A familiar face from Baywatch was recently spotted during a rare outing in Los Angeles—nearly three decades after first turning heads in the show’s iconic red swimsuit.
The actress, now 60, once portrayed a lifeguard captain for 22 episodes, starring alongside Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff as part of the hit series’ legendary cast. Though it’s been years since her time on the beach, she has continued to embrace her connection to the show through reunions and special appearances.
Her career extends beyond Baywatch, with roles in popular series like Saved By The Bell and Boy Meets World, adding to her status as a recognizable TV figure from the ‘90s.
So who is she?
It’s Nancy Valen.
Valen was seen enjoying a relaxed stroll through the city, dressed casually in black sweatpants, a white long-sleeve top, and sneakers, carrying her phone as she went about her day.
She remains a cherished part of Baywatch history, having played Captain Samantha Thomas between 1996 and 1997. The series itself became a global phenomenon during its run from 1989 to 1999, reaching massive audiences worldwide and being translated into dozens of languages.
Outside of Baywatch, Valen built a steady television career, making guest appearances on numerous hit shows including Friends, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Full House, and Miami Vice.
In her personal life, she has been married to actor and producer Nels Van Patten since 1994, and together they have two sons, Jake and Alex.
More recently, she shared a heartfelt update during the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, describing the tense situation near her home and expressing gratitude for first responders while sending support to those affected.
