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Jamie McDonald
My guest today, David Chokachi, not only is a super talented actor, but one of the nicest, kindest people I've ever met in my life. David's first career role was as lifeguard Cody Madison in the worldwide phenomenon Baywatch, which earned him a huge fan base and the distinction of being voted one of People magazine's 50 most beautiful. David can currently be seen the future film Black Panthers of WW2. He has also recently been in the feature film as Long as I'm Famous, directed by Bruce Reisman, and in the horror feature film the Bone Box. He's also working and on a bunch of new projects. He is an avid animal rescuer supporter, which is something we both do and we are really passionate about and this was a really fun, amazing conversation. David was kind enough to drive all the way from Malibu in a rainy day to my studios in West Hollywood and I hope you guys enjoy if you are listening to the audio episode, make sure you go watch the episode on YouTube Cat on the Loose show because David is definitely super handsome, super good looking, but most importantly super super super nice. Are you thinking about planning an amazing vacation or weekend getaway and don't know where to start? Do you want the options of amazing hotels or short term vacation homes in a dreamy destination? Or maybe you need a fabulous venue for a really special occasion such as a wedding or family re. All you need to do is reach out to Prive Elle top luxury concierge services company in the world. Priveli has a lifestyle management team passionate and skilled in arranging business or leisure trips anywhere around the globe. Private yachts, all kinds of transportations, special experiences, sporting events and much more. Take a look at their website www.prevela that's P R I V E E L A Tell them what you need and all your dreams will become reality. On Inst. Instagram same name Preve la luxury concierge services at your disposal worldwide. Are you an entrepreneur, business owner or major expert in your field? Guess what? Your knowledge is worth money and you can monetize it. Maybe you already even have a course out there in one of these video uploading platforms and you're super frustrated because you don't know how to grow your brand. Let me tell you about Lightspeed vt, the only high technology, multi million dollar interactive training system in the world. And this is why Fortune 500 companies, CEOs, entrepreneurs and some of the most successful people on the planet such as Grant Cardone, Cardone University, Tony Robbins, Damon John are using it and making millions of dollars there. With Lightspeed, you will be able to monetize your knowledge and your online courses millions of times faster and take your business to the next level by reaching a massive audience quickly, hundreds of thousands in monthly revenue and scaling super quickly. You want to see a demo, you want to get a free consultation? DM me, I'll hook you up. Or send a message. Text WhatsApp to 310-692-0578 and start the year monetizing your content big time on LightSpeed VT. David, welcome to Cat on the Loose.
David Chokachi
Thank you so much. Thank you for having me.
Jamie McDonald
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
I love it.
Jamie McDonald
And we get requests, as I was telling before we started, from all over the world to have you guys on the show, if you believe that.
David Chokachi
I. 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 it 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. So it's cool.
Jamie McDonald
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 watch than Baywatch.
David Chokachi
Yeah, no, at the time it was the number one watch show in the world. It was because I have this statistic. It's. It was like 1.1 billion people a week and there were only 5.6 billion people on the planet.
Jamie McDonald
It's crazy.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
And you, you're on the show for many years.
David Chokachi
Yeah, I was on from 95 to 99.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah, that's a long time.
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
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.
David Chokachi
When I get the call or. Well, you know, it's. 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're 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. 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 shit, 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, blah. I'm like, gulp. You know, like, oh, my God, don't this. And, 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, the. The. It's. They're guaranteeing you six episodes out of 22.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, okay.
David Chokachi
With the option of doing all 22 if they like you, or the option to basically, like, drop you and leave you. Like, 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. You were. I grew up on the ocean on the East Coast. I was already a certified scuba diver.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, really?
David Chokachi
Yeah, I was on a swim team.
Jamie McDonald
You had the body, you had the looks. They put you on on the opening credits.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
Getting out of the pool, right, like, in your body is like, yeah. And I think everybody watching the, 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
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.
Jamie McDonald
So you guys did a lot of your own action scenes?
David Chokachi
I did all of them, except for some reason they wouldn't let me. The only thing it 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.
Jamie McDonald
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
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
But did you guys were friends off camera?
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
Oh my God.
David Chokachi
And then my character took off in Popular. But 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 pressure.
Jamie McDonald
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. Yeah.
David Chokachi
Because as soon as they were like, all right, we're gonna do shoot some like, you know, we had An A unit and a B unit. Like we're gonna shoot some. The B, which is all the action. And when it came time to do that, I would just crush it.
Jamie McDonald
Oh my God, I love that. How was it working with Pamela Anderson?
David Chokachi
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 and go, do you want Pamela or Yasmine as your girlfriend on the show?
