David Chokachi (3:31)

Thank you so much. Thank you for having me.

Cat (3:32)

I know it's. Listen, it's such an honor because I think I speak for millions of people out there as one of them. I was a huge fan of Baywatch. You were a big part of my life.

David Chokachi (3:46)

I love it.

Cat (3:47)

And we get requests, as I was telling you before we started, from all over the world to have you guys on the show, if you believe that.

David Chokachi (3:54)

Yeah, I mean, that's really cool and I'm honored and thank you people for requesting, like, it's. It's cool. The show is still really popular. It's weird. I think, I think during COVID people started watching again and like kind of binging it and then a younger generation started watching it and because they, the company that owns it now, Fremantle, they track it and they've just seen like internationally, they what? The viewership of the original show that I was a part of is like around the world is spiking.

Cat (4:25)

So it's cool. Amazing. So we have to talk about Baywatch first and foremost. Yeah, I think, I'm not sure, but it was the number one in terms of viewership. It had billions and billions of views. I don't think there was ever a show that was more watched than Baywatch, right?

David Chokachi (4:42)

No, at the time it was the number one watch show in the world because I have this statistic, it was like 1.1 billion people a week and there were only 5.6 billion people on the planet.

Cat (4:57)

It's crazy.

David Chokachi (4:58)

Yeah.

Cat (4:59)

And you, you're on the show for many years.

David Chokachi (5:01)

Yeah, I was on from 95 to 99.

Cat (5:05)

Yeah, that's a long time.

David Chokachi (5:06)

I came in like the show hadn't peaked in terms of popularity yet. It was, you know, still climbing. So I got in at a really good time and was able to ride like the popular, like the increase for a couple years.

Cat (5:17)

Yeah. So can you tell us how was it for you? Like, you know, you get a call, you get cast in the biggest show in the world. Tell us a Little bit about the experience when.

David Chokachi (5:31)

When I get the call or. Well, you know, it was. Obviously, it's an arduous. The cool thing was when I walked into the casting office, like, I was at this small theatrical agency at the time, and they were like, oh, we got you this audition for Baywatch. It's to replace this guy who's leaving. It's the main young lead, blah, blah, blah. I was like, awesome. I worked on it with my coach, and. And when I walked into the casting office to read for the first time for the two women, Fern and Susie, I forget their last names. Like, they looked so beaten down. They'd seen, I think, like, a thousand guys already from, like, east coast, west coast, and they were like, heads down. Like, they come in. I walk in, and they kind of look up, and they're like, oh, my God. They go, holy, you're the guy. They're like, you're the guy the writer's been looking for. Please tell us you can act. Blah, blah. I'm like, gulp. You know, like, oh, my God, don't this up. And then, you know, five more auditions and a swim test, which I did, and I got it. But it was. It was. The hard part was when I got the call. They're like, yeah, you got the show. I'm like, yeah. And they're like, but by the way, they're guaranteeing you six episodes out of 22 with the option of doing all 22 if they like you, or the option to be basically, like, drop you and leave you.

Cat (6:52)

Like.

David Chokachi (6:53)

So I was like, oh, so you're kind of, like, on this probationary, so it puts a little added pressure. But I was. I was, like, made for this show.

Cat (7:03)

You were.

David Chokachi (7:04)

I grew up on the ocean on the east Coast. I was already a certified scuba diver.

Cat (7:08)

Oh, really?

David Chokachi (7:09)

Yeah. I was on a swim team.

Cat (7:10)

You had the body, you had the looks. They put you on on the opening credits. Yeah. Getting out of the pool, right, like, in your body is like, yeah. And I think everybody watch, you know, like. Like, the guys were. Were looking at. At Pamela Anderson and Yasmine, and us girls were like, oh, my God. What is. Yeah, major eye candy. Yeah, you were perfect for the show.

David Chokachi (7:37)

Yeah. And I brought, like, I knew how to drive because I taught. I grew up sailing, and I. And then I taught sailing, and I've driven all kinds of boats. Like, so when it can't. It came time to, like, actually, you know, like, whether it was the wave runners or, like, the. We had those big yellow. The long speedboat. It's like for action sequences like you. You need experience. And you like before they're gonna let you like drive, like they'd only let myself and the other guy, Mike Newman, pretty much drive them like when they like in close to Venice Pier and kind of. And so all the experience I had already before I was on the show and. And that I brought to this show just. They were like, wow, this guy can do it all. We can just write massive rescues for him and we don't need to have.

Cat (8:22)

So you guys did a lot of your own action scenes?

David Chokachi (8:26)

I did all of them, except for some reason they wouldn't let me. The only thing they wouldn't let me do is like rappel down this cliff. And then about two episodes later, new me and I were doing an episode like called and we repel off 100 foot like fire tower. So I'm like, yeah, that made a lot of sense, but I get to do it all. Yeah.

Cat (8:45)

Oh, my God, how fun. And how was it working with all these other super. Because David Hasselhoff was already very famous. Right. And I think the girls became famous with the show. Like you.

David Chokachi (8:56)

Yeah.

Cat (8:56)

But did you guys were friends off camera?

