Baywatch star Michael Newman dead at age 68

Hollywood actor Michael Newman has died at the age of 68. 

He was best known for his role as a lifeguard named Mike 'Newmie' Newman on the hit TV series Baywatch which also starred Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra.

And the actor also starred on Baywatch Nights for three episodes in 1996. 

Newman passed away due to complications related to Parkinson's Disease, according to PageSix. He was first diagnosed with the crippling diseases in 2006 at the age of 50.

His friend Matt Felker told People that the complications were with his heart.

Newman was the only Baywatch actor who had worked as a lifeguard in real life. 

He appeared on 150 episodes of the show, which was the most of anyone else on the show, except for the show's main star David Hasselhoff.

The actor was also a full-time firefighter while starring on Baywatch. 

His struggle with Parkinson's disease was mentioned on the recent documentary Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.

'This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn't want, but it's brought me wisdom,' Newman told People in August.

'My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson's has now become the center of my life,' he added.

Newman also said, 'I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends. I'm taking life seriously.' 

He shared that the words he lives by are, 'It's not a run-through.'

Michael's Baywatch alter ego Newmie was based on himself as he was a lifeguard in real life.

The actor wasn't intended to star on the show and was first employed as a stuntman, but he eventually got to be right at the heart of the action.

'I was too useful for them to get rid of me,' he said.

'I basically started off as a stuntman, and after seven years of being out of the opening credits, I finally was anointed and allowed to be in the front of the show.'

After his stint on Baywatch, Michael retired from acting because he found it 'hard' to 'look natural' on camera. He explained: 'If you didn't have to be there, why would you be? Let's be honest … there's not too many actors that have survived the years of working in Hollywood.'

He admitted there are negative sides to the industry that led to his exit.

Michael said: 'Having to deal with the people who scratch your name out on the script and put their name on there? That kind of thing … you never get used to that.'

Michael is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their son Chris and daughter Emily, as well as their granddaughter, Charlie.

Baywatch aired from 1989 until 2001; it had many spinoffs and a movie with Priyanka Chopra. 

Newman appeared in the 1999 movie Enemy Action with costars C Thomas Howell and Louis Mandylor.

The thriller was about two Air Force officers who are after a stolen high tech smart bomb.

WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.

Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.

Some people can also experience lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration.

What are the early signs?

Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body.

In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk.

Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time.

What are the causes?

Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease.

It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain.

However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes.

Scientists say genetics factor can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families.

Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says.

How is it diagnosed?

No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history and a physical examination.

A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition.

They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement.

How many people are affected?

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson's UK.

What happens if someone is diagnosed?

According to the charity, it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment.

The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available.

People are also encouraged to partake in more exercise.

Can it be treated?

Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms.

The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways.

What medication is available and what are the side effects?

Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking and movement problems.

There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor. Each can affect people in different ways.

The drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes.

What therapy is available?

There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson's through the NHS.

Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching.

Does this change the way you live?

Most people's life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health.

It can also cause some cognitive issues and changes to mood and mental health.

Those with Parkinson's are encouraged to exercise more often, with scientists saying 2.5 hours of exercise a week is enough to slow the progression of symptoms.