Jamie McDonald
And I was like, oh, you could choose.
David Chokachi
You guys are giving me that choice.
Jamie McDonald
Wow.
David Chokachi
And I loved Yasmine.
Jamie McDonald
Oh my God.
David Chokachi
But Pam and I just had the.
Jamie McDonald
Gorgeous blonde of the. Oh, they work. Oh my God. Somebody has to do it.
David Chokachi
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, she was awesome.
Jamie McDonald
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
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.
Jamie McDonald
Yes.
David Chokachi
So. But at the time there was those. Do you remember like Inside Edition and like those. Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
Kind of like the tmz.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
Of these days. Yeah.
David Chokachi
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 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 just basically in there renovating.
Jamie McDonald
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
No. And it gets even weirder. But he threatened the producers. He. He said, if you write another kissing scene for Pam and Chokechee again, I'm gonna kill you. To the. To the creator.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, my God. The guy's like, were they intimidated?
David Chokachi
No, they. They were like, this is Bay.
Jamie McDonald
Couldn't they just say, you're not coming to the set? Like, get out.
David Chokachi
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. 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.
Jamie McDonald
Maybe he needed to hang out with you to feel comfortable with the situation.
David Chokachi
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, fantasize. 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.
Jamie McDonald
You know, I mean, it comes with the territory. Being 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
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.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah. 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 and so forth.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
And the water is cold all year long here. It's not like the Atlantic Ocean that gets 83 degrees.
David Chokachi
Yeah, well, Florida. Yeah, it's.
Jamie McDonald
It's freezing. It's freezing. Yeah.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
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
Well, 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.
Jamie McDonald
They were wearing speedos in real life.
David Chokachi
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, I don't know, eight 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, talk about this. I was talking 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.
Jamie McDonald
Oh my God.
David Chokachi
Be like, all right, I'm good to go.
Jamie McDonald
Thank you for being so honest about it. Because yeah, we, we were watching 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
You get out when they call Kai. You're scrambling for the boat usually, and 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.
Jamie McDonald
And were you afraid, like at all? Like, oh, my God, this. This stuff.
David Chokachi
Afraid of what?
Jamie McDonald
A jumping in the water. Jumping in the cold, freezing water.
David Chokachi
No, I like it all. No.
Jamie McDonald
Was anybody afraid?
David Chokachi
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Jamie McDonald
The girls.
David Chokachi
Well, Alexander Paul is probably the most. Like, she was a legit, like Iron Woman or Iron Man.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah. To this day, she's so fit.
David Chokachi
Yeah, yeah. So she loved it. She didn't care about the cold. Knew me, Mike didn't care about the cold. Yasmeen didn't like to be in water. Over her head. So that became really.
Jamie McDonald
That's a new show.
David Chokachi
Interesting when we had to do rescues. But I was like, I was just supportive. She just wasn't used to the ocean. That wasn't her thing. But she pulled it off. 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 the, 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 water's edge. She's like, I'm not going in there. I'm. 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.
Jamie McDonald
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
Yeah, yeah. But I mean, I was like, bring it. Like, that was my forte. That was my strength.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah. For you, was the money worth it, like, to do all of that? Was it life changing money?
David Chokachi
No, no. Jesus.
Jamie McDonald
You're like on the biggest show in the world and it wasn't life changing money. No.
David Chokachi
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 Hasselhoff were replaceable to an extent, which, you know, at the time, I didn't really care about the money, but 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.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, wow.
David Chokachi
And they paid me a ton.
Jamie McDonald
She was one of the most famous.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
For people that don't know, she was one of the most famous supermodels back then, right?
David Chokachi
Yeah. She was stunning.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah. I haven't seen her in forever, but she was gorgeous.
David Chokachi
So they, like.
Jamie McDonald
She looked like Claudia Schiffer.
David Chokachi
Yeah. I think even prettier.
Jamie McDonald
And they paid you good bucks for that?
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
I remember you are on People's 50 Most Beautiful People in the world. That must have brought you tons of publicity, right?
David Chokachi
Yeah. That was.
Jamie McDonald
That's an honor, though.
David Chokachi
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 when it is. Is it?
Jamie McDonald
Yes.
David Chokachi
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 50, 50 most beautiful.
Jamie McDonald
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 out of hundreds of thousands.
David Chokachi
So.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah, you can be very proud of that.
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
They'Re like, oh, wait, that's the dude.
David Chokachi
Come on, dude, you're good. Bring your buddies.