David Chokachi (9:00)

Yeah. I mean, in the beginning there was like, you know, it was a lot of pressure, but I was like, you know, I saw what worked. I saw the formula. It was basically like the more fit you were, the more like, the more you worked on your craft, like your acting abilities, basically, like all those. If you just kept at that, you would succeed. So I would just. I would work on the show and then I would go to the gym and then go work on my. With my acting coach. And I would just do that and do that every day. And then. And then I got into a really good rhythm and all of a sudden, you know, even that first season where I was only guaranteed six, I ended up doing like 19 out of 22.

Cat (9:36)

Oh, my God.

David Chokachi (9:37)

And then my character took off in Popular. Yeah, I just. In the beginning, you know, it's. It's nerve wracking. You're stepping into a show that's already a hit. It's already in full motion. So you're. You're like the new guy, but the fresh.

Cat (9:52)

But you knew, like you said you were me. I like that you said that because you were like, that's me. That's my game.

David Chokachi (9:56)

Because as soon as they were like, all right, we're going to do shoot some like, you know, we had an A unit and a B unit. Like where she's from the b Which is all the action. And when it came time to do that, I would just crush it.

Cat (10:07)

Oh my God, I love that. How was it working with Pamela Anderson?

David Chokachi (10:11)

She was awesome. Like her. And I, I mean it was so funny. Like my character, they. They gave me so much. It grew so quickly. Like I think it was the end or the middle of my first season. They're like, hey, the producers came to me, do you want Pamela or Yasmeen as your girlfriend on the show?

Cat (10:27)

And I was like, oh, you could choose.

David Chokachi (10:29)

You guys are giving me that choice.

Cat (10:31)

Wow.

David Chokachi (10:31)

And I loved Yasmeen.

Cat (10:33)

Oh my God. Pam and I just had the gorgeous blonde or the. Oh my God. Somebody has to do it.

David Chokachi (10:41)

She has a little bit. My, My mom is. My grandmother has. We have strong Finnish heritage from Finland and so does Pam. So. And then her and I just had this very self deprecating humor back and forth. Like. And so I just. Of course I was like when I went with Pam. But. And, and where our scenes were awesome because we just had a. We never took ourselves that seriously. And they were very. I. I look at them and I'm like, we were doing great work. They were funny. They were like, they were. The chemistry was there and we had a great time doing it. So she was awesome.

Cat (11:19)

You guys had great chemistry on screen. And I have to ask you, there are lots of rumors out there and I know you've talked about it on other podcasts, that when she started dating Tommy Lee, it was a big issue for him. Like he was jealous of you guys working together and doing romantic scenes. Is that.

David Chokachi (11:37)

Yeah, yeah, yeah. There was a. So when we shoot, we would shoot at Will Rogers, which is out in the open and they can only. They'll police tape off like as much as they can, but they can't control. Anybody can show up. And people would fly. They would take their vacation. They would fly to like LA and go watch Baywatch and fly home. Like that was.

Cat (11:56)

Yes.

David Chokachi (11:56)

So. But at the time there was those. Do you remember like Inside Edition and like those.

Cat (12:02)

Yeah. Kind of like the TMZ of these days. Yeah.

David Chokachi (12:05)

So they had written one of these scenes where Pam and I are making out at the waters edge. And they sure enough, they were shooting it and t. I think it was his birthday. I don't know. He was at home and they aired it that night basically. And he like was watching it and they're like, and here's Pamela Anderson making out with her new on screen boyfriend David Chi and blah, blah, blah. And he just lost it. And Then the next day, I'm walking to the set, and I. I walk by her trailer, and I just hear all this, like, commotion. I'm like, what is going on in there? Like, you know, and then he was basically in there renovating.

Cat (12:43)

So it's a true story. He was furious. Did you have, like, a contact with. Direct contact with him? Did he ever say anything to you?

David Chokachi (12:51)

No. And it gets even weirder. But he threatened the producers. He. He said, if you write another kissing scene for Pam and Jokaji again, I'm gonna kill you.

Cat (13:00)

To the.

David Chokachi (13:01)

To the creator.

Cat (13:02)

Oh, my God.

David Chokachi (13:03)

The guy's like, were they intimidated? No, they. They were like, this is Bay.

Cat (13:07)

Couldn't they just say, you're not coming to the set? Like, get out?

David Chokachi (13:10)

It got so complicated, and. And it messed her up. I. She became this. I forget the timeline, but everything was really cool and fun in the beginning. And then she noticeably was getting more and more, like, anxious and nervous about, like, him. And. But, like, two months after this whole incident, we end up going to dinner. Tommy, Pam, Yasmine, a friend of hers, myself, and a buddy, and we end up, like, partying together, and Tommy and I are like. And my buddy are, like, doing shots together, and then we all go to the Viper Room together. And, like. Like, it was like nothing ever happened. So it was.

Cat (13:45)

Maybe he needed to hang out with you to feel comfortable with the situation.

David Chokachi (13:49)

Yeah, I've heard he actually, you know, he. You know, I get it. You know, like, you're married to the woman who everybody, like, fantasizes. I'm sure it triggers you at times, you know, But I was, like, the last guy on the planet. I was like, dude, I'm not. I. I just, like, I'm not crossing that line ever. You know?

Cat (14:09)

I mean, it comes with the territory, being an actor, right? So I always say, like, if you're gonna marry, date an actor, you need to know, work is work. They cannot, like, not do it. Because, yeah, if you're jealous, like, maybe you shouldn't date an actor.

