Livvy Dunne Teases Bikini Photo While Preparing for Role in ‘Baywatch’ Reboot

Former college gymnastics star and social media sensation Livvy Dunne is stepping into a new spotlight — and teasing fans with a glimpse of what’s ahead.

The 23-year-old influencer recently shared a playful bikini photo on social media, hinting at her preparations for an upcoming role in the highly anticipated reboot of the iconic TV series Baywatch. The post quickly sparked excitement among her millions of followers, offering an early look at Dunne embracing the beachside aesthetic that made the original show famous.

A New Chapter After Gymnastics

Dunne, whose full name is Olivia Paige Dunne, built a massive fanbase during her years competing for the LSU Tigers gymnastics team and through her strong presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. After retiring from collegiate gymnastics in 2025, she has been exploring opportunities beyond the sport — including modeling, brand partnerships, and now acting.

Her upcoming appearance in the rebooted Baywatch series will mark her first scripted television role. According to reports, Dunne will play Grace, a recurring character described as an enthusiastic junior lifeguard navigating the drama and high-stakes rescues that define life on the beach.

The show, currently in development for the Fox network, aims to modernize the original series while preserving its blend of action, glamour, and beachside rescue missions.

Social Media Tease Builds Buzz

Dunne’s recent Instagram post offered a playful nod to her new role. In the photo, she appeared in beachwear while reading a script — a subtle but unmistakable hint that preparations for filming are underway.

She captioned the post with a tongue-in-cheek line suggesting she may not be a real lifeguard, “but I play one on TV,” referencing the fictional world she is about to enter. The lighthearted moment quickly gained traction online, drawing comments from fans and fellow cast members alike.

For Dunne, who has cultivated a following of more than 10 million across social platforms, the teaser served both as a personal milestone and a strategic way to introduce audiences to her next career move.

A Star-Studded Reboot Cast

The new Baywatch series is assembling a cast that blends rising stars, influencers, and established actors.

Among those confirmed to appear in the reboot are Stephen Amell, who will portray Hobie Buchannon — the son of the original series’ iconic lifeguard Mitch Buchannon — along with Shay Mitchell, Hassie Harrison, and model-turned-actress Brooks Nader.

Veteran Baywatch actor David Chokachi is also expected to return, reprising his role as Cody Madison and bridging the gap between the original show and the reboot.

The new project is expected to run for 12 episodes and will film in beach locations around Los Angeles, capturing the sun-drenched visuals that made the franchise a global phenomenon in the 1990s.

From Athlete to Actress

Dunne’s transition from elite athlete to television performer has been gradual but intentional. In recent interviews and social media posts, she has revealed that she has been taking acting lessons and auditioning for roles as she explored opportunities beyond competitive gymnastics.

“I’ve been reading scripts and doing auditions,” she previously said, explaining that learning to portray characters has been an exciting challenge after years of performing as herself in the world of sports and social media.

The shift represents a broader trend among modern athletes who leverage large online audiences into careers in entertainment and media. Few, however, have made the jump with the kind of built-in fan base Dunne commands.

A Cultural Icon Returns

The original Baywatch series became one of the most recognizable television shows of the 1990s, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide and turning its cast into international stars.

The upcoming reboot aims to tap into that nostalgia while introducing a new generation of lifeguards, storylines, and action-packed beach rescues.

For Dunne, the role represents both a personal milestone and a high-profile debut in Hollywood. While production is still underway, early announcements and casting reveals have already generated considerable buzz among fans of the franchise.

With filming expected to begin soon and a release planned for the near future, Dunne’s teaser suggests she’s already embracing the red-swimsuit legacy that made Baywatch famous.

If the online reaction is any indication, audiences are more than ready to see how the former gymnast performs when the cameras start rolling.