Livvy Dunne Secures Fourth Consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Appearance for 2026
Former LSU gymnast and social media sensation Livvy Dunne has once again been selected for the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, marking her fourth straight year in the iconic publication. The 2026 edition, announced on Tuesday, features Dunne among nine prominent women, including Team USA rugby player Ilona Maher, who is making her second appearance.
Dunne's Rising Star in Modeling and Acting
This latest accolade follows Dunne's career-highlight cover shot for the 2025 issue, photographed in Bermuda. For the 2026 shoot, the group traveled to Loreto on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, where Dunne stunned in a white bikini, posing seductively on a sandy beach. Her inclusion comes just weeks after she announced a surprising move into acting, landing a role in the highly-anticipated Baywatch reboot.
At 23 years old, Dunne is set to make her acting debut as a junior lifeguard in the remake of the iconic '90s series. She joins a standout cast that includes model Brooks Nader, actresses Hassie Harrison, Shay Mitchell, and Jessica Belkin, along with TikTok personality Noah Beck. Last week, Dunne shared a selfie from the Malibu set with co-star Harrison, both wearing the famous red Baywatch swimsuits, captioning it 'Baewatch' on her Instagram story.
Behind the Scenes of the Sports Illustrated and Baywatch Projects
Dunne's preparation for the Baywatch role has been a focal point of her recent activities. She was seen frolicking on the sand with castmates, all showcasing their chiseled physiques in red swimwear. The casting choices, which include social media stars like Dunne and Nader, have sparked some surprise due to their Instagram fame over acting experience. However, Dunne expressed excitement about carving out an acting career, noting that her time as a student-athlete at LSU limited such pursuits.
'It's something I've been passionate about for quite some time,' Dunne said earlier this month. 'And now that I'm done with school, I have more time to lean into the acting stuff and the creative side of things.' She emphasized the satisfaction of seeing hard work pay off, whether in gymnastics or acting.
Other Highlights from the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 Issue
The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue also features models such as Bethenny Frankel, Haley Baylee, Lauren Chan, Jocelyn Corona, Hunter McGrady, and Molly Sims. Ilona Maher, a Team USA rugby player who won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and appeared on Dancing With the Stars, brings athletic prowess and a massive social media following to the lineup.
Dunne's dual ventures in modeling and acting underscore her expanding influence beyond social media. As she continues to balance high-profile projects, fans eagerly await her performances both in print and on screen, highlighting her versatility and dedication to new creative challenges.