David Chokachi (14:21)

Yeah. And we're just, like, making. It's not like, TV today where they're, like, going for it, you know, like, you're making out on screen. Like, come on. It's like. But. But it got. It got squashed and moved on. Yeah.

Cat (14:33)

Let's talk about the cold water, because, you guys. And we got that question a lot for you guys. This was a TV show being filmed in the actual beach. Right on. Like, it's not like a movie set. You are swimming in the ocean. So, yeah. Really? In Malibu and vicinities, right? Malibu, Santa Monica, Will Rogers and so forth.

David Chokachi (14:56)

Yeah.

Cat (14:57)

And the water is cold all year long here. It's not like the Atlantic ocean that gets 83 degrees.

David Chokachi (15:05)

Yeah. Well, Florida. Yeah, it's.

Cat (15:07)

It's freezing.

David Chokachi (15:08)

It's freezing.

Cat (15:09)

Yeah. How was that experience of like literally like having to do all the scenes and jump in the cold water? Must be tough as fuck.

David Chokachi (15:19)

Well, as you know, because my character was like an Olympic, hopefully. And also lifeguards do wear speedos a lot. Like, they, they, I don't know if they do as much now, but back then they just for like, for efficiency in the water for.

Cat (15:35)

They were wearing speedos in real life?

David Chokachi (15:36)

Yeah, yeah. For less swim, drag or when they do lifeguard competitions, which were huge back then. Like, Mike Newman was like one of the champion, like worldwide, like world champion lifeguard, but you wear a speedo because it's, you're running swimming and it's less drag. So my character was an Olympic hopeful. And we would take the boat out and they'd go like 10 miles, I don't know, 8 miles offshore in the middle of the ocean. And it'd be six in the morning and it's foggy and the water's probably like 60 degrees. And they're like, all right, you know, they're just gonna, they're gonna film me, you know, training, basically getting ready to try for the trials. And Alexander, Paul was my coach and she's in the boat yelling at me and stuff. And then so I'd have to get out of the ocean after swimming for like an hour, freezing, and then get in the boat and then do a scene. And like, so like I talk about the, I always talk about the shrinkage factor. And I came up with a really effective solution. I would just, I would find a. I'd be like, I need like five minutes. And I'd grab a towel and I would find a little spot like on the boat and I just do a little self circulation massage.

Cat (16:45)

Oh my God.

David Chokachi (16:46)

I'd be like, all right, I'm good to go.

Cat (16:48)

Thank you for being so honest about it. Because yeah, we, we were watching the, the show, we're watching the scenes and everybody's like, this water is freezing. And these guys are acting like. Because of course the TV shows, like everything is so glamorous and every day the sun is shining, but in real life it's cold. Malibu is cold.

David Chokachi (17:07)

You get out when they call Kai, you're scrambling for the boat usually. And like, like free, like this and we shot some night stuff in the ocean. No wetsuits, where I had to swim against all these guys. And that was even.

Cat (17:19)

And were you afraid, like at all? Like, oh my God, this, this stuff.

David Chokachi (17:22)

Afraid of what?

Cat (17:23)

A jumping in the water. Jumping in the cold, freezing water.

David Chokachi (17:26)

No, I like it all. No.

Cat (17:28)

Was anybody afraid?

David Chokachi (17:30)

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Cat (17:31)

The girls.

David Chokachi (17:32)

Well, Alexander Paul is probably the most. Like she was a legit, like Iron Woman or Iron Man.

Cat (17:39)

Yeah. To this day she's so fit.

David Chokachi (17:42)

Yeah, yeah. So she loved it. She didn't care about the cold. Knew me, Mike didn't care about the cold. Yasmine didn't like to be in water over her head. So that became really, that's an issue. Interesting when we had to do rescues. But I was like, you know, I was just supportive. You know, she just wasn't used to the ocean. That wasn't her thing. But she pulled it off, you know, they helped her. But yeah, there's a lot of people. One actress they had cast before I'd gotten there, after they had cast her, they didn't ocean test her for this like a swim test. And they, you know, called, they said, okay, you know, there's the victim. Action. Go get her. She runs up to the waters and she's like, I'm not going in there.

Cat (18:24)

I'm.

David Chokachi (18:24)

I'm afraid of sharks. And it became like a real thing. So they would have to like, cut. Have this stunt double run in, do the rescue, pull the shoot the thing. The double comes in, then the actress grabs the people for the person at the water's edge and then pick up the scene from there. And like, you know it, you can't be doing that. So ever since then they made people do a swim test at the, the pool up in the Palisades at the time.

Cat (18:54)

Yeah, the pool. But it's a big difference between doing a swim test in the pool and then shooting in the ocean. Because it's a lot more real and scary. Right. Didn't they put a clause like in everyone's contract in your contract, like you are going to have to shoot in. In the ocean, you are going to have to swim.

David Chokachi (19:09)

Yeah, yeah. But I mean I was like, bring it. Like that was my forte. That was my strength.

Cat (19:14)

Yeah, for you. Was the money worth it, like to do all of that? Was it life changing money?

David Chokachi (19:20)

No, no. Jesus.

Cat (19:22)

You're like on the biggest show in the world and it wasn't life changing money.

