Michael's final career moves were to publish a book titled "The Other Man" that detailed his affair with Carolyn during her marriage, and taking on an active role as the spokesman for the D.A.R.E. anti drug campaign for children (if only Jeremy Jackson had met him later on in life).

#10 – Nicole Eggert

Launching her movie career at just five years old, Nicole Eggert happily landed her first major movie role three years later in the 1980 film "Rich and Famous." With roles on "Who's the Boss?" and "Charles in Charge," Eggert rapidly made a name for herself, which made her an easy casting choice for "Baywatch." Nicole was cast for the third and fourth seasons of "Baywatch" as Roberta "Summer" Quinn, and between her career and recent engagement to Corey Haim she was sitting on cloud nine.

Life after "Baywatch" proved to be rather nice for Eggert as she enjoyed a stream of ongoing work in spinoffs, films, and special appearances which include "Marriedwith Children," "The Real Gilligan's Island," and "Splash;"

the 43 year old former "Baywatch" babe has even acknowledged her ongoing struggle to maintain a healthy weight, and appeared on "Celebrity Fit Club" in 2010 looking noticeably different; fitness might be the last thing on her mind these days, however, as the celeb just launched her new career as the owner and operator of an ice cream truck: look for her in a neighborhood near you!

#9 – David Chokachi

"Baywatch" was David Chokachi's first major role, and yet when he first joined the show in 1995 as the character "Cody Madison" nobody thought he would become anything special; he proved them all wrong when he eventually became the lead character of the show. After four years of saving lives on fictitious beaches, he left the show to pursue a new T.V. series named "Witchblade" which quickly fizzled out and forced him to accept less than flattering roles in made for T.V. movies.

Back in 1997 Chokachi was considered to be one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by People Magazine, and we'd be lying if we said that at 47 years old he still doesn't have it going on; his career may have slowed down some with only the occasional film role, but this "Baywatch" star probably has no problem with the ladies. So what's the secret, how exactly does David Chokachi stay in such great shape? It turns out that a lifestyle filled with water sports and exercise has a tendency to chisel a man like Adonis, and he has no problem with sharing all of his adventures on his social media accounts: #Kingoftheocean.

#8 – Erika Eleniak

Erika Eleniak took the fate of her career into her own hands when, at just 19 years old, she got in touch with Playboy directly and landed an appearance in the July 1989 issue; thanks to her guts and ambition, 1989 proved to be an outstanding year for the blonde beauty, as she was cast in a recurring role on "Charles in Charge" and landed the female lead as rookie lifeguard Shauni McClain on "Baywatch."

After spending 44 episodes as a lifeguard, Eleniak decided to call it quits because she didn't like where the series was headed. Much like her co-star Nicole Eggert, Eleniak struggled to maintain her "Baywatch" physique and later appeared on "Celebrity Fit Club" 30 pounds heavier than she had ever been; at 46 years old and after having her first child, life as a mom is keeping the former star busier than ever: making her days on the beach merely a dream!

#7 – David Charvet

"Baywatch" just wouldn't have been the same show without the appearances of David Charvet as "Matt Brody;" when the French star first got the role he didn't think the show would be as successful as it eventually became, but he was happy to sign on for three seasons as long as he was getting paid. Once David left the "Baywatch" set he appeared on several other hit T.V. shows like "Melrose Place," and "Harts of the West." It seemed like Charvet finally had secured his way into show business until he surprised everyone by leaving the industry entirely.

It seems acting just wasn't enough for David, and he was convinced that the career he was made for was somewhere in the world of music; he landed a 5-album contract with Universal Music Group, and it turns out his dreams weren't such a fantasy after all: his music consistently was landing in the Top 20 lists of France, and it wasn't long before he began singing romantic duets with musical legends like Seal. If a guy can sell 2.5 million albums, sell out entire arenas, and charm the ladies on the hot sands well it'd be a lie to say we aren't at least a little bit jealous.

#6 – Michael Newman

Michael Newman was an actual lifeguard since the age of 10, so when he first showed up on the set of "Baywatch" it was as a consultant; he shared his real life rescue experience with the cast and crew to give the show its realistic edge. Newman (who was also a firefighter) enjoyed his job but fate, however, had different plans for his career, as he was cast in a recurring role, and later as a main cast member for nine seasons. As both an international star and a show favorite, Michael stuck around for "Baywatch Hawaii:" making him one of the longest lasting actors of the whole series.

The end of "Baywatch" wasn't enough to cause Newman to hang up his red speedo, however, by 1996 he had set his sights on winning the National Ironman Championship, and it turns out he would do just that; at 60 years old the star settled down in California with his wife and two children where he sells real estate and puts up an ongoing battle Parkinson's disease: a diagnosis that was given to him in 2011 after he noticed a small tremor in his hand. After watching Michael on screen for all these years we know that this former Ironman and lifeguard will put up one heck of a courageous fight!

