Erika Eleniak is making a sensational return to Baywatch.
The 56-year-old actress will reprise her role as Shauni McClain in FOX’s sequel series. It focuses on Hobie Buchannon – played by Stephen Amell – following in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch (David Hasselhoff) to become Baywatch captain.
Erika is now the second star from the original series that will be returning for the reboot.
David Chokachi – who joined the original series in Season Six – will be reprising his role as Cody Madison.
Erika Eleniak’s Career
Erika starred as Shauni in the first two seasons of the original Baywatch. She appeared in 45 episodes between 1989 and 1992.
She departed at the start of Season 3 to embark on a film career. Highlights include a leading role as Jordan Tate in the 1992 action flick Under Siege opposite Steven Seagal. She also played Elly May Clampett in 1993’s The Beverly Hillbillies.
A major role in the 1994 comedy flop Chasers – which was directed by Dennis Hooper – saw Erika’s career stall and led to straight-to-home-release films.
TV roles and reality shows have followed with Erika, most notably VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, and parts in Desperate Housewives, CSI: Miami, and an unexpected cameo as herself in British comedy Meet The Richardsons.
Baywatch Reboot
The Baywatch reboot centres on a grown‑up Hobie whose life and career as lifeguard captain is thrown into chaos when Charlie, the daughter he never knew existed, arrives determined to carry on the Buchannon legacy.
FOX first announced the revival in September 2025. The series promises the same high‑stakes rescues, sun‑drenched drama, and tangled relationships that defined the original series. However, now it’s updated with a new cast, modern storylines, and a renewed mission to protect Southern California’s shoreline.
That cast includes Brooks Nader, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, and Livvy Dunne.
Carmen Electra Possibly Returning
With Erika Eleniak and David Chokachi reprising their roles from the original series, Carmen Electra has also announced she would be up for a return.
Carmen, 53, has gone public about wanting to come back as Lani McKenzie. She previously revealed that she had been “talking to” the reboot’s creative team.
She joked that she’s not sure she wants to get back in the water. However, she’s more than ready to recreate the show’s iconic slow‑motion running.
She said, “I still look really good in that suit, so that is not a problem.”
Former Playboy model Carmen played Lani in Season 8 between 1997 and 1998.
She is now a prominent OnlyFans creator who is inundated with requests for content focusing on her feet.
Carmen – who charges $25 for special requests – said: “I get lots of requests for my feet, it cracks me up.”
Explaining why she joined OnlyFans, she previously told People, “I just felt like, ‘Yeah, I need to do this.’
“I, for once, have this opportunity to be my own boss and have my own creative vision to share with my fans without someone standing over me, telling me, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that. Cover up this.’
“People are going to do what they want to do anyway with your photos, you might as well be in control of them and follow what you feel like doing inside.”