Michael Newman cause of death: Baywatch star dies at 68

Michael Newman, best known for his role as lifeguard "Newmie" on the iconic TV show Baywatch, has died at the age of 67. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2006, Newman passed away on Sunday, October 20, surrounded by his loved ones.

Newman's close friend, Matt Felker, who directed the recent Hulu documentary After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, shared that Newman's death was due to heart complications. "I was able to see Mike one last time, and he greeted me with his usual warmth, saying, 'You're just in time,'" Felker recalled, reflecting on their final moments together.

A lifeguard on and off screen

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michael Newman became a household name in the 1990s as he played himself in the role of Mike "Newmie" Newman on Baywatch. Unlike most of the cast, Newman was a real-life lifeguard, lending authenticity to his portrayal over 150 episodes the second-most of any cast member after David Hasselhoff.

In addition to his work on the show, Newman continued his career as a full-time firefighter, balancing his duties at the firehouse while filming. After the series ended, he remained dedicated to his firefighting career until retiring after 25 years of service.

Advocating for Parkinson's awareness

Following his Parkinson's diagnosis at 50, Newman became an advocate for raising awareness and funds to find a cure. Partnering with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, he participated in events to spread awareness about the disease. "This illness has given me time to think and reflect, which has brought me a lot of wisdom," Newman said in a PEOPLE interview earlier this year. "It's not easy, but I've come to cherish every day I have."

During the documentary After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, Newman opened up about his daily struggles with Parkinson's, revealing he took 10 medications a day and dealt with symptoms like constant jitters. Despite these challenges, he remained positive, focusing on his family and the simple joys of life.

A legacy of strength and family

Newman is survived by his wife, Sarah, to whom he was married for 36 years, as well as their two children, Chris and Emily, and their granddaughter, Charlie. Before his diagnosis, Newman and Sarah had plans to retire to Hawaii, where they had built a home near the filming location of Baywatch: Hawaii. "Life is short, and it's something I didn't always think about before Parkinson's," Newman said, reflecting on how his perspective had changed.

Newman's presence on Baywatch brought an authentic touch to the lifeguard world, making him a fan favorite. His dedication to raising awareness about Parkinson's continues to inspire, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and authenticity.