New Jersey’s influence on the entertainment world continues to expand as another rising talent from the Garden State steps into the spotlight. Livvy Dunne, the Hillsdale native who became one of the most recognizable names in collegiate athletics and digital media, is now preparing for a new chapter in her career—television acting.
Dunne has reportedly joined the cast of the upcoming Baywatch reboot, a high-profile television revival scheduled to premiere on Fox during the 2026–2027 broadcast season. The project marks the professional acting debut for the former LSU gymnastics star and signals her transition from elite athletics to the film and television industry.
For New Jersey audiences, the casting announcement represents another example of how the state continues to produce influential figures across sports, entertainment, and digital culture. From actors and producers to filmmakers and television personalities, the Garden State has long served as a launching pad for talent that reaches audiences around the world.
Stories about emerging actors, production developments, and New Jersey’s growing role in the entertainment industry are regularly highlighted within the Explore New Jersey film and television section, where the state’s expanding presence in Hollywood, streaming platforms, and major network productions continues to unfold.
With her upcoming role in the Baywatch reboot, Livvy Dunne is now becoming part of that evolving narrative.
A Hillsdale Native Steps Into Television
Before stepping into the world of scripted television, Livvy Dunne built an extraordinary profile in collegiate athletics and digital media.
Raised in Hillsdale, New Jersey, Dunne first gained national attention as a competitive gymnast whose performances helped elevate the visibility of women’s collegiate gymnastics. Her athletic accomplishments were matched by an unprecedented digital following that turned her into one of the most recognizable student-athletes in the country.
Through social media platforms and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, Dunne became a powerful voice in the evolving landscape of college sports. Her influence extended far beyond the gym, reaching millions of fans who followed her journey as both an athlete and a personality.
When she retired from competitive gymnastics in April 2025, many observers speculated about what might come next.
The answer appears to be Hollywood.
According to reports surrounding the Baywatch reboot, Dunne has spent the past year preparing for a career in film and television, including taking professional acting lessons as she transitions into the entertainment industry.
Her casting in the new series represents the first major step in that transition.
Dunne’s Role in the Baywatch Reboot
In the upcoming series, Dunne will portray Grace, a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard working within the Baywatch team.
The role is described as recurring, meaning Dunne will appear in multiple episodes throughout the show’s first season rather than serving as a permanent series regular.
For a performer making her acting debut, the recurring role offers a valuable opportunity to develop her on-screen presence while participating in a large-scale television production.
It also places Dunne within a cast that blends new talent with familiar names tied to the original Baywatch legacy.
A New Chapter for the Baywatch Franchise
The new Baywatch series is being developed by showrunner Matt Nix and is positioned not as a full reboot but as a continuation of the original show’s storyline.
Rather than starting from scratch, the new version builds upon the existing Baywatch universe, following the next generation of lifeguards while acknowledging the legacy characters and stories that made the original series a global phenomenon.
At the center of the story is Hobie Buchannon, the son of David Hasselhoff’s iconic character from the original show.
In the reboot, Hobie—now portrayed by Stephen Amell—has grown into the role of Baywatch Captain. His life becomes complicated when his long-lost daughter Charlie, played by Jessica Belkin, suddenly appears with the intention of joining the lifeguard team and continuing the family legacy.
This generational storyline allows the series to blend nostalgia with fresh narratives, creating a bridge between longtime fans of the franchise and new audiences discovering Baywatch for the first time.
Familiar Faces and a New Ensemble Cast
The upcoming series features a mix of returning Baywatch figures and contemporary television personalities.
Original cast member David Chokachi, who portrayed lifeguard Cody Madison in the classic series, will return to the franchise. In the new storyline, his character operates a boardwalk bar known as The Shoreline, serving as a connection between the past and present of the Baywatch universe.
Alongside Dunne, the reboot’s ensemble cast includes actors and personalities such as Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, Brooks Nader, Hassie Harrison, and Thaddeus LaGrone.
This lineup reflects the show’s strategy of blending established performers with digital-era personalities capable of attracting a new generation of viewers.
For Dunne, joining such a diverse cast provides an opportunity to learn from experienced actors while developing her own presence within the entertainment industry.
Filming Set to Begin This Spring
Production on the reboot’s 12-episode first season is expected to begin this spring.
Filming will primarily take place in Venice Beach, one of the most recognizable settings associated with the Baywatch franchise, along with additional production work on the Fox Century City backlot.
These locations allow the show to maintain the sun-drenched California aesthetic that helped define the original series while incorporating modern production techniques and storytelling.
Dunne recently confirmed her involvement in the project through social media, sharing a photo of herself holding a script while standing on a beach.
The caption—“I’m not a lifeguard, but I play one on TV”—quickly circulated across entertainment media and fan communities, further fueling anticipation for the series.
New Jersey’s Long History in Film and Television
Livvy Dunne’s casting adds another chapter to New Jersey’s long relationship with the entertainment industry.
The Garden State has produced a remarkable number of actors, filmmakers, writers, and producers who have shaped Hollywood and television over the decades. From iconic performers to groundbreaking directors, New Jersey’s creative talent has consistently reached global audiences.
In recent years, the state has also strengthened its position as a production hub.
New Jersey’s film and television industry has experienced a resurgence thanks to new production incentives, expanded studio infrastructure, and an increasing number of projects choosing to film throughout the state.
Major studios, streaming platforms, and independent filmmakers have begun utilizing New Jersey’s diverse locations—from coastal towns and historic cities to suburban neighborhoods and urban skylines.
This renewed momentum has turned the Garden State into one of the fastest-growing film production regions in the country.
As a result, New Jersey is no longer simply producing talent—it is increasingly hosting the productions themselves.
From Gymnastics Arena to Television Set
Livvy Dunne’s journey from competitive gymnastics to network television highlights the evolving paths available to modern public figures.
Today’s athletes often develop massive audiences through digital platforms, allowing them to expand into new industries once their athletic careers conclude.
Dunne’s transition reflects a broader trend where sports stars leverage their public visibility to explore opportunities in entertainment, media, and storytelling.
However, her reported commitment to acting training suggests she is approaching the industry with a focus on professional development rather than relying solely on name recognition.
For audiences, this combination of established popularity and emerging acting talent creates an intriguing dynamic as she enters her first scripted television role.
A New Jersey Story on the National Stage
For residents across Bergen County and the broader New Jersey region, Dunne’s casting carries a sense of hometown pride.
Seeing a Hillsdale native step onto a major television production reinforces the idea that talent from the Garden State can emerge from any background—athletics, academia, arts, or entrepreneurship—and ultimately reach national and international audiences.
It also reflects the broader cultural influence New Jersey continues to exert across the entertainment world.
From the earliest days of cinema to today’s streaming era, the Garden State has played a vital role in shaping American storytelling.
With the upcoming Baywatch reboot preparing to introduce Livvy Dunne to television audiences, another New Jersey story is about to unfold on screens across the country.
And for viewers in the Garden State, watching that journey begin adds an extra layer of excitement to one of television’s most anticipated revivals.