Jamie McDonald
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
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, like, really good buddies. And they all thought I would change and become this other person, like, who is full of, like, like full of themselves. And, and then after shooting the show and we got together, they're like, holy shit, dude. You didn't change a bit.
Jamie McDonald
You're thank God, by the way, right?
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
I think there is nothing more annoying than someone that gets a show, a movie or something and they become another person.
David Chokachi
No.
Jamie McDonald
Right.
David Chokachi
Let me tell you what, whatever you're doing, TV or film, it's not that important in the scheme of.
Jamie McDonald
It's entertainment.
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
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
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
And the ones that are like wannabes are the most like.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
You know, let their ego go up to their head, at least in my experience in this industry. And.
David Chokachi
Hey, Jamie McDonald here.
Jamie McDonald
This is my brand new song. Oh God, I'm. Please send help from heaven Cuz that's what I need I need heaven and I Desperate, desperate oh, I need heaven. Be sure to check out my breakout.
David Chokachi
Single Desperate on all streaming platforms.
Jamie McDonald
Interviewing people and just being out and about.
David Chokachi
Yeah, yeah.
Jamie McDonald
You know, I'm not going to name names but I've met crazy successful people and they're like you, they're like super chill.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
Super nice. And then you meet some reality stars or something. They're like, oh my God, you know, no comment.
David Chokachi
Yeah. Oh my God, don't even get me going there.
Jamie McDonald
I know. 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
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.
Jamie McDonald
Feel dressed, 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
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
About you guys.
David Chokachi
What is it called? After, After Baywatch Moment in the Sun.
Jamie McDonald
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.
David Chokachi
The pressure.
Jamie McDonald
The pressure. I don't know, or I'm not sure what they couldn't handle.
David Chokachi
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?
Jamie McDonald
This is like, right?
David Chokachi
We just got to do the coolest things possible.
Jamie McDonald
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 I 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 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
Mean, the lifeguards in real life. Because my daughter is a part of the junior lifeguard program.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, how sweet. How old is she now?
David Chokachi
She's 13. And so this summer she'll 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 Malibu. 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, wow, 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. It's like emotional.
Jamie McDonald
Did she ever watch the show?
David Chokachi
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. I haven't watched my show, like my whole family, they don't, they don't watch anything I do.
Jamie McDonald
Really. Maybe they need to do a reboot.
David Chokachi
They are doing a reboot.
Jamie McDonald
They are?
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, really?
David Chokachi
Yeah. And he's so. I. I've been pushing it for probably 10 years.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, my God.
David Chokachi
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 it in Australia because of financial reasons. And if they do, I won't be a part of it.
Jamie McDonald
But you don't want to move to Australia.
David Chokachi
They won't cast me. They won't, they won't, they won't have the. They won't fly another actor. They won't pay for it, so. But there's a chance it would not.
Jamie McDonald
Be the same if they do it.
David Chokachi
It's not. I don't get it. Because they already tried it when they moved the show from LA to Hawaii. I know.
Jamie McDonald
Same. I know. I agree. Because for audiences, when it changed, like, it's like, what are you doing? Because the, the essence of the show Y was the California Malibu lifestyle. Right.
David Chokachi
And you would think Hawaii would be better because it's. Everything's like warm and it just didn't work. Yeah. And they're so. They're going to try and double Australia for LA and it doesn't work.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah. Oh, my God. It would be so cool if they just brought it back here.
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, my God, That's.
David Chokachi
And the guy's jaw just like, like, dropped. And I heard that story.
Jamie McDonald
We need to, like, do a massive campaign to bring this show back. Yes. And stay in LA so Cody can be on it.
David Chokachi
Come on.
Jamie McDonald
Cody. Can you imagine Cody and your daughter?
David Chokachi
That's what. That's what I already.
Jamie McDonald
What's her name?
David Chokachi
Brit. B, R, I, T. Oh, my. I'm like. Because I had this whole backstory that my wife passed away and I went down a 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.
Jamie McDonald
I'm sure.
David Chokachi
And she can surf, she can swim. She's part of the, like, what a better, like, duo than the two of us.
Jamie McDonald
Yes, I know. I will help you pitch.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
A great picture.
David Chokachi
All right.
Jamie McDonald
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
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
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 you. One of my dear, dear friends was the executive producer of Doc. Dominic Ayano, he was one of the executive producers. Now he's the president of Roundtable Entertainment.
David Chokachi
Oh, really?
Jamie McDonald
He was one of the executive producer in this movie. I knew about the movie because of him. I did not know you were in the movie was.
David Chokachi
Because. Was he there when we were shooting?
