Original Baywatch favorite Erika Eleniak has been spotted on set for the first time as production begins on the highly anticipated reboot from Fox and Fremantle.
The new series features a fresh lineup including Brooks Nader, Shay Mitchell, and Livvy Dunne, alongside returning cast member David Chokachi.
Eleniak will reprise her role as Shauni McClain in a guest appearance. The 56-year-old actress was seen filming in Marina del Rey, California, dressed in a neutral-toned outfit layered over a green top. Notably, her signature tattoos—now covering much of her arms and neck—were concealed with makeup for the role.
She was one of the standout stars of the original Baywatch, appearing from 1989 to 1992. Around the same time, she also gained attention for her Playboy cover, following in the footsteps of co-stars like Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra.
In the reboot, Shauni has evolved into a city councilwoman in Santa Monica and will assist Hobie Buchannon in organizing the first-ever Beach Games—an event that pits Baywatch lifeguards against the Coast Guard in a series of challenges.
Interestingly, Hobie—originally the son of Mitch Buchannon, played by David Hasselhoff—returns as a central character, now portrayed by Stephen Amell. The role was previously played by Brandon Call and later Jeremy Jackson.
In this updated version, Hobie has stepped into a leadership role as captain of the Baywatch team, following in his father’s footsteps. However, his personal life adds complexity, particularly with the arrival of his estranged daughter, Charlie, played by Jessica Belkin, who joins the lifeguard team.
Additional cast members include Noah Beck, Hassie Harrison, and Thaddeus LaGrone.
Eleniak’s career began early—she appeared in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as a young girl in a classroom scene. She went on to land roles in projects like The Blob remake and films such as Under Siege alongside Steven Seagal, as well as The Beverly Hillbillies and Bordello of Blood.
In recent years, her work has included smaller independent films and a 2024 appearance in Lolipop Gang. She also lent her voice to the podcast series The Murder Years.
Today, Eleniak is known for her striking, tattoo-covered look—something she has embraced as a form of personal expression. She has shared that each tattoo carries meaning, describing her body as a canvas that tells her life story.
