With the onset of the new
By Tim Ryan
season, David Hasselhoff
takes a look at life with or
without 'Baywatch'
Star-BulletinDavid Hasselhoff likes to say that two-thirds of the planet is covered by water, and "the rest by 'Baywatch' fans."
On a late weekday afternoon, Hasselhoff is energetic, talkative and definitely in his "I'm-a-friend-to-the-media" mode. That's a good thing because as friendly as Hasselhoff is when he's out in public, the actor also is a very private person who admits he sometimes says things to reporters better left unsaid.
One of the things he does very well is make reporters feel comfortable when they're on his turf, and that's anything to do with "Baywatch." And if you're feeling even slightly uncomfortable, Hasselhoff may ingratiate himself asking in the humblest of tones if some of his straight forward answers can be written in a way that doesn't offend anyone.
"I know this interview will get me in trouble, but I have to be honest about things," he says, with a boyish laugh.Instead of doing the interview in his trailer at Haleiwa Beach Park where "Baywatch Hawaii" is filming, Hasselhoff is in an ocean-view suite at the Turtle Bay Hilton. At 46, he's in good shape. His eyes sparkle an impossible blue and his teeth are bright white. The actor is dressed in jogging pants, running shoes, polo shirt.
During the hourlong interview, Hasselhoff gets in and out of his chair several times, walking around the room answering questions, jumping up and down to emphasize a point, or, he leans forward to stare straight into the writer's eyes.
Something seems to be on his mind, as if he's trying to figure out how to get the question he wants to answer.
As questions center around the new 'Baywatch' and next season, Hasselhoff smiles, saying: "This may be my last season (on "Baywatch"). Honestly, I don't know yet.
"See, the show is going through a rebirth," he explains. "Whether I stay or leave the show remains to be seen. The option is open."
Hasselhoff says the show, which relocated to Hawaii this year, is trying to "find its way" with a new cast. And the challenge is writing shows and characters "people care about," he says.
"Honestly, I don't know if it'll happen this year, but I've done everything I can to keep my 'quote unquote' Michael Landon School of Television finesse in the scenes," Hasselhoff says.
The actor admits he's been "in and out" of the production this season with a few long weekends back to Los Angeles and with his early departure "I'm not riding shotgun like I usually do; it's up to my writing staff and the cast to rise to the occasion."
Hasselhoff says the new cast comprises "great kids, all very ... talented," but says, "The question is, can my partners and writers mold them into a group of people that audiences care about like they did with previous casts."
Hasselhoff appears in 14 episodes this season, including seven cameo appearances, said Bonann, "Baywatch" producer and the show's creator.
Bonann would "love" Hasselhoff to return "every season" but "the show will continue and thrive with or without David," he said. Hasselhoff's contract with "Baywatch Hawaii" is year to year.
Returning next season is "not Greg's decision; it's my decision," Hasselhoff emphasizes.
Although Hasselhoff is listed as a producer in the credits, he doesn't receive additional pay. His salary is based on acting; and when that stops, so do his "Baywatch" pay checks, a source said.
There's no sign in the new shows that Hasselhoff's character Capt. Mitch Buchannon is retiring. The show's writers are not phasing him out, Bonann said. His early departure this season is explained by the character needing to return to Los Angeles to head the lifeguard center there.
Hasselhoff's character this season is "more laid back," he said.
"It's still the essence of Mitch, but he's more of a counselor kind of guy rather than being the gung ho beach guy all the time."
Hasselhoff believes the show "still really needs that veteran, cohesive person" which he brings to "Baywatch."
"My partners didn't really realize that until the first (few scenes) came in," he said. "We were trying to give everyone else their due, but ... it wasn't working without that anchor."
Hasselhoff leans back in his chair, raising the front two legs off the floor.
"I have to be honest about where I'm at with the show right now," he says. "For the last 10 years it's been like a marriage for my partners and me. Just this morning I had a difference of opinion with Greg and I told him I love you like a brother, but we have different tastes."
At least partly that means the show may be using too many "shots of beautiful beaches and swimming," said Hasselhoff who wants to see more "emotion" with his character.
"Just give me a little girl, put her in a coma and let me save her, give it some feeling, emotion to deal with."
Hasselhoff insists any feelings about leaving the beach has nothing to do with salary, which reportedly is in excess of $100,000 an episode."For 10 years I've said that I never walk away from a winner. If there's a way for me to come back to keep the show going, like directing a few episodes a year while still letting me pursue my other interests, maybe."
Hasselhoff will notify producers in December whether he'll return for season 11.
"It's time for me to grow ... on other creative levels. Most likely if I do come back ... it'll be more behind the camera, directing."
And he won't act in as many episodes next year as he did this season.
"No way," Hasselhoff says.
Mitch Buchannon's heir apparent on the show is Jason Brooks who portrays Sean Monroe.
"He's a very good actor and when he smiles he lights up the screen. I like the guy," Hasselhoff says. "I hope 'Baywatch' goes through the roof with him and continues for another 10 years so I can come back every summer and direct a few episodes. Hell, I want to buy a house here."
Hasselhoff this year flexed his acting muscles in a few television projects, including the mini-series "Shaka Zulu -- The Citadel," in which he plays a slave trader. He'll also appear in the mini-series "The Diamond Hunter." Hasselhoff also is recording an album in Spanish.
The actor bolts out of his seat saying he's been thinking about leaving Los Angeles to move to New York.
"Yes, I think I would like to do a play," Hasselhoff say, "Something like 'Les Miz'."
Hasselhoff catches himself in mid-sentence, sits back down and looks at an ocean being whipped by 30 mph winds.
"I'm not sure where this is all going to go," he says. "I'm not going to say I'm not coming back ... but, you know, 10 years is 10 years."
ON AIR
'Baywatch Hawaii' season opener
The premiere screening of the first and second episodes of the new "Baywatch Hawaii" will take place at a fund-raiser 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Haleiwa Surf Center, headquarters for the show's fictitious lifeguard team. For $250, you can mug with
the stars and help a good causeThe event is presented by Camp Baywatch and Al Masini Productions.
Besides the screening, there will be a sunset dinner and silent auction to benefit Opportunities for the Retarded, Inc. and the Hawaii Junior Lifeguard Program.
Camp Baywatch is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspirational and educational programs for youth.
Other local celebrities are expected to attend the event, with rates as follows:
Reserve tickets by Wednesday by calling Colleen Read at "Baywatch Hawaii," 733-4144; or Margaret Arakaki at Al Masini Productions, 377-2338.
"Baywatch Hawaii's" timeslot on Saturday and Sunday in the late afternoon beginning Sept. 25 is the best slot that Fox affiliate KHON-TV2 has to offer right now but a later spot might be found depending on the show's ratings, station officials sid. Baywatch Hawaii has
Saturday timeslot so far"Baywatch Hawaii" premieres 5 p.m. Saturday, and repeats at 4 p.m. Oct. 3.
The current "Baywatch Hawaii" broadcast time "is not locked in stone," said Kent Baker, KHON general manager. "Our prime time is pretty well filled up and we really can't preempt (Fox) prime-time programming ... it makes them very angry."
Baker said there's no specific ratings number the hourlong lifeguard drama needs to achieve to force the station to move the show to a later time slot.
Other episodes will air Oct. 2 and 9 with no Sunday rebroadcasts. Programs will run every Saturday beginning Oct. 16, with rebroadcasts running eight days later.
"We'll watch the reaction from Hawaii residents before we decide anything," Baker said.
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