Jamie McDonald
I don't know if you. Probably. Because. Yes, he was highly involved in the movie.
David Chokachi
Like, the guy. I. Well, I did a TV show called beyond the Break that we shot in a while, which. And then. So Sean McNamara was directing Soul Surfer and. Right. Was it Sean.
Jamie McDonald
Dominic was one of the executive producers.
David Chokachi
Yeah. And Doug Schwartz, one of the Baywatch guys, was producing it, too, so. Wow. I don't. I don't.
Jamie McDonald
Such a small world.
David Chokachi
Please tell him I said Hello, I will.
Jamie McDonald
Because now he's. He, he's the president of Round Table Entertainment, so maybe we can pitch the bay. They can help. See.
David Chokachi
All right. Come on.
Jamie McDonald
Telling you he's, he's gonna listen to the episode, but I'll definitely connect you guys. So how was shooting that movie? Cuz it's such an emotional story, right?
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
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
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. And 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 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 she has to exercise what's left of her arm and she's got a great attitude.
Jamie McDonald
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
Yeah, she's charging, she's surfing. Like probably better than.
Jamie McDonald
I mean, talk about the human spirit, right?
David Chokachi
Surf one armed is like, I mean, you can't even imagine, especially in big waves. And she charges big waves. So it's. 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 I 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 it 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.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, my God. Yeah, it's. It's definitely a great movie.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
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
Thank you. Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
I've been rescuing dogs my whole life. I have to rescue animals to rescue babies. How did you get into that?
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
Oh, my God.
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
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 shelters. So I brought you some samples.
David Chokachi
Amazing.
Jamie McDonald
For you and your family. And then I'll connect you with the site so you guys can whatever you love. We'll more your way. Because I really admire your work. There's a lot of great videos.
David Chokachi
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, blah.
Jamie McDonald
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
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. And 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.
Jamie McDonald
Yes.
David Chokachi
They've never flown. Yes. 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 after, he's 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 us 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. And he's like, you gotta be shitting me. And then re. About a month ago.
Jamie McDonald
You're so down to earth.
David Chokachi
Yeah.
Jamie McDonald
Which is really cool.
David Chokachi
I was there for the dogs.
Jamie McDonald
Yeah.
David Chokachi
Thanks.
Jamie McDonald
Thank you. That's. The dogs are very grateful, for sure. They're such angels.
David Chokachi
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 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.
Jamie McDonald
Amazing.
David Chokachi
Like no sleep, but just, I love it. It's always Wings of Rescue is like, and they're all, they run their operation all on donations. So like you should definitely.
Jamie McDonald
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 caught my, my radar. So I did tell my team, like, let's put them on the list, you know, of donations with our doggy collection. Because it' to me it is because.
David Chokachi
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 crate and the pilot when we were in New Hampshire was 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 was, 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.
Jamie McDonald
Oh my God.
David Chokachi
And he was like, 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 Brown, 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 have been, would have been euthanized within three days to three weeks.
Jamie McDonald
Oh my God.
David Chokachi
Because he was of his size only.
Jamie McDonald
Oh my God, that's horrible.
David Chokachi
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.
Jamie McDonald
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
I'm shooting a movie right now. Called Commander down, which is kind of interesting. Yeah, it's fun.
Jamie McDonald
Let me know when it comes out.
David Chokachi
Yeah. But there's a movie that I'm really proud of that you have to check out. It's called called Married Alive.
Jamie McDonald
Married Alive.
David Chokachi
That's. We. They just finished post production. I'd say, like, it'd probably be released, I 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.
Jamie McDonald
Keep me posted because I'll definitely share. Yeah.
David Chokachi
It's not like. And none of it's forced. 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.
Jamie McDonald
Love it.
David Chokachi
That's beautiful. That's like a story about how much I care about my son. And, like. Yeah, it's really cool.
Jamie McDonald
Can't wait. Make sure you let me know when it comes out because I'll share with my audience. Because they love you.
David Chokachi
Yes. Yes.
Jamie McDonald
This was so much fun. It was such a long. Exactly. I know 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
Well, maybe next time we do, I do a Wings of Rescue flight that loads here. You could come out for sure.
Jamie McDonald
You shoot some footage for your 1 million.
David Chokachi
It'd be cool for people to see.
Jamie McDonald
1 million percent. I'm like a huge animal lover. Huge dog.
David Chokachi
Yeah, you would love. It's really. Feels like rewarding.
Jamie McDonald
Well, we're connected. We're gonna stay connected. I feel we're gonna do a lot of other fun things together.
David Chokachi
I hope so.
Jamie McDonald
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, the Baywatch. Yeah. Like, I'll be there for you.
