**Former LSU Gymnast Livvy Dunne to Star in Upcoming Baywatch Reboot**
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Livvy Dunne, the former gymnast from Louisiana State University (LSU), has made waves in the entertainment world as she prepares to take her first steps into acting. Announced through a collaborative post by Fox TV and the official Baywatch Instagram, Dunne will be joining the cast of the much-anticipated reboot of the iconic franchise. The series is set to launch in the 2026-2027 season and promises to bring a fresh twist to the beloved lifeguard tale.


In her role as Grace, Dunne will portray a “highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard.” The announcement highlights her shift from a successful gymnastics career to the realm of acting, an ambition she has harboured for some time. Dunne expressed her excitement about this new opportunity, emphasizing her passion for acting during an interview with PEOPLE magazine.
The news comes following her retirement from gymnastics in April 2025, a move that has afforded her the chance to explore her creative interests. “It’s something I’ve been passionate about for quite some time,” Dunne stated, recounting her earlier commitment to sports while a student-athlete at LSU. “I was interested in doing that at LSU, but sports are your top priority when you’re a student-athlete at school; school and sports, but really gymnastics was my main focus.” With her academic and athletic obligations behind her, she is eager to channel her energy into acting.
A year prior, Dunne hinted at future projects during an exclusive interview at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch party. Her cryptic remarks encouraged fans to “stay tuned” for her upcoming on-screen appearances. This latest announcement confirms that she is indeed ready to step into the spotlight, a move that appears to align seamlessly with her aspirations.
The reboot is not only about Dunne’s entry into the acting profession; it also features an ensemble cast including Brooks Nader, who has been cast as Selene, a no-nonsense lifeguard captain. According to the character description released, Selene is known for her sharp tongue and her contrasting approach to lifeguarding alongside Hobie Buchannon, a character played by Stephen Amell. Their relationship is characterised by ongoing tension that intensifies further when Hobie introduces his daughter onto the team.
Other notable cast members include Noah Beck as Luke and Shay Mitchell, who will portray Trina. Hassie Harrison is set to take on the role of Nat, while Thaddeus LaGrone will play Brad. Additionally, David Chokachi will be reprising his classic role as Cody Madison from the original series, which adds a nostalgic touch for fans of the franchise.
The Baywatch franchise originally debuted in 1989, making a significant cultural impact during its run. It enjoyed an initial season on NBC before transitioning to a syndicated series for an impressive ten additional seasons. The series has since inspired a variety of adaptations, including a 2003 reunion special titled Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding, which aired on Fox, a short-lived spinoff called Baywatch Nights, and a 2017 feature film that starred Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.
As anticipation builds for the reboot, Dunne’s involvement serves as an exciting crossroads between her athletic past and her creative future. With both impressive credentials as an athlete and a burgeoning career in acting, Livvy Dunne is poised to make a significant impact as she moves into this new phase of her professional life. Fox’s upcoming series may just open the door to further opportunities for her within the acting community, proving that the transition from athletics to the arts can lead to remarkable new pathways.
As more details emerge about the casting and storyline, fans can look forward to seeing how Dunne adapts to the world of Baywatch, bringing her own unique energy to the role of Grace. For those who have followed her journey, it promises to be an exciting chapter in her young career.
