Michael Newman, an actor known for his role as Mike “Newmie” Newman on the hit TV series “Baywatch,” died on October 20 due to complications from heart issues. He was 68 years old and had lived with Parkinson’s disease for the past 18 years.
Newman passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. Matthew Felker, the director of the recent documentary “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,” said Newman’s final moments were filled with the love of those close to him. Felker, a good friend of Newman’s, read letters and played videos from friends by Newman’s bedside to ensure “he knew he was loved.”
Newman stood out among his “Baywatch” co-stars as the only cast member who had experience as an actual Los Angeles County lifeguard. This authentic experience helped him portray lifeguard Mike Newman over 150 episodes, more than any actor except for David Hasselhoff, who played lead character Mitch Buchannon.
In addition to his long television career, Newman dedicated himself to public service. Even while filming “Baywatch,” he worked full-time as a firefighter for over 25 years until retirement. He also appeared in a few episodes of the “Baywatch” spin-off series “Baywatch Nights.”
Newman spoke openly about his battle with Parkinson’s disease in the Hulu documentary “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.” Diagnosed at age 50, he faced daily challenges from the disease through symptoms like morning jitters. He took ten different medications daily to manage his condition. Throughout his illness, Newman supported research for a Parkinson’s cure through involvement with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Newman is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sarah, their two adult children Chris and Emily, and a one-year-old granddaughter named Charlie.
