'Baywatch' star Michael Newman dies at 68 after Parkinson's diagnosis
"Baywatch" actor Michael Newman has died on Sunday after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006, his director and friend confirmed. He was 68.
Matthew Felker, Newman's close friend and director of the recent Hulu docuseries "After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun," confirmed the news Monday on his Instagram.
Felker said there were times he wanted to quit creating the docuseries, but then he "remembered Mike" and "couldn't let him down."
He also said that before Newman died, he read him letters and played videos from friends of all walks of life, so "he knew he was loved."
"I lost my friend. A hero. My hero," he wrote. "Thanks for coming into my life Newmie. Even if it was a brief time."
Felker told People magazine that Newman died on Sunday night of "heart complications," surrounded by friends and family.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 50, Newman revealed what life with the disease was like in the docuseries, which profiled cast members' lives after starring in "Baywatch." He said he'd often wake up "jittery" after taking 10 medications a day.
Newman spent years before his death raising money with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure.
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Newmie was always one of my favorite characters. He seemed to be doing so well and had such a positive outlook. RIP to a good one!