The Incompatibility of Red Speedos and Rain
It’s a given: wearing a red Speedo in the rain simply doesn’t work. This understanding is universal.
Open Casting Call in Sunny Weather
After two days of relentless rain in Los Angeles, the skies finally cleared for a brief moment, allowing 2,000 aspiring actors and models to showcase their bathing suits at an open casting for Fox’s new version of “Baywatch.”
Excitement Outside the Marriott
Dozens of people of various ages and body types lined up outside the Marina del Rey Marriott, eagerly awaiting their turn. A young man dashed toward the lifeguard tower in just red underwear, while a middle-aged woman practiced scissor kicks. Despite the chilly 50-degree weather, many candidates were spotted running in slow motion through the water, driven by the aspiration to become the next David Hasselhoff or Pamela Anderson.
CPR Skills on Display
“How many of you actually know CPR?” a photographer asked from a ladder, and most hands shot up. One man, with a tanned, oiled body, confidently claimed, “I could save your life.” I couldn’t help but wonder, Am I in danger?
A Diverse Pool of Aspirants
The reboot of “Baywatch” aims to continue from where the original left off over 25 years ago. With an astounding 1 billion viewers during its peak, the show symbolized American dreams through its California beach setting. Out of 14,000 applicants, only 2,000 were called for auditions, representing a variety of backgrounds including a math tutor experiencing a “midlife crisis” and a clown adorned in white face paint.
New Faces and Old Connections
In the lineup, a 77-year-old woman named Margaret “BB” Dupré showcased her unique history as a stand-in for Pamela Anderson. Meanwhile, others voiced the need for more relatable characters, believing lifeguards can come from diverse walks of life. With auditions slated to begin in March, producers are eager to cast a wide range of roles to breathe new life into the beloved series.
Heartfelt and Hopeful Auditions
As casting directors cycle through auditions, a wave of nervous energy fills the room. Amidst the crowd, I encountered Dane Duda, a teenager who exited the audition room excitedly exclaiming, “That went so well! They loved me!” His friend, Elle Evan Casselman, shared her fun name backstory while reflecting on her audition experience. Both left with a sense of hope, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.
