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.
Her drug dependency led to professional difficulties, with reports of her arriving late on set and personal issues impacting her work. In a candid interview, Bleeth admitted her addiction started socially but quickly spiraled out of control, leading to severe health problems and a stint in rehab. It was during rehab that she met her future husband, Paul Cerrito, whom she married in 2002.
A Quieter Life
After leaving Baywatch, Bleeth stepped away from the limelight, with her last major appearance being in Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding in 2003.
She lived a more reclusive life for nearly 20 years before returning to acting in 2021 in the comedy Whack the Don. As of February 2024, IMDb lists three upcoming titles for her.
In 2020, she was photographed walking her dog in California, and in June 2023, she was spotted dressed up for a sushi lunch in San Fernando Valley, indicating she maintains a low-profile but still enjoys moments in the public eye.