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David Michael Hasselhoff (born July 17, 1952) is an American actor, singer and television personality who first reached national attention as Dr. 'Snapper' Foster on the CBS soap The Young and the Restless (1975–1982). He became an international television star as Michael Knight in NBC's action series Knight Rider (1982–1986) and later as lifeguard Mitch Buchannon on the long-running beach drama Baywatch (1989–2001), which he also produced in syndication. Across film, television and live performance, Hasselhoff has mixed dramatic roles, self-parodying cameos and stage musicals, and has had notable success as a recording artist in German-speaking Europe. In the 2000s and 2010s he broadened his public profile with reality and variety television appearances, judging on talent shows and taking part in Hollywood cameo roles. His career spans soap opera, prime-time drama, international pop music and recurring participation in comedy and genre films.

... David Hasselhoff began his television career in the 1970s and built a multi-decade public profile through high‑visibility lead roles and frequent guest appearances. After establishing himself as Dr. Snapper Foster on The Young and the Restless, Hasselhoff was cast as Michael Knight in Knight Rider, a role that made him a recognizable face around the world and introduced the talking car KITT. In 1989 he took the lead in Baywatch, reviving and producing the series for syndication; that incarnation of the show became a global export throughout the 1990s. Hasselhoff has balanced television drama with film cameos — including roles in comedies and family pictures — stage musicals such as the Broadway run of Jekyll & Hyde, and an active recording career, notably finding chart success in Germany. In later years he has appeared as a judge on talent programmes, starred in self‑referential sitcom and reality formats, and accepted prominent cameo and guest roles in franchise films and cult genre projects. His work is often self-aware, blending the heroic television persona that made him famous with comedic and nostalgic elements. Then & Now The 1980s In the 1980s David Hasselhoff rose to international stardom as Michael Knight in NBC’s action series Knight Rider (1982–1986), a role that made him a recognizable lead and introduced the talking car KITT as a pop‑culture touchstone. His image as an action hero and television star was cemented by the series’ global reach, transitioning him from daytime soap prominence into prime‑time visibility. By the close of the decade he took the lead in Baywatch (launched 1989) and positioned himself as a producer, setting the groundwork for the show’s later worldwide export. Alongside his screen work he pursued stage roles and recording projects, finding particular musical success in German‑speaking Europe. Now (2026) As of 2026 Hasselhoff remains a visible figure in entertainment, sustaining a career of occasional acting work, guest spots, reality and variety television appearances, and live performances that often play on his iconic status. He continues to embrace self‑parodying cameos and nostalgia‑driven projects while drawing on a multi‑decade résumé that spans soap opera, prime‑time drama, film and stage. His legacy is anchored by Knight Rider and Baywatch, a successful recording career in Europe, and a long record of participation in popular and genre entertainment worldwide. Career timeline 1952 Born David Michael Hasselhoff in Baltimore, Maryland (July 17, 1952). 1975 Begins appearing as Dr. 'Snapper' Foster on the CBS soap The Young and the Restless (1975–1982). 1982 Knight Rider debuts; Hasselhoff stars as Michael Knight (1982–1986). 1986 Knight Rider ends its original network run. 1989 Baywatch premieres; Hasselhoff stars as Mitch Buchannon and later serves as executive producer (1989–2001). 1991 Television sequel Knight Rider 2000 airs with Hasselhoff reprising Michael Knight. 2000 Makes Broadway debut in the title role of the musical Jekyll & Hyde. 2004 Appears in multiple film cameos, including The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story and EuroTrip. 2006 Serves as a judge on NBC's America's Got Talent (2006–2009). 2015 Appears in the television film Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and in the sitcom Hoff the Record (series began airing in 2015). Public reference sources Public biography and credit reference.Knight Rider overview (public profile context) Public biography and credit reference.Baywatch overview (public profile context) Public biography and credit reference.The Young and the Restless overview (public profile context) Biographical and credit details were checked against Knight Rider overview (public profile context), Baywatch overview (public profile context), The Young and the Restless overview (public profile context), America's Got Talent overview (public profile context).