Michael Newman, known for his role in Baywatch, has passed away at the age of 68 following a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2006, as confirmed by PEOPLE. Matt Felker, a close friend of Newman and director of the recent Hulu docuseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, shared that the actor died from heart complications on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 20, surrounded by loved ones.
“I got to see Mike the last time he was conscious, and in typical Mike fashion, he said, ‘You’re just in time,’” Felker told PEOPLE. Newman, who was born in Los Angeles, gained fame in the ’90s for his portrayal of Mike “Newmie” Newman on the iconic series, being the only cast member who was an actual lifeguard.
In recent years, Newman focused on fundraising for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, aiming to support Parkinson’s disease research and awareness
He appeared in 150 episodes of the show, which aired from 1989 to 2001, making him one of the most featured actors alongside David Hasselhoff. In addition to his acting career, Newman worked as a full-time firefighter, balancing both roles while filming the series. He continued to serve as a firefighter until retiring after 25 years once the show concluded.
In recent years, he dedicated his efforts to raising funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research for a cure for Parkinson’s. During an interview with PEOPLE in August, he expressed his hope that sharing his story would raise awareness about the disease.
Reflecting on his diagnosis, he noted, “This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom.” He acknowledged that Parkinson’s has impacted his life, stating, “My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the center of my life.”
After being diagnosed at age 50, Newman discussed his experiences with the disease in the documentary directed by Felker. He revealed that he took ten medications daily and often woke up feeling “jittery.”
He emphasized his appreciation for life, saying, “I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends. I’m taking life seriously. It’s not a run-through.”
Baywatch followed a team of lifeguards, led by Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon (played by Hasselhoff), as they saved lives and navigated personal challenges on a Los Angeles beach.
Newman starred alongside remarkable actors such as Pamela Anderson, Nicole Eggert, Yasmine Bleeth, and Jeremy Jackson. He also reprised his role in three episodes of the 1995 spinoff series Baywatch Nights.
In his conversation with PEOPLE, Newman expressed gratitude to Felker for allowing him to share his story in the documentary, which started streaming in August. “Matt Felker, in the making of this documentary, has given me and other Baywatch cast members a chance to tell our stories as they truly reflect our real lives,” he stated, highlighting the importance of this opportunity.
Newman leaves behind his wife, Sarah, whom he married 36 years ago, along with their two grown children: son Chris and daughter Emily. The family also welcomed a 1-year-old granddaughter named Charlie.
Before his diagnosis, Newman had plans to retire in Hawaii with Sarah, having built their dream home just two blocks from where the spinoff Baywatch: Hawaii was filmed. “Life is short,” he told PEOPLE. “It is something I didn’t often give myself a chance to think about before my Parkinson’s diagnosis.”
