Livvy Dunne, the former gymnast from Louisiana State University, is making headlines with her latest endeavour as she gears up for a role in the much-anticipated Baywatch reboot. The 23-year-old athlete recently took to Instagram to share her excitement, unveiling a few snapshots that capture her preparation for the role of Grace, a junior lifeguard. In a playful nod to her character, Dunne quipped, “I’m not a lifeguard, but I play one on TV,” alongside a series of vibrant photographs.
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Dunne’s post featured several images, including a striking photo of her lounging in a red bikini, reminiscent of the iconic lifeguard look. With a smile lighting up her face, she was seen reading through her script, embodying the sunny, beach-ready spirit of her new role. The post immediately drew positive attention, with Dunne’s fellow cast member, model Brooks Nader, commenting enthusiastically, “LETS GO BABY!” Nader has been cast as Selene, a sharp-tongued lifeguard captain in the series.
Accompanying the bikini snapshot were additional visuals, such as a screenshot from a Deadline article announcing her casting, and a selfie showcasing her beaming enthusiasm as she clutched her script. This peek into her preparation has resonated well with fans, particularly those who remember the original series that soared to popularity upon its debut in 1989.
The original Baywatch, which ran for an impressive 11 seasons, became a cultural phenomenon and carved a niche in television history. It starred notable actors such as David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and Carmen Electra. The reboot aims to bolster the legacy of the original while updating it for contemporary audiences. It will feature a fresh ensemble cast, including Stephen Amell in the lead role of Hobie Buchannon, and Shay Mitchell as Trina, a former lawyer turned lifeguard.
Before news of her casting, Dunne spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about her aspirations in the acting world. She expressed her commitment to honing her skills, revealing that she takes acting lessons and has nurtured a passion for performance over the years. “One thing people would be surprised about is that I take acting lessons — and I really love it,” Dunne shared, noting that her busy life as a student-athlete at LSU meant she had to balance her sporting commitments with her interest in acting.
Having graduated, Dunne feels it’s the right time to delve into her passion for acting. She remarked on the joy of seeing her hard work pay off, whether in gymnastics or acting, underscoring her determination to make her mark in the entertainment industry. “I just think watching all your hard work pay off, whether it’s an individual thing or a group thing, I think it’s so cool,” she said.
The reboot of Baywatch has been in the spotlight since its announcement in September 2025, promising a blend of high-stakes rescues, complex relationships, and the heroics associated with lifeguarding, all set against the backdrop of Southern California’s scenic shoreline. The logline for the series hints at the return of the adrenaline-pumping thrills that characterised the original, stating, “Fans can expect all the adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry and beachside heroics that defined the original — now with an entirely new cast, contemporary trappings, tensions and challenges.”
While the details surrounding the premiere date of the reboot remain under wraps, anticipation is building among fans eager to see how this revitalised series will honor its storied past while introducing new narratives and characters to a newer audience. As Dunne prepares to take on this exciting role, her journey from a collegiate athlete to a rising star in television is indeed one to watch. With her enthusiasm and commitment, she is poised to make a significant impact in her acting career while continuing to engage with her fans in new and exciting ways.