David Chokachi (19:26)

No. They paid Hasseloff and they paid Pamela and they paid themselves, the producers. But they figured everybody else, their. Their philosophy was you can make money off of the show. Once we wrap, there will be a million opportunities where you can actually go kind of cash in. And they basically felt everybody besides Pam and Hasloff were replaceable to an extent. Which, you know, at the time, I didn't really care about the money.

Cat (19:59)

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Zoe (21:21)

Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.

Bridges (21:23)

Zoe, this thing weighs a ton.

David Chokachi (21:25)

Live with your legs, man.

Cat (21:27)

Santa. Santa, did you get my letter?

Bridges (21:28)

He's talking to you, Bridges.

David Chokachi (21:30)

I'm not.

Zoe (21:31)

Of course he did.

Bridges (21:32)

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David Chokachi (21:35)

He handles the nice list.

Bridges (21:36)

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David Chokachi (22:20)

Visit t mobile.com it really pissed off a bunch of the, like, the original, like Billy Warlock and he had a real problem with. Was just. It was just unfair the way it was scaled. You know, he went from like making a lot of money and then it was like, you know, kind of peanuts and. But true to their word, you know, I've had. I did have a lot of opportunities that were like, you know, I went to Argentina one time. They, they said, you know, will you come down here and receive the lifetime achievement award? And it was like first class everything. I. I received this award in front of this huge crowd. Was like a big modeling show that in. Valeria Matzah presented. Oh, wow. And they paid me a ton.

Cat (22:59)

She was one of the most famous.

David Chokachi (23:00)

Yeah.

Cat (23:00)

For people that don't know, she was one of the most famous supermodels back then. Right?

David Chokachi (23:04)

Yeah. She was stunning.

Cat (23:06)

Yeah. I haven't seen her in forever, but she was gorgeous. She looked like Claudia Schiffer.

David Chokachi (23:12)

Yeah. I think even prettier.

Cat (23:13)

And they paid you good bucks for that.

David Chokachi (23:15)

Yeah, Crazy good. Yeah. So there was like all these weird ancillary opportunities that did pop up and that was kind of true, but still it was that. I don't know, that was this their philosophy.

Cat (23:25)

I remember you were on People's 50 Most Beautiful People in the world. That must have brought you tons of publicity, right?

David Chokachi (23:33)

Yeah.

Cat (23:34)

That's an honor, though.

David Chokachi (23:36)

It is. And it feels like the craziest thing is like it every. Not just today, but it follows you around. People like bring it up. Like, I don't know if that, that issue is still as popular as it used to, but it is. Is it?

Cat (23:49)

Yes.

David Chokachi (23:50)

Okay. Because when I was doing it, it was, I remember, like, wow, this is a super popular, like, thing to crack into. Like, it was hard. Like, I remember they were like, it becomes like a kind of a fight, like to try and get your guy in there. And then they were like, yeah, this guy's. This is the guy. So. And like Tom Cruise is on the COVID And it was a killer of photo spread and that we shot out in Malibu and it looked awesome. And, and it's almost like a little club. You're in. You're in the 50, 50 most beautiful.

Cat (24:20)

Listen, it's a very exclusive club to this day, I promise you, if you ask anybody in Hollywood, they want to be included there. And it's only 50.

David Chokachi (24:32)

Yeah.

Cat (24:32)

Out of hundreds of thousands. So, yeah, you can be very proud of that.

David Chokachi (24:36)

No, it was good and it helped. Afterwards, we got into a lot more. Anytime, like, we're trying to go to a bar and there was a line, oh, wait, that's the dude. Come on, dude, you're good. Bring your buddies.

Cat (24:48)

You're, like, right in there. So let's talk about that, because I know some of you guys from the show did amazing. Didn't lose your head over the fame and the success and the open doors. And some people went down a really bad path, right. Of drugs and alcohol and all kinds of stuff. How was it with you? Did you let the success go up to your head a little bit? How did you deal with it?

David Chokachi (25:12)

No, I, I, I, I didn't fall for that trap. I, I grew up in New England. I grew up with parents who are very. We just had, like, hardcore work ethic, like my dad, mom. Like, we were like, my. But my brother and I would be like, you know, we want to go to the beach with our buddies. Dad. And it's Saturday and summertime, he's like, no, there's work to be done. And you know, he basically, that was his way of being with his boys. Like, he didn't really know how to relate. So he would have us do yard work with him all day long. It'd be furious. But we just, we, in the end, like, you know, my mom and dad taught me just, like, we had chores, we had chickens, like, we had around, like, so at five in the morning in the winter snowstorm, someone's got to go feed the, like, give water to the chickens. It's dark out, like, before school. And that was us. And, like, there was just no slacking. And that work ethic always carried forward. And even when I got on the show, I saw the traps. I was well aware. And even my buddies, I went to Bates College, I played football with a bunch of really good buddies. And they all thought I would change and become this other person who is full of themselves. And then after shooting the show and we got together, they're like, holy shit, dude, you didn't change a bit.

Cat (26:28)

Thank goodness. By the way, I think there is nothing more annoying than someone that gets a show, a movie or something. And they become another person. Right.

David Chokachi (26:39)

Let me tell you what, whatever you're doing, TV or film, it's not that important in the scheme of.

Cat (26:46)

It's entertainment.

David Chokachi (26:47)

It's entertainment. You're not saving lives. Although we were kind of on big watch. But, but really when you break it down like, there's no reason, I don't care who you are as an actor. I mean, maybe, Maybe the top 10 people could take themselves that seriously because they're doing that good of work.

