The iconic TV series "Baywatch" captivated audiences worldwide, but behind the glitz and glamour, the cast reveals the show's ridiculous plot lines, low pay, and a jealous rage that destroyed a trailer.
"Baywatch," the quintessential beach drama that defined the 1990s, has left an enduring legacy in popular culture. However, years after its cancellation, the show's stars have shed light on the absurdity behind its success.
In the documentary "Baywatch: Moment in the Sun," David Hasselhoff, the show's iconic patriarch, admitted, "The show really wasn't good." He attributed its appeal to the cast's passion and charisma, rather than the quality of the writing.
Baywatch: Behind the Scenes Chaos and Absurdity
Co-star Kelly Slater recalled an episode where an octopus held the cast hostage, prompting him to question the show's logic. Co-creator Douglas Schwartz, however, revealed that the show's nonsensical nature paradoxically boosted its ratings.
"We were the butt of jokes on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' all the time, and every time he said a joke, our ratings went up," Schwartz explained.
Baywatch: Behind the Scenes Chaos and Absurdity
Despite its immense popularity, the "Baywatch" cast was notoriously underpaid. Nicole Eggert, who played Summer Quinn, revealed that they earned a mere $3,500 per episode, a far cry from the multi-million dollar salaries of stars on sitcoms like "Friends."
"I actually remember freaking out seeing my first paycheck after the taxes were taken out," Eggert said. "How am I honestly going to live on this money?"
Baywatch: Behind the Scenes Chaos and Absurdity
Billy Warlock, who portrayed Eddie Kramer, lamented, "There's not one rich actor on 'Baywatch.' Not one."
In a particularly shocking revelation, David Chokachi, who played Cody Madison, recalled an incident where Pamela Anderson's husband at the time, Tommy Lee, flew into a jealous rage and "destroyed her trailer."
Baywatch: Behind the Scenes Chaos and Absurdity
"The cast was pretty shocked," Chokachi said. "We had to take a break from filming, and it was a big deal."
Despite the off-camera drama and absurd plot lines, "Baywatch" remains a beloved relic of the '90s, a testament to the undeniable chemistry of its cast and the enduring allure of sun, sand, and surf.
