David Hasselhoff was spotted in Los Angeles on Wednesday using a walker, appearing somewhat fragile. Nevertheless, the iconic Baywatch star is reportedly planning a significant re-emergence once he regains his strength.

At 73, the actor, once synonymous with health and vitality as Baywatch’s lifeguard Mitch Buchannon, was observed struggling slightly to maintain his balance as he exited a building alongside his wife, 45-year-old Hayley Roberts.

Gone are the days of the beach-ready heartthrob; Hasselhoff was dressed casually in a sweatshirt and baseball cap, making his way slowly across a parking lot.

His representative informed the Daily Mail that Hasselhoff has recently undergone knee and hip replacement surgeries, which have evidently impacted his mobility.

Despite a Baywatch reboot on the horizon, Hasselhoff has maintained a low profile, with only one public appearance since last July, leaving fans worried about his well-being.

However, a source revealed to the Daily Mail that the actor is on the mend and is setting his sights on a triumphant return.

David Hasselhoff looked frail as he used a walker during a Wednesday outing in Los Angeles

The 73-year-old struggled to keep his balance as he left a building, closely accompanied by his 45-year-old wife, Hayley Roberts

‘He is rehabbing and wants to get back to doing a few acting gigs, and he wants to do more music and once he gets better and back to 100 percent, he intends to hit the ground running as one of his goals is to be on Baywatch again,’ the source explained.

‘He would love to make another appearance on the show, and getting better will get him there.’ 

As Hasselhoff continues his recovery, the source emphasized the adjustment he’s going through, saying: ‘For a man who has always been fit and very active and in shape, his recent surgeries have kicked his ass a bit more than he expected.’

‘Getting old sucks, and it’s catching up to him, but even though he recently looked frail, he’s actually feeling better than he has felt in a long time,’ they continued.

‘He’s healing and being outside is a relief and the perfect remedy for his current shortcomings.’

Just two weeks ago, the actor was seen on a nature hike with Roberts, relying on trekking poles for support. 

Although his mobility is improving, Hasselhoff still appears to need some assistance from his wife.

In addition to supporting his arm, Roberts was also seen standing behind him at one point, seemingly steadying him with her hands placed on his sides.

The actor was dressed in a casual sweatshirt and baseball cap, as he slowly hobbled to the parking lot

Looking far from the beach-ready heartthrob he once was, the star appeared noticeably worn out

The actor’s representative confirmed to Daily Mail that Hasselhoff has undergone knee and hip replacement surgery, which is clearly taking a toll on his mobility

Last July, Hasselhoff had been seen limping through an airport on his way to Cancun, revealing plans for knee surgery. 

He was later seen being pushed in a wheelchair by an airline worker.

At the time, a source told the Daily Mail that the actor was ‘living on borrowed time’ after years of hard living.

Hasselhoff, who has faced struggles with alcohol abuse in the past, made headlines in 2007 when a video surfaced of his daughter, Taylor Ann, filming him intoxicated.

In the video, she expressed concern about his drinking affecting his role in a Las Vegas production of The Producers.

Following the video’s release, Hasselhoff explained that his daughter had recorded the footage intentionally, hoping to expose his behavior while drunk.

Just over a year ago, Hasselhoff lost his second wife and Baywatch co-star Pamela Bach to suicide at the age of 61. 

The two had married in 1989 and divorced in 2006, but remained close. 

‘He is rehabbing and wants to get back to doing a few acting gigs, and he wants to do more music and once he gets better and back to a hundred percent, he intends to hit the ground running as one of his goals is to be on Baywatch again,’ the Daily Mail source explained

The one-time hunk hobbled across a parking lot with the assistance of a walker

As Hasselhoff continues his recovery, the source emphasized the adjustment he’s going through: ‘For a man who has been always fit and very active and in shape, his recent surgeries have kicked his ass a bit more than he expected’

Bach’s death was a devastating blow for the actor, who publicly thanked fans for their support during the difficult time.

Amid these personal and health challenges, Hasselhoff is determined to focus on his recovery and is optimistic about a potential return to the upcoming Baywatch series.

In September, Fox announced it would be ‘reimagining’ the beloved show, with a new generation of lifeguards and a 12-episode order for the 2026-2027 season.

The new show will follow Hobie Buchannon (originally played by Jeremy Jackson) as he steps into his father Mitch’s (Hasselhoff’s) iconic role as Baywatch captain. 

But not all fans are thrilled about the reboot.

Many were disappointed to see that only Baywatch alum David Chokachi would be reprising his role, though Erika Eleniak has been spotted on set. 

And when first-look photos and clips hit the internet, the criticism came fast, with fans calling it a derivative attempt to cash in on the original’s legacy.

The casting of social media influencers like Livvy Dunne and Brooks Nader as the new lifeguards only fueled skepticism, with some feeling the reboot is more about Instagram fame than recapturing the iconic magic of the show.

‘He would love to make another appearance on the show, and getting better will get him there,’ the source said. Above, Hasselhoff in 1991

In September, Fox announced they would be ‘reimagining’ the beloved show

When first-look photos and clips of the reboot hit the internet, the criticism came fast, with fans calling it a derivative attempt to cash in on the original’s legacy

Add to that the lingering memory of the 2017 Baywatch film, which flopped despite its star-studded cast, including Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, and it is no surprise many fans are holding their breath.

Still, Hasselhoff remains optimistic. 

The insider told the Daily Mail that he was eager to lend a hand and help the reboot succeed – if given the chance.

He loves that the show is coming back and he hopes it has the same magic as the original, and if he can help get it there by appearing at some point, even better,’ the source said.