Michael Newman, known for his role as Newmie on the iconic series Baywatch, passed away on October 20 at the age of 68 due to heart complications. The actor had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2006.
Newman's passing was confirmed by his friend Matthew Felker, who shared that the beloved star was surrounded by family and friends in his final moments. "Few of us are fortunate enough to have someone like Mike Newman enter and change our lives," Felker wrote in an Instagram post on October 21, alongside memories of their friendship. The two met five years ago while working on the Baywatch documentary miniseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun. "Mike was able to see the series come to fruition," Felker added.
Newman, who starred on Baywatch from 1989 to 2000, was much more than an actor—he was a real-life hero. As Felker noted, "He was a competitor through and through." Recalling his last visit with Newman, Felker shared a touching moment: "He was unconscious for most of the visit, but when I arrived, he woke up like a miracle, looked at me, and said, ‘You're just in time,’ and laughed. That was Mike—finding humor until the very end."
Before leaving, Felker shared another poignant memory: "He grabbed my hand tightly, looked me in the eyes, and nodded. I nodded back and promised, ‘We will see each other again.’"
Newman was the only member of the Baywatch cast who had actually served as a lifeguard in Los Angeles County. He also worked as a firefighter during his time on the show and continued his career in firefighting after the series ended.
In recent years, Newman had opened up about his Parkinson's diagnosis, which he received at age 50. "This terminal disease has given me a lot of time to reflect, which I might not have wanted, but it has brought me wisdom," he told People in August. "My body has changed so gradually that I barely notice it, but Parkinson's has now become the center of my life."
He added, "I cherish the days I have with family and friends. Life is serious—it's not a rehearsal."
Newman is survived by his wife Sarah and their two children, Chris and Emily.
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