Baywatch Stars Reflect on Show's "Absurd" Plotlines, Low Pay, and Tommy Lee's Rage

"Baywatch" stars David Hasselhoff, Nicole Eggert, and others have shared their memories and insights about the popular TV series, revealing its seemingly nonsensical writing, surprisingly low pay, and a particular incident involving Pamela Anderson's jealous husband, Tommy Lee.

"Baywatch," an iconic television series that ran from 1989 to 2001, has left an enduring mark on pop culture. However, as former cast members reveal in the new docuseries "Baywatch: Moment in the Sun," the behind-the-scenes realities may not have been as glamorous as the show's image suggested.

Baywatch Stars Reflect on Show's "Absurd" Plotlines, Low Pay, and Tommy Lee's Rage

David Hasselhoff, the show's star, acknowledged that the plotlines "really wasn't good," but credited the cast's passion for making the show enjoyable for viewers. "We had passion," Hasselhoff said.

Nicole Eggert, who played Summer Quinn, recalled an episode featuring an octopus that held the cast hostage, exemplifying the show's "nonsensical" writing. Yet, this seemingly absurd element contributed to the show's popularity, coinciding with its frequent jokes on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."

Baywatch Stars Reflect on Show's "Absurd" Plotlines, Low Pay, and Tommy Lee's Rage

Despite the show's success, the "Baywatch" cast was not highly compensated. Eggert revealed that each actor earned only $3,500 per episode, a stark contrast to the reported $1 million per episode for "Friends" cast members at the time.

Erika Eleniak, another cast member, recalls being shocked at the low pay after taxes were deducted. The financial struggles faced by the cast underscore the often-overlooked reality of actors' earnings, even in popular television series.

Baywatch Stars Reflect on Show's "Absurd" Plotlines, Low Pay, and Tommy Lee's Rage

David Chokachi, who played Cody Madison, shared a memorable incident involving Pamela Anderson's then-husband, Tommy Lee. Chokachi reveals that Lee became jealous and "destroyed" Anderson's trailer on the set.

This incident highlights the personal drama that occasionally played out behind the scenes of "Baywatch." The cast members' recollections provide a more nuanced understanding of the show's history and the personal experiences of those involved.

Baywatch Stars Reflect on Show's "Absurd" Plotlines, Low Pay, and Tommy Lee's Rage

In a poignant update, Nicole Eggert shared her experience with breast cancer and her current status in the "gray area" of treatment. She emphasized the anxiety and uncertainty associated with this phase, where the outcome is not yet clear.

Eggert's openness about her health journey provides a reminder of the struggles that actors, and people in general, often face outside of the spotlight. The cast members' reflections on "Baywatch" offer a multifaceted perspective on the beloved TV series, highlighting its entertainment value, absurd moments, financial challenges, and the personal dramas that unfolded both on and off-screen.