David Hasselhoff, the iconic star of the television series Baywatch, has sparked renewed health concerns after being photographed in a wheelchair this week. The 73-year-old actor, who gained worldwide fame as the charismatic head lifeguard Mitch Buchannon, appeared notably frail and almost unrecognisable as he departed from a physical therapy session in Los Angeles.
Recovery After Surgery
The grey-haired star was seen with a bandage on his ankle, just weeks after undergoing replacement surgery on both his knee and hip. Hasselhoff was accompanied by his devoted wife, Hayley Roberts, 45, who provided attentive care as he was wheeled to a waiting vehicle. He was observed leaning on Roberts for support while transferring into the car.
Representatives for David Hasselhoff have been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment regarding his current health status.
Low Public Profile
Despite a Baywatch reboot currently in development, Hasselhoff has maintained an extremely low public profile. He has been seen in public only twice since July of last year, which has caused growing concern among his fans. Last month, exclusive Daily Mail photographs captured him struggling to stand, and just days earlier, he was spotted using trekking poles during a walk.
The Daily Mail has learned that the actor's health is improving following his recent surgeries. A representative previously confirmed that Hasselhoff had undergone the procedures after he was observed using a wheelchair at Los Angeles International Airport. The spokesperson added that he was recovering well and focusing on his rehabilitation.
Previous Health Struggles
In July, Hasselhoff told photographers that he was planning knee surgery, having been seen limping through the airport on his way to Cancun. He was later pushed in a wheelchair by an airline employee. At that time, a source told the Daily Mail that the actor was 'living on borrowed time' due to years of a demanding lifestyle.
Hasselhoff has faced past challenges with alcohol abuse. In 2007, a video apparently filmed by his daughter Taylor Ann showed him clearly intoxicated. In the footage, she questioned him about his drinking, expressing concern that it might jeopardise his role in a Las Vegas production of The Producers, in which he was performing at the time. After the clip was released, Hasselhoff claimed that his daughter had intentionally leaked it to reveal his behaviour when drunk.
Personal Loss
Hasselhoff's recent health issues come just over a year after the tragic death of his second wife and former Baywatch co-star, Pamela Bach, who died at the age of 62. She was found dead at her home in March 2025, having taken her own life. Pamela and Hasselhoff were married from 1989 until their divorce in 2006, and they had two daughters together: Taylor Hasselhoff-Fiore, 35, and Hayley Hasselhoff, 33.
A spokesman for Hasselhoff told the Daily Mail at the time: 'Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time but we kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time.'
Although they later starred together on Baywatch, Hasselhoff and Pamela first met on the set of his science fiction series Knight Rider in 1986. He was married to his co-star Catherine Hickland at the time; they divorced in 1989. That same year, Hasselhoff and Pamela reconnected when she was cast on Baywatch, and they were married later in 1989.
After his divorce, Hasselhoff began dating Hayley Roberts, who is from Wales, in 2011. The couple married in Puglia, Italy, in 2018.