#5 – Gena Lee Nolin

Gena Lee Nolin's character, Neely Capshaw, was one of the most beautiful lifeguards on "Baywatch," and like her co-star, Pamela Anderson, many viewers tuned in solely for her; she was scouted for the show after the producers saw her on "The Price is Right," where she was one of Barker's Beauties (the lovely ladies who show off the prizes that contestants can win). Gena had planned to be a part of "Baywatch" until the show came to a close, but when it became apparent that she had an opportunity to create her own T.V. show, "Sheena," she jumped ship and decided to chase her dreams.

Unlike David Charvet who turned his dreams into a career, Gena's plans were a little less successful: "Sheena" died out after only two seasons, and she had to begin hunting for a pay check once more. After turning down their offer several times, Nolin finally agreed to a photo shoot for Playboy Magazine, and from then on continued to star in various men's publications. Gena Nolin wound up becoming the author of a memoir, but the sad truth is that when you look like she does, men generally prefer the picture book counterpart.

#4 – Alexandra Paul

Hailing from New York City, Alexandra Paul started acting as early as 1982 at only 19 years old; she was cast on the made-for-television film "Paper Dolls" and again in "Christine," "American Flyers," and "Dragnet."

With both obvious onscreen talent and stunning good looks, it wasn't long before Paul was cast as Lt. Stephanie Holden on "Baywatch" for seasons three through seven: her run came to an end when her character was tragically struck by lightning and killed. Despite the sudden death of her character, "Baywatch" wasn't over for Paul just yet as she was invited back to play the post-life version of Stephanie, and later again as twin of her character in "Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding." Since her final "Baywatch" appearance, the 52 year old Paul has stayed active in the film industry by appearing in more than five dozen movies and television shows; if you can't manage to catch her on screen, though, just check the local political rallies: this gal is a committed political activist which has earned her multiple arrests for civil disobedience (what a rebel)!

#3 – David Hasselhoff

Whether you hate him or love him it's undeniable that David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff is the biggest star to emerge from the "Baywatch" series. After his first television break on "The Young and the Restless," the young ‘Hoff' landed the lead role on the popular show "Knight Rider," and later cemented his stardom when he was cast as Mitch Buchannon on "Baywatch."

After becoming a fan favorite of all nine seasons, the decision was easy one to make for David when he was asked to reprise his role for "Baywatch Nights" and "Baywatch Hawaii."

Unfortunately "Baywatch" couldn't go on forever, which lead Hasselhoff to take on notable roles in numerous other films and television shows, as well as make his debut on Broadway; of course the 63 year old looks a little tweaked and lifted thanks to various plastic surgeries but we can't really blame him since he's a multi-setter of Guinness World Records for being the most watched man on television: how's that for talent, America?

#2 – Yasmine Bleeth

As the daughter of a model it's no surprise that Yasmine Bleeth was cast to play a sexy lifeguard on a show like "Baywatch," After all she inherited her parents' good looks! With her first major film role being landed at just 12 years old in "Hey Babe" starring Buddy Hackett, the young Bleeth quickly blossomed into a natural beauty.

By 1995, the svelte and sexy brunette had found herself on multiple lists as one of the sexiest women in the world: making her a household name and a perfect fit for "Baywatch." First appearing part-time in the fourth season of "Baywatch," Bleeth was cast as Caroline Holden and then quickly earned her place as a main cast member for the following three seasons.

Whether it was the red swimsuit or her rocking bod, the world couldn't help but take notice of Bleeth, which led to her post-Baywatch days being filled with appearances on shows like "Nash Bridges," "Titans," and the sports comedy, "BASEketball." Despite her fame (or perhaps because of it), Bleeth (now in her late 40s) took a break from the limelight only to reappear in 2015 obviously struggling with drugs and her weight.

#1 – Pamela Anderson

In the welcome party of a lifetime, Pamela Anderson has been famous ever since the day she was born, when she was coined the "Centennial Baby" having been the first baby born after Canada's 100th anniversary celebration; just 22 years later, while at a football game in Vancouver, the bubbly Canadian was discovered after being featured on the Jumbotron wearing a beer t-shirt. Anderson was hired on the spot as the beer's spokes model, and her career soon skyrocketed: earning her a feature on Playboy and numerous other covers for nearly two decades.

With growing success and fame, Pamela headed over to Los Angeles where she would be cast in the most iconic role of her career as CJ Parker in "Baywatch." After starring in five seasons and the reunion film "Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding," Anderson has made numerous film and television appearances including reality shows like "Big Brother" and "Dancing with the Stars." Now 48 years old, and still as gorgeous as ever, Pamela Anderson has kept her name alive as an activist for animal rights, AIDS awareness, and even as an advocate for the legalization of marijuana!