Yasmine Bleeth, best known for her role as Caroline Holden on the ’90s hit series Baywatch, has had a career filled with both highs and lows.
Early Career and Rise to Stardom
Starting as a pre-teen New York native, she made her acting debut at 12 in the 1983 film Hey Babe, where she played an orphan named Theresa alongside comedian Buddy Hackett.
Her performance earned her early recognition and set the stage for her acting career. At 16, she starred in the daytime soap opera Ryan’s Hope until its cancellation in 1989.
After her mother’s death, she returned to acting in One Life to Live and later had roles in Herman’s Head and Baywatch.
Baywatch Success and Personal Struggles
Bleeth’s role in Baywatch from 1993 to 1997 as Caroline Holden made her a household name. Originally intended for just one episode, her popularity secured her a spot in 72 episodes.
Her character, the younger sister of Stephanie Holden, resonated with fans, and she starred alongside David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and other notable cast members.
Her success on Baywatch led to her being listed among People’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 1995 and repeatedly on FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World from 1996 to 2001.
However, her career faced challenges due to her struggles with cocaine addiction. After Baywatch, she appeared in TV shows like Nash Bridges and movies such as BASEketball and Undercover Angel.