Yesterday, we reported that the former Baywatch star Michael Newman died on Sunday after an 18 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 68 years-old.

Now, his former Baywatch co-star David Hasselhoff is speaking out to pay tribute to him, and to thank him for literally saving his life!

Hasselhoff Honors Newman

For those who don’t know, Newman was a lifeguard off-screen – so he knew what he was doing.

That came in handy in real life – and David Hasselhoff wanted to thank Newman for coming to his rescue. Four times!

“Newman was a warrior … he literally saved my life at least 4 times,” Hasselhoff, 72, told The New York Post. “He did the transfer from the scarab to jet skis several times perfectly. What an amazing man. He was never afraid of the water.”

“I remember directing him in a few episodes and he was really good,” Hasselhoff continued. “He became a great actor. We will all miss him.” 

Hasselhoff’s comment got us to thinking… Baywatch must have been extraordinarily dangerous to shoot. Besides the wild jet ski stunts, just being in the ocean is dangerous enough. One tidal pull and bam, you need a Michael Newman out there to save somebody.

After news of Newman’s death broke, the former Baywatch star Nicole Eggert spoke out to honor him as well.

“Michael ‘Newmie’ Newman was an inspiration to all,” Eggert said. “From his knowledge, skill and willingness to share to his long fight with Parkinson’s disease, he was a beacon of strength.”

“The beaches will never be the same and my heart goes out to his family at this time of tremendous loss,” she continued. “May he rest easy and forever continue to catch waves.”

Backstory: ‘Baywatch’ Star Michael Newman Dead At 68 After Battling Parkinson’s Disease For 18 Years

Newman’s Death

Newman died on Sunday from heart complications while he was “surrounded by his family and friends,” according to his close buddy Matt Felker, who directed the recent Hulu docuseries about Baywatch.

Newman starred in 150 episodes of Baywatch. This is more than any other cast member, with the exception of Hassehoff, of course. He was also the only member of the cast who was a lifeguard in real life.

Newman was additionally a full-time firefighter who maintained his schedule at the firehouse while starring in Baywatch. After Baywatch ended in 2001, Newman left Hollywood to focus solely on firefighting. He eventually retired as a firefighter after a 25 year career.

Newman’s Baywatch character “Newmie” was based loosely on himself. He was not initially a featured actor on the show, but he became invaluable after he began performing stunts and offering guidance to the writers about rescue scenes.

“I was too useful for them to get rid of me,” he told People Magazine last year. “I basically started off as a stuntman, and after seven years of being out of the opening credits, I finally was anointed and allowed to be in the front of the show.”

Related: ‘Baywatch’ Cast Reveals Dark Downside Of Starring On Hit Show – ‘Everybody Was Disposable’

Newman’s Parkinson’s Battle

Newman was sadly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease back in 2006 at the age of 50. He spent his final years working with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to raise money to help find a cure for Parkinson’s. 

“This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom,” Newman told People back in August.

“My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the center of my life,” he continued.

Newman is survived by his wife Sarah, who he was married to for 36 years. He is also survived by two children and a 1 year-old granddaughter.

“Life is short,” Newman said just two months ago. “It is something I didn’t often give myself a chance to think about before my Parkinson’s diagnosis.”

Rest in peace, Michael Newman. And thank you for saving David Hasselhoff… four times!

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