Livvy Dunne announced her casting in the Baywatch reboot during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon [1].
The move marks a transition for the former LSU gymnast and social-media star from collegiate athletics into professional entertainment. By leveraging her massive digital following, Dunne is positioning herself as a multi-platform celebrity in both sports and acting.
During the interview, Dunne demonstrated the iconic Baywatch beach run for Fallon [1]. She said, "I’m so excited to be part of the Baywatch reboot and finally get to run on the beach like the original series" [3]. This project serves as her first acting role [3].
Dunne also shared details about her early attempts to enter the industry. She said her first in-person acting audition was for the fourth season of the HBO series The White Lotus [2]. Despite the effort, she said she did not get the part [2].
Beyond her acting pursuits, the athlete discussed her recent modeling milestones. Dunne is featured in the fourth Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue [1]. She said that being included in the publication is a dream come true for her [1].
Dunne, who is dating Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, used the platform to promote her expanding portfolio [1, 2]. The appearance highlighted her shift toward a career in the public eye following her gymnastics tenure.
“"I’m so excited to be part of the Baywatch reboot and finally get to run on the beach like the original series."”
Dunne's transition into acting and high-profile modeling represents a broader trend of 'athlete-influencers' diversifying their brands. By securing a role in a recognized franchise like Baywatch, she is moving from short-form social media content to traditional studio productions, potentially increasing her marketability beyond the sports world.
