Every Notable ‘Baywatch’ Actor Who Died

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‘Baywatch’ featured a large cast of recurring and guest stars filmed across locations from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Sadly, several members of the show’s family have passed away. Here’s a look back at some notable actors from the series who are no longer with us, including the characters they played and details fans often search for.

Richard Jaeckel

Richard Jaeckel was known for his role as Ben Edwards, a seasoned lifeguard who acted as a guide and mentor to the newer lifeguards on ‘Baywatch’ for multiple seasons. He was in the very first episode and returned to the show in the early 1990s, with some storylines even showing his early days on the job. Jaeckel passed away in June 1997 at the age of 70, leaving behind a long and successful career in film and television, with his work on ‘Baywatch’ being particularly memorable.

Michael Newman

Michael Newman, who played Mike “Newmie” Newman on the show, brought a lot of real-life experience to the role – he was a Los Angeles County lifeguard. Over many seasons, he appeared in scenes involving rescues, competitions, and training, making those parts of the show feel very authentic. Newman passed away in October 2024 at the age of 68, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was instrumental in developing the show’s realistic water safety segments.

Pamela Bach

Pamela Bach played Kaye Morgan, a restaurant owner and friend of the lifeguards, on the show throughout several seasons in the 1990s. Her character was often involved in community happenings and storylines that showed the lifeguards’ lives outside of work. Bach passed away in March 2025 at the age of 62, and she continued to be connected to the show through appearances and other television roles.

Floyd Levine

Floyd Levine, a veteran character actor with a career stretching across decades of television and film, appeared in the ‘Baywatch’ special ‘White Thunder at Glacier Bay’ later in the show’s run. He passed away in August 2025 at the age of 93, leaving behind a diverse filmography that included both comedic and dramatic roles.

Richard Moll

Richard Moll, known for his imposing height and versatile acting, appeared in the ‘Home Is Where the Heat Is’ episode and left a lasting impression. Throughout his career, he worked in comedies, science fiction, and provided voice work for animated shows. He passed away in October 2023 at the age of 80, leaving behind a memorable performance as a one-time character in the show’s beach-themed stories.

Pat Morita

Pat Morita, a beloved actor from film and TV, made a guest appearance on ‘Baywatch Hawaii’ near the end of the show’s run. He brought his signature warmth to the role, and his episode continues to be a favorite among fans of the ‘Baywatch Hawaii’ seasons. Morita passed away in November 2005 at the age of 73.

Scott Plank

Scott Plank appeared as Sam Parks in four episodes of the show’s final season. His character interacted with the prison guards in storylines focused on airplanes and dangerous stunts. Sadly, Plank passed away in October 2002 at the age of 43 due to injuries sustained in a car accident. His work on the show is remembered as part of its final season guest appearances.

Tom Villard

Tom Villard was an actor who appeared on television throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, often bringing a friendly and likeable quality to his roles in both comedies and dramas. He’s remembered for guest appearances on shows like ‘Baywatch.’ Sadly, Villard passed away in November 1994 at the age of 40 due to pneumonia related to AIDS.

Marcia Strassman

Marcia Strassman appeared in a memorable episode of the show, playing an important character from someone’s past. Best known for her roles in sitcoms and family movies, she sadly passed away in October 2014 at the age of 66 after fighting breast cancer. Her performance brought a lot of heart to the episode’s storyline.

Joe Lara

Joe Lara played Frank Randall in a 1994 episode of ‘Baywatch’ called ‘Tentacles: Part 2’. While he went on to star in his own adventure show, many ‘Baywatch’ viewers remember him for this role in a memorable multi-part storyline. Sadly, Lara passed away in May 2021 at the age of 58 in a plane crash, and he’s often remembered as one of the show’s best guest stars.

Edward Mulhare

Edward Mulhare was known for his role in ‘Baywatch Nights,’ a spin-off that explored more serious, investigative stories connected to the world of ‘Baywatch.’ A veteran actor with a long career in theater and television, Mulhare sadly passed away in May 1997 at the age of 74 due to lung cancer. His character helped bridge the gap between the original ‘Baywatch’ series and this shorter-running show.

Lou Rawls

Lou Rawls, a popular singer, appeared in an episode of the show, bringing some musical celebrity to the beachside story. The series frequently featured famous people in brief, memorable roles that suited its Los Angeles backdrop. Rawls sadly passed away in January 2006 at the age of 72 after battling cancer. His appearance on the show is still remembered as a charming moment among its many guest stars.

Julie Strain

Julie Strain was an actress who appeared in an episode of ‘Baywatch Hawaii’ and worked on many action and genre films during the 1990s. Her role on ‘Baywatch Hawaii’ suited the show’s focus on both adventure and the appeal of the islands. She passed away in January 2021 at the age of 58, and viewers revisiting those seasons of the show might remember her from that guest appearance.

I’m always up for talking about ‘Baywatch’ and the amazing cast! I’d love to hear your favorite memories of the actors and actresses, and which scenes you find yourself rewatching over and over. Let’s chat in the comments – what are your go-to ‘Baywatch’ moments?

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2025-10-23 13:46