Livvy Dunne reacts after being handed shock role following gymnastics retirement
Livvy Dunne's surprise new career switch has been confirmed after her retirement from gymnastics last year.
Dunne attended Louisiana State University (LSU) and won a NCAA national title with the LSU Tigers, competing for five years and achieving an almost unprecedented level of fame.
The 23-year-old gained so much popularity that she became unable to attend her in-person university classes because of "concerns" over safety and even hired a bodyguard.
Dunne accrued a large following online, with 5.3 million followers on Instagram and 7.9 million on TikTok.
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She successfully transitioned into being a model and influencer but has now embarked on the next step in her career after landing her first acting role.
As announced by Fox, Dunne is to star in the new 'Baywatch' reboot alongside the likes of Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Brooks Nader and David Chokachi.
Noah Beck, a former footballer who played for the Real Salt Lake Academy and has featured in the Soccer Aid charity game, has also signed up to play rookie lifeguard and surfer boy Luke.
Dunne, meanwhile, will play "a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard" called Grace in the 12-episode show which catapulted Pamela Anderson to a new level of stardom back in the 1990's.
Dunne has been taking acting lessons for a while, stating that it is "something I’ve been passionate about for quite some time".
Dunne reacted to the news by taking to X to write, "Time to get to work!!!". She also did not waste time in updating her Instagram biography with "@baywatchtv" to go with Sports Illustrated swimsuit and "LSU gymnastics alum".
The series is slated to air in the 2026/27 TV season, as per Variety.
What is Livvy Dunne's net worth?
Dunne became the highest-earning female college athlete and was given a NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) valuation of $4.2 million in January 2025.
The rules around college athletes and endorsements came in back in 2021, with Dunne named in the Forbes' 30 under 30 three years on after tremendous success.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, she was the highest-paid college athlete during her time at LSU with earnings of $10 million and is believed to be worth $6 million.
Dunne, who has plans to own her own product or brand in the near future, once received $500,000 for a sponsored post - confirming it to be her most expensive payment during an appearance on the Full Send podcast.
She is in a relationship with Paul Skenes, a pitcher for MLB franchise Pittsburgh Pirates and the recipient of a record $9.2 million signing bonus in 2023.
Topics: Gymnastics
Josh Lawless