David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff is one star that knows exactly how to work his talents. He was known in America for his shows “Knight Rider” and “Baywatch” until he reinvented himself as a reality show judge on “America’s Got Talent.” And the fans are crazy about him. The Guinness Book of World Records lists David Hasselhoff as the Most Watched Television Star in the World.
David Hasselhoff was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1952. He went to the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pontiac, Michigan as well as the California Institute of Arts in Valencia. His good looks helped him land a role as Dr. William “Snapper” Foster on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless” in which he starred from 1975 until 1982.
It was in 1982 that Hasselhoff was offered the role of Michael Knight in “Knight Rider.” A crime fighter, he used a car with artificial intelligence called Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT for short) to help him catch the bad guys. The show was an instant hit and was very popular in other countries.
David’s next series made an even bigger splash – “Baywatch.” “Baywatch” began in 1989. The show starred Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon, the leader of a group of lifeguards. It was cancelled after the first reason, but David invested his time (as executive producer) and money to revive the show for first-run syndication in 1991. The show not only helped Hasselhoff’s career, but also made Pamela Anderson a household name. “Baywatch” was also a hit in over 140 other countries. The show finally ended for good in 2001, although Hasselhoff left in 2000.
Hasselhoff also is a very popular singer in Europe, especially in Germany and Switzerland. His song “Looking for Freedom” was an unofficial anthem to the newly reunited Germany at the end of the Cold War. It remained on the charts for eight weeks. He hoped to reignite his singing career in America in 1994, but unfortunately, his pay-per-view concert was on the same night O.J. Simpson was running from the police, so ratings were low. He has also appeared on stage – in a London production of “Chicago” and on Broadway in the title role of “Jekyll & Hyde.”
Perhaps Hasselhoff’s greatest success so far is in his present role as judge on the reality show “America’s Got Talent.” Americans love him on this show, with a new generation dubbing him “The Hoff.” This season, he has been verbally sparing with British judge Piers Morgan while often siding with the other British judge, Sharon Osbourne.
Hasselhoff’s been under fire recently for his problems with alcohol. He was arrested in June 2004, under suspicion of driving under the influence and attended alcohol rehab. Hasselhoff’s own daughter caught him apparently inebriated on a video tape that surfaced in May of this year. His custody right to his daughters was temporarily removed, but he was recently awarded primary physical custody and full legal custody of both.
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