David Chokachi
Debbie Gibson, I think. Or saying it. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Jamie McDonald
Okay. David, thank you. This was incredible. Guys, be safe out there. And I'll see you again very soon. Yay. We did it. Thank you. And if you guys love taking care of your bodies and health as much as I do, I invite you to check out this brand that I love so much. Nutra Harmony. Look well, feel well, be well, stay beautiful on the outside with care and health from the inside. Nutra Harmony is your daily dose of perfection, confidence, health and beauty. Each supplement is made for you with love and care. Made in the USA with globally sourced all natural ingredients. I love their biotin with collagen. I am obsessed with their hair mask. They have so many incredible products. I invite you to check out their website and shop now nutra harmony.com or you can go directly on their Amazon store. You will absolutely love the quality of their products. I am completely hooked and I highly recommend them.
David Chokachi
Hey, Jamie McDonald here.
Jamie McDonald
This is my brand new song. Oh God, I'm desperate down on my knees. Send help from heaven Cause that's what I need. I need heaven and I desperate, desperate.
David Chokachi
Be sure to check out my breakout single Desperate on all streaming platforms.
Podcast Summary: Kat on the Loose – Episode with Actor David Chokachi
Episode Information:
Timestamp: [03:31]
The episode kicks off with host Jamie McDonald introducing David Chokachi, highlighting his impressive acting career and personal qualities. Jamie expresses admiration for David, referring to him as "one of the nicest, kindest people" she has met.
Notable Quote:
David responds with gratitude, sharing his excitement about the enduring popularity of Baywatch, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when viewership spiked globally.
Notable Quote:
Timestamp: [04:26 – 21:02]
David delves into his journey on Baywatch, discussing how he was cast as lifeguard Cody Madison. He recounts the rigorous audition process, including multiple readings and a swim test, which he successfully passed.
Notable Quote:
David elaborates on the challenges of being on a highly popular show, including the initial probationary status with only six guaranteed episodes. However, his dedication led to an extended role, ultimately appearing in 19 out of 22 episodes in his first season.
Notable Quote:
Timestamp: [07:37 – 14:03]
The conversation shifts to David's interactions with fellow cast members, particularly Pamela Anderson. David shares humorous anecdotes about choosing between portraying Pamela or Yasmine as his girlfriend on the show, ultimately selecting Pamela due to their shared Finnish heritage and natural chemistry.
Notable Quote:
A significant moment discussed is Tommy Lee's reaction to David and Pamela's on-screen romantic scenes, leading to real-life tensions. David narrates how Tommy reacted violently to a scene airing on his birthday, threatening the producers.
Notable Quote:
Despite the drama, David maintains a professional demeanor, emphasizing his respect for Tommy and his commitment to staying within boundaries.
Notable Quote:
Timestamp: [21:02 – 25:00]
Jamie transitions the discussion to fame's impact on actors, asking how David handled the sudden success and whether it affected his personality. David attributes his grounded nature to his upbringing in New England, emphasizing a strong work ethic instilled by his parents.
Notable Quote:
He contrasts his experience with other actors who struggled with fame, highlighting his ability to remain humble and focused without succumbing to detrimental lifestyles.
Timestamp: [36:55 – 42:40]
David passionately discusses his involvement in animal rescue, detailing his work with Best Friends Animal Society and Wings of Rescue. He shares heartfelt stories about rescuing dogs from shelters and the emotional connections formed during these missions.
Notable Quote:
He recounts specific instances, such as rescuing an 80-pound Pyrenees mix named Koda, emphasizing the lives saved through these efforts.
Notable Quote:
Timestamp: [42:40 – 44:44]
David updates listeners on his current projects, including the movie "Commander Down" and the recently completed "Married Alive." He praises the script and crew of "Married Alive," expressing excitement about its forthcoming release and the personal connection to the story's themes.
He also mentions his daughter's involvement in the junior lifeguard program, highlighting the intersection of his personal life and professional legacy with Baywatch.
Notable Quote:
Timestamp: [44:09 – 45:04]
As the episode wraps up, Jamie and David express mutual admiration and the intention to collaborate on future projects. They discuss potential involvement with Wings of Rescue flights and the impact of their combined efforts on animal welfare.
Notable Quote:
Timestamp: [45:00 – 45:04]
David promotes his breakout single, "Desperate," available on all streaming platforms, while Jamie encourages listeners to watch the interview on YouTube for a visual connection.
Notable Quote:
Key Takeaways:
For More Information:
Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the substantive content of the conversation between Jamie McDonald and David Chokachi.