Baywatch star Michael Newman dies aged 68 ‘from heart complications’ after Parkinson’s diagnosis

Michael Newman, best known for his appearances on Baywatch, has died aged 68 from ‘heart complications’.

He died on Sunday, October 20, ‘surrounded by his family and friends’ after living with Parkinson’s disease for 18 years.

His friend Matt Felker confirmed the news to People, having seen the Baywatch actor recently.

‘I got to see Mike the last time he was conscious and he looked [at] me and in typical Mike fashion said, ‘You’re just in time”,’ the After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun director told the outlet.

He played Mike ‘Newmie’ Newman on the long-running 90s series, appearing in 150 episodes – more than anyone else, including David Hasselhoff.

Newman was also the only star of the series to actually have worked as a lifeguard, as well as a career as a firefighter.

After the show ended in 2001, Newman returned to firefighting full time only to retire after celebrating 25 years in the job.

In 2006, the actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease which he said ‘brought wisdom’ in an interview earlier this year.

As shown in the Baywatch documentary, Newman was taking up to 10 medications per day to battle the debilitating illness.

‘My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the centre of my life,’ he told People.

‘I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends. I’m taking life seriously.’

He spent much of his final years campaigning and raising money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which aims to find a cure.

Newman is survived by his wife Sarah, who he married 36 years ago, as well as their two children –  Chris and Emily – and one grandchild.