David Hasselhoff Turns 71: Celebrate The ‘Baywatch’ Hunk With Photos From His Young Days To Today

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July 17, 2023 12:50PM EDT

The hair, the smile, the charm – there’s no denying that David Hasselhoff is an icon! Celebrate the ‘Baywatch’ star’s 71st birthday in photos here.

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David Hasselhoff: Then & Now

David Hasselhoff: Then & Now — David Hasselhoff, AKA ‘The Hoff’, is an actor, television personality, and singer best known for his TV roles in ‘Baywatch’, ‘Knight Rider, ‘The Young and the Restless’, and more. Born July 17, 1952, the star has also appeared in films like ‘Dodgeball’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, ‘Click’, and ‘Sharknado’.

And who could forget his musical career? David has released several albums, including ‘Looking for Freedom and David’, and has even made his mark on Broadway. He’s also dabbled in reality, starring in the short-lived A&E reality series ‘The Hasselhoffs’ with daughters Hayley and Taylor, in 2010.

David’s career has seen his go from an 80s heartthrob to a pop culture icon, beloved the world over. You can tell why he first made knees weak in this very revealing 1983 shot.

Want more of The Hoff? Click through our gallery for photos from his young days to now.

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David Hasselhoff In ‘Knight Rider’

David Hasselhoff In ‘Knight Rider’ — Revving engines! David Hasselhoff hangs out with the original smart car, K.I.T., in ‘Knight Rider’. He played a lone crimefighter, set to battle the forces of evil with the help of a virtually indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar.

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‘Knight Rider’

‘Knight Rider’ — Hot rod! David Hasselhoff looks cool in a red turtleneck and grey jacket in this promo shot for ‘Knight Rider’. The show ran from 1982 to 1986.

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‘Baywatch’

‘Baywatch’ — Making a splash! David Hasselhoff hit the beach as lifeguard Mitch Buchannon on ‘Baywatch’. He starred opposite Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra on the show and was one of the only stars to stay on the series for its entire 1989 to 2001 run.

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David Hasselhoff In ‘Baywatch’

David Hasselhoff In ‘Baywatch’ — David Hasselhoff smiles in this scene from ‘Baywatch’. He was out of his red swim trunks and donning a khaki uniform.

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David Hasselhoff & Shawn Weatherly

David Hasselhoff & Shawn Weatherly — David Hasselhoff and Shawn Weatherly appear in this scene from ‘Baywatch’. They were ready to hop into the water at a moment’s notice.

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David Hasselhoff In 2000

David Hasselhoff In 2000 — David Hasselhoff smiles in this 2000 portrait. Look at that smile!

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David Hasselhoff In 2007

David Hasselhoff In 2007 — Beach boy! David Hasselhoff shows off his guns at LA’s Polaroid Beach House on Aug. 5, 2007. He wore a white tank top and gold cross necklace.

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David Hasselhoff At The Opening Of ‘The Color Purple’

David Hasselhoff At The Opening Of ‘The Color Purple’ — David Hasselhoff attends the opening of the Broadway version of ‘The Color Purple’ on Dec. 1, 2005. He looked very handsome in a leather jacket and grey turtleneck.

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David Hasselhoff Leaves ‘The X Factor’

David Hasselhoff Leaves ‘The X Factor’ — David Hasselhoff leaves a taping of the UK’s version of ‘The X Factor’ on Nov. 28, 2010. He wore a shiny suit with red lining and matching pocket square.

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David Hasselhoff In 2015

David Hasselhoff In 2015 — David Hasselhoff appears on ‘Good Morning Britain’ on Dec. 2, 2015. He wore a houndstooth jacket and looked like he was fitting in across the pond.

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David Hasselhoff In 2017

David Hasselhoff In 2017 — David Hasselhoff is slick in a teal suit during the Extraordinary: Stan Lee tribute event in Beverly Hills on Aug. 22, 2017. He flashed a peace sign and wore his shirt open to show off a hint of chest.

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David Hasselhoff In 2019

David Hasselhoff In 2019 — David Hasselhoff is ready to go during an appearance on London’s ‘This Morning’ on Dec. 9, 2019. His shirt was unbuttoned and he pointed his fingers for the cameras.

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David Hasselhoff Backstage At ‘9 To 5’

David Hasselhoff Backstage At ‘9 To 5’ — David Hasselhoff shows off his ‘stache backstage during a production of the musical ‘9 To 5’ in London on Dec. 11, 2019. He wore a snazzy three-piece suit for the Dolly Parton-inspired production.

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David Hasselhoff In Monaco In 2022

David Hasselhoff In Monaco In 2022 — David Hasselhoff looks tan and tall at a photocall for ‘Ze Network’ during the 61st Monte Carlo TV Festival on Jun. 19, 2022. He plays an exaggerated version of himself on the German TV show.

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