Cat (27:05)

But, but you know, I have to say I think the more successful ones normally they're the more down to earth ones.

David Chokachi (27:13)

Yeah.

Cat (27:13)

And the ones that are like wannabes are the most like.

David Chokachi (27:18)

Yeah.

Cat (27:18)

You know, let their ego go up to their head. At least in my experience in this industry and interviewing people and just being out and about.

David Chokachi (27:25)

Yeah, yeah.

Cat (27:26)

You know, I'm not gonna name names, but I've met crazy successful people and they're like you, they're like super chill.

David Chokachi (27:32)

Yeah.

Cat (27:32)

Super nice. And then you meet some reality stars or something. They' My God, you know, no comment.

David Chokachi (27:39)

Yeah, My God, don't even get me going there. I know.

Cat (27:42)

So when you are on the show and like you said, you're, you're walking into bars and restaurants, you're making good money, you're being invited to things, you had the same personality. You're like, okay, I'm going to do my thing.

David Chokachi (27:53)

Yeah, Yeah. I mean, I just had a blast with it. I mean, yeah, I just didn't, you know, I didn't buy anything major. I, I, you know, I think I got like a Toyota 4Runner was like my basic expense. And I kept that for like 18 years. And I just saw people like, either they left the show because they thought they would become movie stars and that failed drastically, or they spent money that they didn't have that failed drastically, or they just chose unhealthy lifestyles and that failed drastic.

Cat (28:24)

Which is unfortunate. I told you I was watching the. And if you guys didn't watch it, I highly recommend it because it's super interesting and it's very emotional. The Hulu documentary.

David Chokachi (28:33)

Yeah.

Cat (28:34)

About you guys, what is it called?

David Chokachi (28:35)

After, After Baywatch. Moment in the Sun.

Cat (28:37)

Yeah, Moments in the Sun. And they show some of those actors that got tangled up in drugs. Like you said. Some of them left the show after one season. They're like, oh, I couldn't handle it. I couldn't handle the, the pressure. The pressure. I don't know. Or the success. I'm not sure what they couldn't handle.

David Chokachi (28:58)

Yeah. I didn't understand that. I just, you know, we got to go to, like, when I got on the show, Gina and Gina, Lee, Nolan and myself went to. We did this photo shoot in the Bahamas and then we went to Europe for this big press tour, and it was like we were the Beatles. It was unbelievable. And I was like, this is awesome. Like, what are you talking about? The pressure. This is like, right? We just got to do the coolest things possible.

Cat (29:23)

You're getting paid, right? You have this amazing. I mean, you're working on the beach, like you said. I remember when I was in California with my dad as the show was on tv, and sometimes friends would come with me from Brazil and my relatives, and they were like, oh, let's go through Malibu because we want to see them. Everybody that came here visit from other countries, they thought any given moment he would drive through Malibu. I'm like, they're not here all the time, you know, and the, the. And everybody thought the lifeguards in real life were as good looking as you guys. You know, I remember every time I was with my dad in Brazil or in France, everybody used to ask me that question, like, you know, is that like, that in real? I'm like, no, no, this is like just the ultimate dream that everybody looks like that, but it's not the case. Yeah, exactly, because you guys are like the impossible. Like, talk about body goals, you know, like, watching the show, like, this is impossible. Body goals to achieve, you know, I.

David Chokachi (30:23)

Mean, the lifeguards in real life. Because my daughter is a part of the junior lifeguard program.

Cat (30:26)

Oh, how sweet. How old is she now?

David Chokachi (30:29)

She's 13. And so this summer should be her fifth year. And the crazy thing is the guy, Greg Bonan, who was the creator, one of the creators of the show, he's in his early 70s. He's still an active lifeguard, but he actually runs. This is at Zuma beach up in Malbork. So he runs the cadets. So there's like, you know, ABC and then the more elite, but he kind of oversees that whole division. So on the first day I dropped her off, like, I'm like, here I am dropping my daughter off for, like, junior lifeguard and become a potential lifeguard. My friend and, like, colleague Greg is, like, running the program. And like, you know, it was like art imitating life. I was like, whoa, this is so weird. Is like, emotional.

Cat (31:19)

Did she ever watch the show?

David Chokachi (31:20)

She's barely watched it. She's, like, watched one episode and it wasn't like, have a great one. And she's like, I'm like, I cannot believe you. Why? Haven't watched my show, like my whole family. They don't, they don't watch anything I do.

Cat (31:31)

Really. Maybe they need to do a reboot.

David Chokachi (31:34)

They are doing a reboot.

Cat (31:35)

They are?

David Chokachi (31:36)

Yeah.

Cat (31:36)

Oh, really?

David Chokachi (31:37)

Yeah. And he's so. I, I've been pushing it for probably 10 years.

Cat (31:41)

Oh, my God.

David Chokachi (31:42)

Every six months I keep writing to them saying, why haven't you guys done this? This is why I should play the guy. This is the backstory where Cody has been. I came up with a great, like one page story about where my character's been and how he's back in the mix. And so there's. I don't know where there's the. They're at. I mean, there's. There. They have a deal at Fox, but they're kind of stuck there, I think until January. I think if they. Who knows what, what's really true. But there's a chance. If they shoot. There's a chance they're going to shoot in Australia because of financial reasons. And if they do, I won't be a part of it.

