“Was So Embarrassed”: American Surfing Legend Once Opened Up on His Terrible Experience Starring in Baywatch

One show that incorporated its way into the minds of the audience was Baywatch. Ever since its arrival, the 90s kids knew the ins and outs of the famous TV show that aired for a decade. Along with the main stars, like David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, Kelly Slater found his way into the show.

The surfing legend appeared on the show for 27 episodes in the early 90s. However, appearing on the show was not in his plans and he regrets it now.

Fans often regard the famous surfer as the greatest surfboarder in the world. Winning titles was a testament to his success, but Slater found it hard to adjust to his new surroundings.

Kelly Slater opens up on Baywatch appearance

The iconic TV show from the 90s hit screens all over the planet as people adored it. A simple story of lifeguards patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles, California, it had 11 seasons for its fans. Slater appeared as a character named Jimmy Slade.

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Despite that, he revealed how his mother and manager wanted him to do the show, even though he lacked the interest to do the show. The eleven-time World surfing champion opened up on signing reluctantly for the show.

“I was very reluctant to do it. I was so embarrassed that I was going to have to do the show and I just really didn’t want to. I wanted to go surfing and win contests and be a professional surfer and that was it. I wasn’t trying to go be an actor.”

“Surfing wasn’t some launch pad to acting. Surfing was my craft, and that was what I was good at. I wish I had been a bit more mature in being able to deal with that but I didn’t have the skills at the time,” said Slater.

Being a superstar on the show gives you recognition. But Slater revealed how he hated it. He had a two-year run in the show and dated co-star Pamela Anderson for some time. He won his first World title back in 1992 followed by incredible success, thereafter.

Why did he quit the show?

With fans criticizing him for branding the surfer culture for the show, he had a tough time dealing with scenarios from there. Hence, the sensational surfer had to prove a point during his first World Championship. He did his talking on the board.

Although Slater did not love his time during the show, the TV show was a massive success. It was reported that over one billion people watched it every week, owing to the incredible success. Hence, Baywatch became an iconic show for everyone involved.

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