When Nicole Eggert began her journey on Baywatch in 1992 as Roberta “Summer” Quinn, things weren’t exactly perfect. In a recent episode of the “Never Here Hollywood” podcast, she reflected on her time with the popular series.
Initially, Eggert was slated to be part of a spin-off that featured a “90210-style” storyline focused on beach training for lifeguards. However, due to the immense success of Baywatch, that spin-off never materialized. “They said, ‘There’s no spinoff. This is what works, and we want it to stay like this,” she explained.
Eggert eventually decided to leave the show after two seasons. “I thought that stepping away could help me escape the stigma associated with being on the show,” she admitted.
This stigma has influenced her dating life as well. “People have preconceived notions about who you are, which makes it challenging for them to really know you,” she shared.
When asked what it was like to be part of such a prominent television show, Eggert described it as “strange.” She expressed that the media scrutiny was tough and that “the casting door was no longer open.” She recounted how they were labeled as “Baywatch Bimbo,” and it felt like a mixed-up situation, having a top-rated show but being tagged in such a negative way.
After her departure from the show, she returned to the Baywatch universe in 2003 for “Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding.” Reflecting on her decision to join the franchise, she later remarked to People Magazine that she had no idea what she had signed up for initially. She remembered thinking, “Are we really going to wear swimsuits all day?”
During her early days, Eggert felt out of place among the other fit and toned actresses. “I felt like a ‘hoop’ in that one-piece swimsuit,” she confessed, adding that it wasn’t the show she had envisioned being a part of.
At 18, she underwent breast augmentation, a choice she now regrets. “I looked at all those young girls and thought, ‘Leave your body alone!’ But the pressure to fit in was, well, overwhelming.” Over time, she began to question the wisdom of that decision, seeing it as a “stupid 18-year-old move.” She has since had several procedures and appeared on “Botched” seeking a reduction.
In January 2024, Eggert revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. Initially attributing her symptoms to menopause, she later discovered a lump during a self-examination. “It hurt and throbbed,” she said. Despite the urgency, scheduling an appointment was challenging, and she had to wait until late November to get it checked out. Sadly, she learned she had stage 2 breast cancer, with a family history of the disease influencing her feelings.
