‘Baywatch’ Star Mike Newman Reveals His 16-Year Parkinson’s Battle

Star of the hit action series Baywatch, Mike “Newmie” Newman, has revealed his 16-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006. His family noticed he had slowed down and encouraged him to seek medical advice. He was prescribed medication to help with his symptoms and, not long after, was given his diagnosis.

“Everything changes… all those things that you thought you were going to do with your children and grandchildren, pictures we were going to take, all the plans I had… stopped,” he told People.

A four-part docuseries on Prime Video, Baywatch: The American Dream, will offer a deeper view into the reality of his diagnosis. He admitted that he didn’t to be remembered by his fans as “the guy with Parkinson’s,” but the show’s director, Matt Welker, was able to change his mind.

Newman worked as a lifeguard before he scored his role on television and has always had a very active lifestyle.

He continues to keep up healthy practices in order to treat his symptoms and works out for at least 45 minutes every day. He likes to swim, kayak and run on the beach.

“I’ve been training for this,” he explained. “Someone that was 65 and not very athletic, if they got the news that they got Parkinson’s it wouldn’t turn out as well. I got them all beat, I guess if we could call it ‘beat’.”

The docuseries will work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Cedars-Sinai to raise funds for others with Parkinson’s.

“This may not help me… but it’s going to help someone down the road,” he said.

Newman hopes that his openness about the disease will provide comfort to others.