Michael Newman Biography: Children, Wife, Movies, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Ethnicity, Parents, Obituary

Michael Newman was an American lifeguard-turned-actor best known for portraying himself, Mike “Newmie” Newman, in the hit television series Baywatch from 1989 to 2000.

Unlike most cast members, he possessed genuine lifeguard credentials and performed his rescue scenes, earning him substantial screen time and credibility with the audience.

After Baywatch, he transitioned to firefighting and later became a passionate advocate for water safety and awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

Profile

• Full name: Michael Newman
• Nickname: Newmie
• Date of birth: April 26, 1957
• Age as of 2025: Would have been 68
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: San Francisco, California, U.S.
• State of origin: California
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actor, lifeguard, firefighter
• Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)  
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: At least one older brother (also a lifeguard)  
• Spouse: Sarah Newman (m. 1988–2024)  
• Children: Christopher Heath Newman, Emily Ana Newman  
• Relationship status: Married to Sarah Newman until his death
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: N/A
• Net worth: $2 million at the time of death

Early Life and Education

Michael Newman was born on April 26, 1957, in San Francisco, California. He began working as a lifeguard at the age of 10 as part of the Santa Monica Junior Lifeguard program. He later became a Los Angeles County lifeguard, a career he maintained for over two decades. He also competed in Iron Man contests, showcasing his athleticism and commitment to water safety. His formal education details are not public.

Personal Life

Michael Newman married Sarah in 1988, and the couple had two children: son Christopher Heath Newman and daughter Emily Ana Newman. They also shared a granddaughter named Charlie. He kept a close-knit family life, and there are no records of divorce or extramarital issues.

Career

Beginning as a junior lifeguard, Newman joined Baywatch in 1989 as a stunt and rescue performer. Due to his real-life skills, he gradually transitioned into a credited role and appeared in approximately 150 episodes over ten seasons, second only to David Hasselhoff. He reprised his role in Baywatch Nights, Baywatch: Panic at Malibu Pier, and special episodes.

After Baywatch ended in 2000, he returned to his work as an L.A. County firefighter, serving his community for over 25 years. Throughout his career, he championed water safety education and environmental efforts to clean beaches.

Net worth

Michael Newman’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be at least $2 million.

Death

Michael Newman passed away from heart complications on October 20, 2024, at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 67.

Social Media

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Filmography

Baywatch as Michael “Newmie” Newman (1989–2000)

Baywatch Nights (3 episodes) as Michael Newman (1995)

Baywatch: Panic at Malibu Pier as Michael Newman (1998)

L.A. Lifeguards (documentary narrator) (1998)

Enemy Action as Casey (1999)

Welcome to Hollywood as a Baywatch lifeguard (1998)