Livvy Dunne, the former gymnast who has transitioned into the world of acting, recently opened up about her audition experiences during a guest appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon. In a light-hearted conversation aired on May 13, the 23-year-old shared candid insights about her early forays into television, revealing that she had previously auditioned for the acclaimed series “The White Lotus” before securing her current role in the reboot of “Baywatch.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/livvy-dunne-tonight-show-051426-dd49461e66e047959b4dfd85e7ea88c8.jpg)
While discussing her journey, Dunne recalled the nerves that gripped her during her first audition. Unlike gymnastics, where she was accustomed to performing routines on a four-inch beam, acting required her to convey emotions and portray different characters. The process, she admitted, was quite daunting. Despite her efforts, Dunne disclosed that she did not land the role for which she auditioned. When pressed by Fallon to unveil the identity of the show, she shyly confessed it was for “The White Lotus,” to which Fallon quipped, “No one watched that,” attempting to reassure her about the outcome.
Although the audition for “The White Lotus” did not yield the desired results, Dunne persevered and submitted a self-tape for the role in “Baywatch,” maintaining low expectations. To her surprise, she received a callback and ultimately secured the part. As announced by Fox in March, she will be making her acting debut in this prominent role, portraying Grace, a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard. Dunne will be sharing the screen with notable co-stars, including Stephen Amell, Thaddeus LaGrone, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Shay Mitchell, and Noah Beck. The much-anticipated series is scheduled for release in January 2027.
Reflecting on her career shift, Dunne shared with PEOPLE last month her plans to focus more on acting following her retirement from gymnastics in April 2025. She expressed a desire to pursue her creative passions now that she has more time available. “One thing people would be surprised about is that I take acting lessons — and I really love it,” Dunne remarked. “It’s something I’ve been passionate about for quite some time.”
During her time as a student-athlete at LSU, Dunne found that gymnastics consumed her priorities, leaving little room for other interests. However, with her academic commitments behind her, she is excited to embrace the artistic side of her career. “Now that I’m done with school, I have more time to lean into the acting stuff,” she shared. “I feel like collaborating on creativity and seeing the end result, having something be great after, that’s something that I love.”
Dunne’s journey from the gymnastics mat to the television screen is an inspiring narrative of determination and reinvention. The former athlete has gained a significant following on social media, using her platform to connect with fans and share her experiences during this transformative period of her life. The excitement surrounding her upcoming role in “Baywatch” demonstrates the potential she has to captivate audiences in a new medium.
While the transition from sports to acting may seem like a leap, Dunne’s strong work ethic and passion for performance have set the stage for her success. As preparations continue for the new “Baywatch,” fans of the original series and newcomers alike are eager to see how Dunne will bring her character to life, further expanding her repertoire beyond her illustrious gymnastics career.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, driven by fresh talent and new narratives, Livvy Dunne represents a wave of young performers ready to break into the scene. With her upcoming role in “Baywatch” and her commitment to honing her acting skills, Dunne’s story is one to watch in the coming years.