The First Wave: Where The Original 1989 Baywatch Cast Is Now (2025 Updates)

The iconic red swimsuits and slow-motion beach runs of Baywatch launched a global television phenomenon, but most fans only remember the later, more famous line-up. The original 1989 cast, the true pioneers of the Malibu lifeguard drama, faced a different reality, with the show being cancelled after one season before being resurrected in syndication.

As of December 2025, the stars who first walked the sands of the Los Angeles County beaches have carved out fascinating careers far beyond the lifeguard tower. This deep dive focuses on the first wave of actors who defined the show’s initial, gritty tone, revealing their current projects, surprising career shifts, and how they continue to shape pop culture today, decades after they first hit the airwaves. Their stories are a compelling look at life after becoming an overnight sensation.

The Original Baywatch 1989 Cast: Full Biography and Profile

The first season of Baywatch, which aired on NBC from 1989 to 1990, featured a core ensemble that set the stage for the show's eventual worldwide success. This initial line-up focused on the personal and professional lives of the Los Angeles County Lifeguards.

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• David Hasselhoff (Mitch Buchannon): The undisputed star and anchor, Hasselhoff played the veteran lifeguard and single father. He was a co-creator and executive producer of the syndicated version.
• Parker Stevenson (Craig Pomeroy): A lawyer turned lifeguard, Craig was the intellectual counterpoint to Mitch. Stevenson was already famous for his role as Frank Hardy in The Hardy Boys.
• Shawn Weatherly (Jill Riley): A dedicated and serious lifeguard, Jill was tragically killed off in the first season's final episode. Weatherly was a former Miss USA and Miss Universe.
• Billy Warlock (Eddie Kramer): The troubled but skilled rookie lifeguard who became a fan favorite. Warlock was a veteran of daytime soap operas before joining the show.
• Erika Eleniak (Shauni McClain): A young, aspiring lifeguard and Eddie's love interest. Eleniak gained fame with a small role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and a major role in Under Siege.
• Peter Phelps (Trevor Cole): An Australian lifeguard known for his rebellious streak and womanizing ways, Trevor only appeared in the first season.
• Brandon Call (Hobie Buchannon): Mitch's young son. Call was later replaced by Jeremy Jackson when the show moved to syndication.

David Hasselhoff and The Knight Rider Connection (2025 Update)

While the other original cast members moved on to various projects, David Hasselhoff remained the heart and soul of Baywatch for nearly a decade. His role as Mitch Buchannon, the devoted lifeguard captain, cemented his status as a global television icon.

The "Hoff" has always maintained a unique, self-aware career, blending acting, singing, and reality television. He is a massive star in Germany and Austria, where his music career took off with hits like "Looking for Freedom."

Current Status and 2025 Projects:

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As of late 2025, the biggest news surrounding Hasselhoff is a potential return to another one of his most beloved roles. Reports have circulated about a possible revival or continuation of his other iconic series, Knight Rider, with Hasselhoff reportedly set to return as Michael Knight. This buzz shows that the star of the original Baywatch cast remains highly relevant in the pop culture landscape. His enduring appeal is a testament to the power of 80s and 90s television.

He continues to appear in various films and television shows, often in comedic, self-parodying roles that lean into his global celebrity status. His work in the 2017 Baywatch movie reboot and the 2019 documentary Killing Hasselhoff highlight his willingness to embrace his legacy.

From Lifeguard Tower to Independent Cinema: The Core Original Ensemble

The supporting cast of the 1989 season, often overshadowed by the later additions of the syndicated run, has had diverse and fascinating post-Baywatch careers, ranging from soap opera stardom to professional photography and independent filmmaking.

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Parker Stevenson (Craig Pomeroy): A Shift to Photography

Parker Stevenson, who played the intellectual lifeguard Craig Pomeroy, had already achieved fame as one half of The Hardy Boys detective duo. After his initial run on Baywatch, Stevenson continued to act, but his true passion has led him behind the lens.

Post-Baywatch Career: Stevenson has established a successful career as a fine art photographer. His work, often focusing on landscapes, architecture, and street scenes, has been exhibited and sold widely. This creative pivot is a unique trajectory for a 1980s television star.

Recent Appearances: In 2024, Stevenson remained connected to his acting roots, appearing at fan conventions like the Bakersfield Comic-Con. His dual career as an actor and photographer provides a rich topical entity for discussion.

Erika Eleniak (Shauni McClain): The Tattooed Icon

Erika Eleniak, who played the young lifeguard Shauni McClain, was one of the few original cast members to transition into the syndicated version before leaving after Season 3. Her biggest film role came shortly after her Baywatch departure, starring opposite Steven Seagal in the blockbuster action film Under Siege.

Recent Updates (2024): Eleniak has continued her acting career primarily in independent films. However, she made news in 2024 by appearing on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, where she openly discussed her life and showed off her extensive arm sleeve tattoos, a stark contrast to her clean-cut Baywatch image. This candidness about her personal evolution has resonated with fans and provided a fresh perspective on the actress.

Billy Warlock (Eddie Kramer): The Daytime Drama King

Billy Warlock's role as Eddie Kramer, the troubled lifeguard and love interest to Shauni, was his most famous prime-time role. However, Warlock's true domain was daytime television, where he built a prolific and long-lasting career.

Soap Opera Legacy: Warlock is a major entity in the world of soap operas, most notably for his multiple stints as Frankie Brady on Days of Our Lives and his role as A.J. Quartermaine on General Hospital. His work earned him a Daytime Emmy Award, solidifying his status as a talented dramatic actor.

Current Status: While his last known acting credit was around 2011, his legacy in the television world, particularly the daytime drama genre, is secure. His career highlights the common path for many Baywatch actors who found steady work in other formats after the show.

The International and Tragic Figures of The First Season

Two other key members of the original 1989 cast, Peter Phelps and Shawn Weatherly, represent the show’s international reach and its willingness to tackle serious, dramatic storylines.

Peter Phelps (Trevor Cole): The Australian Veteran

Peter Phelps, who played the Australian lifeguard Trevor Cole, brought an international flair to the show's first season. He is one of Australia's busiest actors, writers, and directors, with a career spanning over five decades.

Australian Career Highlights: Phelps has starred in numerous legendary Australian TV dramas, including *Stingers*, for which he won a Logie Award. His most recent high-profile role was on the long-running Australian soap opera Home and Away, which he recently departed, marking a new phase in his career. His work is a strong entity of the Australian television industry.

Shawn Weatherly (Jill Riley): Miss Universe to Tragic Heroine

Shawn Weatherly's character, Jill Riley, was the first major character death on Baywatch, creating a dramatic, high-stakes moment for the otherwise light-hearted show. She left the series after the first season when her character succumbed to a shark attack, a shocking end for the original ensemble.

The Beauty Queen Background: Before Baywatch, Weatherly was a global celebrity, having won the titles of Miss USA and Miss Universe in 1980. This background is a significant part of her profile and a unique entity among the cast.

Current Life: While Weatherly has had a handful of acting roles since, including a part in *Police Academy 3: Back in Training*, she has largely stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her personal life. She remains a celebrated figure in the Miss Universe and Miss USA communities and is often mentioned in rankings of the wealthiest Baywatch stars, highlighting her lasting financial success.