Yasmine Bleeth was one of the original "Baywatch" cast members and one of Hollywood's most well-known and loved women. However, life took a dark turn for her when she developed a drug addiction and was arrested for driving impaired and possessing drugs. After almost 20 years of quitting Hollywood, the actress finally made a public appearance.
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Yasmine Bleeth is famously known for her acting days in "Baywatch." She was one of the original cast members when the show aired from 1989 to 2001.
Since then, there have been several spin-offs of the show, including the latest 2017 adaptation with Dwayne Johnson, Priyanka Chopra, and Zac Efron.
Yasmine Bleeth on photographed in in 1990. | Source: Getty Images
During the early days of her career, Bleeth was one of the most loved actresses. She was voted People's 50 Most Beautiful Women in 1995.
Bleeth was also named FHM's 100 Sexiest Women In The World continuously from 1996 to 2001. As one can imagine, she was crushed on by many people, one of them was Matthew Perry's character, Chandler, on the hit series "Friends."
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Somehow, the on-screen romance became a reality, and Perry and Bleeth dated in real life even though their relationship did not last long. Nonetheless, she remained a big part of his character on "Friends" for a while.
Yasmine Bleeth at Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Marina Del Rey in 1994. | Source: Getty Images
Her appearance on "Baywatch" gave her career a kick start and allowed her to get into modeling and eventually launch her own swimwear line.
She also starred in shows like "Nash Bridges" and "Titans," but things started falling apart behind the scenes when directors complained that she was difficult to work with.
Yasmine Bleeth in Los Angeles in 1997. | Source: Getty Images
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Despite Bleeth's exponential success, her personal life was not perfect. The actress opened up about her struggles with addiction.
Yasmine Bleeth's Drug Addition
Bleeth's drug problem started making headlines in 1999. At first, she was not aware of the severity of her problem. She said she stopped socializing, then started having a bloody nose, and her assistant would cover for her and say she had sinuses.
The iconic actress then revealed that she shrunk from a size 6 to a 0 and eventually collapsed at one of her shoots in 2000. This was when she checked herself in at the Promises rehab facility in Malibu.
Yasmine Bleeth's mug shot taken in Michigan, US in 2001. | Source: Getty Images
The actress eventually spoke publicly about her addiction when she pleaded guilty to having cocaine and driving under the influence. She was sentenced to two years probation and 100 hours of community service.
The actress confessed that she started using substances casually when she was out, but it quickly became a serious problem. "I never expected to get into drugs," she said. Bleeth also said her drug use accelerated when she had a relationship with Richard Grieco from the show "21 Jump Street."
While she was at Promise, Bleeth found love with Paul Cerrito. The actress said she knew people are always advised against marrying the person they meet at the rehabilitation center, but what she and Cerrito had was instant and special.
Yasmine Bleeth on "The Today Show with Jay Leno" in 2000. | Source: Getty Images
The couple tied the knot in 2002, but Bleeth worked on getting her body back on track before the big day and gained 20 pounds. Their love has stayed strong in the two decades they have been together.
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She faced the hard reality that trying to stay clean would probably be a part of her life forever. The former "Baywatch" bombshell has kept a low profile for many years but eventually came out of her shell 20 years later.
Yasmin Bleeth Makes a Rare Public Appearance
The "Baywatch" legend is now 54 years old. She made a rare public appearance in 2020 after 17 years of quitting Hollywood. Bleeth was photographed walking her dog, wearing a long printed summer dress with an oversized zip-up sweater over it. She wore her Birkenstock sandals with red nail polish peaking from her toes.
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After her long hiatus, the cameras were met with a big smile from the actress as she carried her dog in her hands and walked home.
Two years later, Bleeth was seen again walking her dog near her home. This time she was not all smiles; she wore pink pajama pants and a black jacket with slippers. Her hair was also not styled; it was just let down.
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As photos of the actress in pajamas surfaced on the internet, fans came to Bleeth's defense for being criticized for her looks. People supported the "Baywatch" for being relatable because not everyone walks their dogs looking glamorous.
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Additionally, fans urged people to stop shaming celebrities for aging as it is a natural part of human evolution and praised Bleeth for still looking beautiful even at 54 years old. She is still the bombshell she was 30 years ago when "Baywatch" aired, just that she is also three decades older.
Furthermore, the actress fans understand celebrities' pressure to maintain a specific appearance even when they have retired from the spotlight. Hence, they were happy to see Bleeth lead an average everyday life.
Yasmine Bleeth and her husband Paul Cerrito in California in 2003. | Source: Getty Images
After being cast only as a temporary actress for "Baywatch," Bleeth became a fan favorite, and even though she has stepped down from acting, fans will forever remember her talent. She and her husband continue to live in Los Angeles and lead a quiet life with their little puppy.
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