80s movie star and Mork & Mindy sidekick who was fired from Baywatch is unrecognizable on rare outing

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A famous actor from the 1980s was spotted in Los Angeles on Wednesday, exciting many of his fans.

The 71-year-old actress, famous for her role as Jeanie DaVinci alongside Robin Williams in ‘Mork & Mindy,’ appeared cheerful while running some errands.

She looked relaxed and comfortable in a burgundy fleece jacket and gray sweatpants – a noticeable change from the glamorous style she was known for early in her career. Many remember her debut role in the 1982 film Night Shift, where she starred alongside Michael Keaton and Henry Winkler.

She also acted in the movie St. Elmo’s Fire and was in the original Baywatch pilot, a 1989 TV movie called Baywatch: Panic at Malibu Pier. This pilot eventually became the hugely popular Baywatch series.

The character Gina Pomeroy didn’t make the transition to the new series, despite initial plans. Producers chose a different actress for the role, while David Hasselhoff, Parker Stevenson, and Erika Eleniak all continued with the show.

So… can you guess the mystery star?

If you said Gina Hecht, you nailed it!

Gina Hecht was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and comes from a theatrical family – her mother, Pauline Hecht, is a stage actress.

After graduating high school, she went on to earn a degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, beginning a successful career in television, movies, and theater.

Pamela Hecht’s career took off in 1979 when she landed the role of Jeanie DaVinci on the popular show Mork & Mindy. She later appeared in her first film, the 1982 comedy Night Shift, directed by Ron Howard and starring Henry Winkler and Diane Keaton.

Throughout her career, Hecht established a strong record, most notably with her role as Judge Rachel Lasser on General Hospital. She played the part from 2015 to 2019 and was well-regarded for her authoritative and captivating performance.

In 2011, she demonstrated her acting range and knack for comedy by performing with Jason Alexander in Neil Simon’s play, The Prisoner of Second Avenue.

More recently, she appeard on The Rookie, alongside Nathan Fillion. 

Off-screen, Hecht married writer and actor Brian Herskowitz in 1988.

The couple are parents to two children, Maggie and Bailey. 

Hecht reportedly introduced Mork & Mindy co-star Pam Dawber to her future husband Mark Harmon.

She’s still friends with Alexander, whom she portrayed the therapist of on Seinfeld back in 1989.

Hecht enjoyed playing poker and was a successful celebrity participant in the World Poker Tour (WPT) events. In 2007, she finished among the final six players at the WPT Celebrity Invitational at the Commerce Casino, and in 2008, she was one of ten celebrities to win $1,000 for their chosen charity at the same tournament.

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2025-11-30 18:33