Cat (32:18)

But you don't want to move to Australia.

David Chokachi (32:21)

They won't cast me. They won't, they won't, they won't have them. They won't fly another actor. They won't pay for it, so. But there's a chance it would not.

Cat (32:30)

Be the same if they do.

David Chokachi (32:31)

It's not. I don't get it. Because they already tried it when they moved the show from LA to Hawaii. I know.

Cat (32:37)

Same. I know. I agree. Because for audiences, when it changed, like, it's like, what are you doing? Because the essence of the show.

David Chokachi (32:43)

Yeah.

Cat (32:44)

Was the California Malibu lifestyle. Right.

David Chokachi (32:47)

And you would think Hawaii would be better because it's. Everything's like. And it just didn't work.

Cat (32:53)

Yeah.

David Chokachi (32:53)

And they're. So they're going to try and double Australia for LA and it doesn't work.

Cat (32:58)

Yeah. Oh, my God. It would be so cool if they just brought it back here.

David Chokachi (33:02)

Yeah. He's really, he's fighting. But, you know, it's like the people like Newsom and them, they're just like, there's. There's a chance. There's a. I guess there's a studio in Venice that's being. He's trying to get them to rehabilitate and they would shoot it there and try and bring a con. Like it would, you know, bring it. Bring millions of dollars back to this for sure. But he is, he took an initial meeting with Newsom to see if he would help subsidize the reboot. And Newsom's response was, I don't see how subsidizing Baywatch reboot would help the state of California.

Cat (33:36)

Oh, my God. That's.

David Chokachi (33:37)

And the guy's jaw just like, like, dropped. And I heard that story.

Cat (33:41)

We need to, like, do a massive campaign to bring this show. Yes. And stay in so Cody can be on it.

David Chokachi (33:48)

Come on.

Cat (33:48)

Cody. Can you imagine Cody and your daughter?

David Chokachi (33:50)

That's what. That's what I already.

Cat (33:52)

What's her name?

David Chokachi (33:53)

Brit.

Cat (33:53)

B, R, I, T. Oh, my.

David Chokachi (33:55)

I'm like. Because I had this whole backstory that my wife passed away and I went down to bed, blah, blah, blah. And she's already been in a couple of my movies. She's. She's like. She's beautiful. Like, she.

Cat (34:06)

I'm sure.

David Chokachi (34:07)

And she can surf, she can swim. She's part of the, like, what a better, like, duo than the two of us.

Cat (34:14)

Yes. I know. I will help you pitch.

David Chokachi (34:16)

Yeah.

Cat (34:17)

A great picture. All right. Coincidentally, before we run out of time, because there's so much I want to talk about, you were in a movie that I loved. It's based on a true story, Soul Surfer.

David Chokachi (34:27)

Yeah.

Cat (34:28)

About the girl that lost her arm. The. The. What was her. Bethany. Bethany. It's a true story. She lost her arm surfing in Hawaii. And one of my dear, dear friends was the executive producer of Doc. Dominic Ayano. He was one of the executive producer. Now he's the president of Roundtable Entertainment.

David Chokachi (34:47)

Oh, really?

Cat (34:48)

He was one of the executive producers in this movie. I knew about the movie because of him. I did not know you were in the movie was.

David Chokachi (34:55)

Because. Was he there when we were shooting?

Cat (34:58)

I don't know if you. I probably. Because. Yes, he was highly involved in the movie.

David Chokachi (35:02)

Like, the guy.

Cat (35:05)

I.

David Chokachi (35:05)

Well, I did a TV show called beyond the Break that we shot in a Wire, which. And then. So Sean McNamara was directing Soul Surfer and. Right. Was it Sean.

Cat (35:15)

Dominic was one of the executive producers. Yeah.

David Chokachi (35:18)

And Doug Schwartz, one of the Baywatch guys, was producing it, too, so. Wow. I don't. I don't think.

Cat (35:24)

Such a small world.

David Chokachi (35:25)

Please tell him I said hello.

Cat (35:27)

I will. Because now he's.

Nutra Harmony Spokesperson (35:28)

He.

Cat (35:28)

He's the president of Round Table Entertainment, so maybe we can pitch the Bay. They can help. See?

David Chokachi (35:34)

All right. Come on, Don.

Cat (35:35)

Telling you, he's. He's gonna listen to the episode, but I'll definitely connect you guys. So how was shooting that movie? Because it's such an emotional story.

Nutra Harmony Spokesperson (35:43)

Right.

David Chokachi (35:43)

Yeah.

Cat (35:44)

By the way, if you guys didn't watch, go watch. It's a great movie. It is great movie. This girl is so brave.

David Chokachi (35:50)

Yeah. Yeah. In real life. In real life, I went on. I did a diving show. It was like a. Kind of a reality show. It was for Fox, but basically they took a bunch of us. It was like Antonio Sabato Jr. It was Bethany Hamilton, Terrell Owens, the football player, Alexander Paul there was like. And they. They took us in for, like, four or five weeks. We would train to be, like, divers, like, real, like, diving off certain. Like, like, so either individual diving or, like, platform dive, like high diving or synchronized. And it was like. And then the. The end product was we were going to go compete against each other during this live taping in, like, South Carolina. And so I was with her a lot, and we would be in the gym and I'd, like, work out. And it's so crazy because she has, like, a little bit of arm left. She. In order to keep that, she has to do all these specific, like, hook up, like a strap and, like, do these. Like. I'm like, oh, my God, that looks like it takes so much. It's not like you can just, like, leave it. Like. Like, she has to exercise what's left of her arm. And she's got a great attitude.

