The show Baywatch has become a staple in pop culture and has received widespread popularity around the world. The series is known for its ensemble cast of actors, bright red swimsuits, running scenes, and ridiculous storylines. Though it was initially canceled after the first season, its syndicated run made it the most-watched TV show in the world.
The highlight of the series is its ensemble cast of actors who have become prominent stars now. From David Hasselhoff to Yasmine Bleeth, many actors had their breakthrough with Baywatch. They have gone on to do a diverse range of work since the end of the series in 2001.
1. David Hasselhoff – Mitch Buchannon
Probably the most well-known (behind Pamela Anderson) of the cast, David Hasselhoff played the lead, Captain Buchannon, in Baywatch. The actor appeared in the most number of episodes in the series, starring in over 206 episodes. Hasselhoff was reportedly also instrumental in getting the series a second chance after its cancellation (via EW).
Hasselhoff has had a lucrative career since he left the series after the first season of Baywatch: Hawaii. He has starred in films like Click, Dodgeball, Hop, and more and even judged the reality TV series America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. The actor reportedly has the Guinness World Record for being the Most Watched Man on TV.
Baywatch Actor is the Perfect Choice for Dwayne Johnson’s Ric Flair Movie: “He was one of my heroes”
The actor also starred along with his family in the reality TV show The Hasselhoffs, which was canceled after one season. He also had a music career and became a playable character in the game Pain. He also did some work on the stage, including on Broadway.
Talking about the show in the docuseries, After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun (via People),
The show really wasn’t good. But we made it good because we had passion.
Hasselhoff appeared in the 2017 adaptation of the series as The Mentor, with Dwayne Johnson playing the role of Mitch Buchannon.
2. Pamela Anderson – CJ Parker
Pamela Anderson starred as CJ Parker in Baywatch, joining the show in season 3, with only a few acting credits. The actress, known for being Playboy Magazine’s Playmate multiple times, reportedly began her stint on the show earning only $1,500 per episode. But eventually, she went on to become one of the highest-paid actresses on TV at the time.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Anderson made $300,000 per episode by the end of her tenure and was one of the most prominent cast members of the show. Since then, Anderson has appeared in several shows and films while continuing her career with Playboy. She starred in shows like V.I.P., Stacked, and Package Deal.
Pamela Anderson will be headlining the film The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola. The film reportedly premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is slated for release at the end of the year. The film also stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Dave Bautista. Anderson is one of the most popular cast members of Baywatch.
3. Alexandra Paul – Stephanie Holden
Alexandra Paul played Lieutenant Holden in Baywatch, joining the show in season 3. Paul had featured in John Carpenter’s Christine before she joined the drama series. While she was there in the series as a main character till season 6, she became a recurring member by season 7, after which she left the series.
Paul has since starred in a number of films and shows. She featured in a number of TV movies and even starred in one episode of Mad Men. Paul is reportedly a certified health coach and is known for her long swims as an athlete. She reportedly also ran in the Boston Marathon of 2000 (via Women Fitness).
4. Carmen Electra – Lani McKenzie
Another Playboy alum, Carmen Electra joined the series pretty late, making an appearance in the 8th season. Much like Pamela Anderson, Electra became a s*x symbol after joining the show. She began her career as a musician, with legendary rock musician Prince reportedly producing her first album.
Since the show’s end, Electra has been featured in multiple TV shows and films. She joined So You Think You Can Dance as a guest judge and even made an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. She has been featured in films like Scary Movie, Disaster Movie, Meet the Spartans, and more, which were all parodies. She also appeared in Starsky & Hutch.
The actress and model reportedly kept her red swimsuit from Baywatch as a prominent memorable. She told People,
I just took it because at that point we all did our fittings — the new cast. We did our fittings, and the suits didn’t come through until the very end, so we were wearing everyone else’s suit that was tagged ‘Everyone’ would fit into. But I had no problem with it. I thought it was kind of cool. ‘Okay, it’s Yasmine [Bleeth]’s suit that’s going to fit.’
As a singer, Carmen Electra also reportedly performed with The Pussycat Dolls on multiple occasions.
5. Yasmine Bleeth – Caroline Holden
Actress and model Yasmine Bleeth has cemented herself in pop culture probably due to F.RI.E.N.D.S’ Chandler Bing being obsessed with her. Bleeth joined the show as a guest spot in season 4 before returning as a main member from seasons 5 to 7. She left after season 8.
Since the show ended, Bleeth has starred in shows like Nash Bridges and Titans and has also had a modeling career. However, she reduced her public appearances after her arrest in 2001, when she was reportedly caught with c*caine. The actress was reportedly charged with two felonies of c*caine possession and one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence (via E! news).
6. Jeremy Jackson – Hobie Buchannon
Just like his on-screen father, David Hasselhoff, Jeremy Jackson was the second-most featured person in Baywatch. Beginning in season 2, Jackson played the role of Hobie Buchannon till season 10. He followed in Hasselhoff’s footsteps and toured along with him during his music career.
Jackson had a tough time after the show ended. He was reportedly part of a s*x tape scandal involving adult film star Sky Lopez (via TMZ). He was then reportedly kicked off Celebrity Big Brother for exposing a contestant’s br*ast (via BBC). He also opened up about his dr*g addiction and mentioned that he has been in recovery (via People).
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