What To Know
- Erika Eleniak, known for her role as Shauni in the original Baywatch series, announced on Instagram that she is returning to acting.
- She will also reprise her iconic role in the upcoming Baywatch reboot series.
- Fans expressed excitement and support for her return.
Baywatch star Erika Eleniak just announced a major career update.
On Friday, August 7, the actress who played Shauni in the original ’90s series took to Instagram with exciting news.
“Something is coming…” she teased. “2026 feels like the start of a whole new chapter. I’m 56, I’ve embraced the tattoos, the journey, the ups, the downs and everything that has made me who I am today.”
Eleniak then declared, “I’ve also made a big decision…IM COMING BACK TO ACTING!!”
She explained, “I have an incredible new team behind me, exciting new projects in the works, and over the coming weeks I’ll be sharing a side of me you’ve never really seen before. This is just the beginning — stay tuned.”
Fans were already excited about Eleniak reprising her role as Shauni for the Baywatch reboot series. But it seems that has sparked a deeper desire to return to Hollywood.
In the comments, followers rejoiced over the idea of seeing Eleniak in even more projects. One Instagram user wrote, “Does this mean you’ll be doing The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars, or Celebrity Jeopardy, or some movies and TV shows? Whatever it is, I will be watching. You rock, Erika!!!”
Another fan exclaimed, “Woohooooooo!!!! Can’t wait!”
Someone else echoed, “Oooooo! Excited to see what you do next.”
A different follower shared, “So nice to see that you are back!!! Enjoy, and the best of luck.”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, “Can’t wait to see what is in store.”
Baywatch aired for 11 seasons from 1989 to 1990, and from 1991 to 2001. Eleniak played a bombshell lifeguard in the Baywatch pilot movie, Season 1 of the original series, and the first two episodes of Season 2. In January 2027, she will reprise her role in the Baywatch reboot series.
In addition to Baywatch, Eleniak has credits in films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Blob (1988), Under Siege (1992), The Beverly Hillbillies (1993), and more.
Baywatch (original series), streaming on Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi, and The Roku Channel; Baywatch (reboot), premiering in January 2027