David Hasselhoff has paid tribute to Michael Newman as a “warrior” after the Baywatch star passed away at the age of 68.
“Newman was a warrior…he literally saved my life at least four times,” Hasselhoff wrote on social media after Newman lost his 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. .
“He’s done the transition from scarab to jet ski perfectly many times. He’s just an amazing guy.”
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David Hasselhoff paid tribute to Michael Newman, who passed away this week at the age of 68 (Instagram/@davidhasselhoff/NBC)
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“He was never afraid of water. I remember directing him in a few episodes and he was really good,” Hasselhoff’s message continued.
“He became a great actor. We will all miss him.”
Newman, who was a real-life lifeguard and firefighter when she was hired to play Newmie on Baywatch, died on Sunday (Monday in Australia) “surrounded by family and friends.”
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He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for 18 years, but his life changed forever the moment doctors confirmed the diagnosis.
“This terminal illness has given me a lot of time to think, which I may not have wanted, but it has given me wisdom,” Newman said. he told People magazine in August, seven days after he turned 68.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease when he was 50 years old. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disease with no cure.
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Newman, pictured with Baywatch stars Donna D’Errico and Tracy Bingham, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 50. (Getty)
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Symptoms may include tremors, painful muscle contractions, and difficulty speaking.
“My body changes so slowly that I hardly notice it, but I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s disease has become the center of my life,” Newman told the outlet.
“I cherish every day I get to spend on this earth with my family and friends. I take life seriously.”
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Newman played Newmie on Baywatch for 150 episodes over 10 seasons, and was one of the show’s most popular characters.
The only other cast members to appear on the show besides Newman were Hasselhoff himself and Jeremy Jackson.
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