Cat (37:02)

But, yeah, because for people that don't know the story, she was a real surfer. She was surfing in Hawaii and she got attacked by a shark. She lost her arm and she went back to surfing.

David Chokachi (37:11)

Yeah, she's charging, she's surfing, like, probably better than.

Cat (37:16)

I mean, talk about the human spirit, right?

David Chokachi (37:19)

Surf one armed is like. I mean, you can't even imagine, especially in big waves. And she charges big waves. So it's.

Cat (37:25)

That's.

David Chokachi (37:25)

That's super ballsy. And, like, I give her a ton of credit, but that was awesome. I had written they. So for my scene, they were like, okay, you can. You can. Because really, what happens, like, when you have a victim like that who's lost an arm? You know, there's all like a million things as the person who's like, I was like, in the ambulance doing all this stuff. And actually the guy I worked with was Mike Newman because he was a firefighter. So before we shot it, the writers and directors said, yeah, go do. Go work with Newman. Come up with all your own dialogue, create all this business, and we'll shoot it. And hopefully, you know, so I came up with all this bitching stuff where I'm doing all this, like, stuff where I'm Stabilizing her before we get to the hospital. And we shot it all. And then I see the final product and they use like 30 seconds of it. I'm like, kidding me, dude. Like, it was so. It was straight up out of like a trauma room deal. Like, I was like, I had things in my mouth and I'm, like doing, like, injecting her, and then she goes into shock and I'm like, anyway, they only. But still, it was fun. It was fun.

Cat (38:33)

Oh, my God. Yeah, it's. It's definitely a great movie.

David Chokachi (38:36)

Yeah.

Cat (38:36)

Other than. Than acting, I want to mention, because that's a really big deal to me. You do fantastic work rescuing dogs.

David Chokachi (38:46)

Thank you. Yeah.

Cat (38:47)

I've been rescuing dogs my whole life. I have to rescue animals to rescue babies. How did you get into that?

David Chokachi (38:54)

Well, I think the first time was, I think at Best Friends Animal Society in 2000. They. They were doing this big pet adoption at La Brea Tar Pits area. And they. They wanted actors to come walk dogs down a Runway and try and like, kind of like say, sell them to the audience. Because if those dogs did not get adopted that day, at that adoption, they were going to be euthanized the next day.

Cat (39:18)

Oh, my God.

David Chokachi (39:19)

So I was like, of course. And that was my first introduction to Best Friends. And I've been an ambassador kind of for them forever since. And at that same adoption, we were walking around and we found our first pit mix, right. And we rescued that one. That was the first one. And then I've just. I've been like, I. My mom and dad always had a dog. They had German shepherds for some reason. That was their thing. But we always had a dog. I just have an affinity for dogs.

Cat (39:46)

Same people. Look at, my God, my dog is nicer than you. We designed this. This dog merch to help shelters. So 20% of everything that the merchandise brings in, we. We distribute to needy shelter. So I brought you some samples.

David Chokachi (40:05)

Amazing.

Cat (40:05)

For you and your family. And then I'll connect you with the site so you guys can. Whatever you love will send more your way because I really admire your work. There's a lot of great videos.

David Chokachi (40:15)

Yeah. Like, so when the fires happened, Best Friends, actually, I said, hey, will you come help load dogs? Because what, they were so smart, like, Best Friends, Paws for Life Canine Rescue, Angel City Pits. They, they. They anticipated the problem and they. They started flying animals, pulling dogs out of the shelters and flying them to other places around the country that have space, which is always the case. So this group, Wings of Rescue, which Is like the number one animal transport either during natural disaster or if they're not flying during natural disasters, they're pulling from kill shelters and sending them to places like all. So I, I. On the first day I went and worked with them. It's always at a private airport like in Burbank or Van Nuys because you got to drive all the rescue group cars onto the tarmac, unload, blah, blah.

Cat (41:12)

Oh, it's amazing work. If you guys don't know what we're talking about, go check his Instagram. I'm putting the link here on this episode. And if you're listening to the audio episode, make sure you go to the YouTube to watch the interview so you can see his face.

David Chokachi (41:25)

Yeah. So anyway, Wings of Rescue as. Because he's like, I need one guy inside the cargo area that can work hard. And I work construction back east in. You have to, you have to be like, speed. Like if you're not high speed. And because the dogs are like, this is like a long day. They're stressed.

Cat (41:43)

Yes.

David Chokachi (41:44)

They've never flown.

Cat (41:45)

Yes.

David Chokachi (41:46)

We were. They were flying cross country. So you gotta be like, if you're thinking about the dog, it's like life and health, you like. So I was like, I'll go do it, man. So it was me, the pilot and him, and he's just like telling you where to stack. And I was just like, head down. And then afterwards he's like, seriously, that's. I've never had anybody work harder. And then kind of half joking up series, like, you ever want to come work for me or fly with us? Like, we would love to have you. And he didn't even know I was from Baywatch. And then afterwards, he asked the lady, he was like, who was that guy? And she's like, you don't know who that was? That was the guy from, like Baywatch. He's like, you gotta be shitting me. And then re. About a month ago.

Cat (42:23)

So down to earth.

David Chokachi (42:24)

Yeah.

Cat (42:24)

Which is really cool.

David Chokachi (42:25)

I was there for the dog.

Cat (42:27)

Yeah. Thank you. That's. The dogs are very grateful, for sure. They're such angels.

David Chokachi (42:31)

They actually asked me to become a, like an official part of their flight crew. And I've done so twice now. They have flown me. I fly commercially to Dallas and then the next morning we load dogs onto their charter. And then I would fly with them. And then so we fly from the two trips. It was like Dallas to Maryland, drop dogs, then we to New Hampshire, drop dogs. And then up to Maine, and then you get to Boston. And then fly back to LA all in one day.

Cat (42:58)

Amazing.

David Chokachi (42:59)

Like, no sleep, but just, I love it. It's always fantastic. Wings of Rescue is like, and they're all, they run their operation all on donations. So like, you should definitely.

Cat (43:08)

Oh yeah, I'll definitely put them on. No, I, I, I saw their work because I have another, I saw some other girl that was helping them during the fires and it, it caught my, my radar. So I did tell my team, like, let's put them on the list, you know, doggy collection. Because it's a really big deal to me.

David Chokachi (43:26)

It is. Because they're really, they're doing like, what's happening in Texas is so bad. And the dogs that, that I've handled and seen, like, there's one dog broke out of its crate and the pilot when we were in New Hampshire is like, David, will you come deal with this? I don't want to deal with this dog. It was like an 80 pound Pyrenees mix and it's like, yeah, dude, I got it. And I, I, yeah, I had to get him out from the back, carry him down a six foot step ladder and then he, I just sat with him on the floor, the cargo plane all the way to Maine. And he was like, just the biggest love. I was like, they just want love. They just want love. And I asked Rick, the president, his name's Rick Browd, is the president of Wings Rescue. I asked because he and his brother were on that flight and so Koda was the dog's name. I said, how long would Koda have? He's like, Koda would been, would have been euthanized within three days to three weeks.

Cat (44:17)

Oh my God.

David Chokachi (44:18)

Because he was of his size only.

Cat (44:20)

Oh my God.

David Chokachi (44:21)

That's so you're like probably out of all the dogs I've experienced in my life, the sweetest, most connected dog I've ever met, like, would have been killed.

Cat (44:31)

That's amazing. That's such an inspiring story. You do incredible work. And for people that want to watch the documentary, it's on Hulu because I just watched it. It's very emotional, very special. And what's next for you?

David Chokachi (44:46)

I'm, I'm shooting a movie right now called Commander down, which is kind of interesting. Yeah, it's fun.

Cat (44:52)

Let me know when it comes out.

David Chokachi (44:53)

Yeah, but I, there's a movie that I'm really proud of that you have to check out. It's called Married Alive.

Cat (44:58)

Married Alive.

David Chokachi (44:59)

That's. We, they just finished post production. I'd say, like, it'd probably be released I'd hope by like, summer. Mid summer. But I think out of all, like, the years of my. It was a very. It's a long story, but the. I think it's the. It was like the best script, the best character, the best crew. All these elements came together at once. And just like, it's. It's. It's gonna, like, blow people's minds.

Cat (45:27)

Keep me posted because I'll definitely share. Yeah.

David Chokachi (45:30)

It's not like, in none of its force. It was written by and directed by Bruce Reisman, who's. It's just one of those movies that has every element and all. Every element is organic. It's not. So there's. Everything in there is like, you know, you're not once. Would you go, well, why is that? You would never. There's not a moment you'll question. That's beautiful. That's a. Like a story about how much I care about my son. And like. Yeah, it's really.

Cat (45:54)

Can't wait. Make sure you let me know.

David Chokachi (45:56)

Yeah.

Cat (45:57)

Because I'll share with my audience. Because they love you.

David Chokachi (45:59)

Yes. Yes.

Cat (46:00)

This was so much fun. It was such a long. I know. No, we have to do it again because it's a rainy, cold day and you drove all the way from Malibu to West Hollywood. We are so grateful. Thank you so much.

David Chokachi (46:13)

Well, maybe next time we do, I do a Wings of Rescue flight that loads here. You could come out for sure. You can shoot some footage for your show.

Cat (46:21)

1,000,000%.

David Chokachi (46:22)

It be cool for people to see.

Cat (46:23)

1,000,000%. I'm like a huge animal lover. Huge dog.

David Chokachi (46:27)

Yeah, you would love. It really feels like, rewarding.

Cat (46:31)

Well, we're connected. We're gonna stay connected. I feel we're gonna do a lot of other fun things together.

David Chokachi (46:35)

I hope so.

Cat (46:36)

It was such an honor having you. Thank you. And, girls, you're welcome. Go watch the YouTube channel because he's too eye candy. And that song. That song right on the. They put the same song in the documentary.

David Chokachi (46:48)

Yeah. Like, I'll be there for you, Debbie Gibson, I think. Or saying it. Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

Cat (46:55)

Okay. David, thank you. This was incredible. Guys, be safe out there and I'll see you again very soon. Yeah. We did it. Thank you. And if you guys love taking care.

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