Hollywood Star’s Ex-Wife Found Dead: Drugs, Debt, and Tragic End
Tragically, Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, formerly married to David Hasselhoff from Baywatch, ended her life this week at the age of 62. A close friend described her life as being in disarray, filled with inner turmoil and external chaos.
Over several years, she struggled with alcohol and substance abuse issues. Lately, she’d resorted to borrowing money using her $2.4 million property in the Hollywood Hills as collateral, and by 11 am, she was already drinking straight vodka.
The open secret about her dependence on prescription drugs, marijuana, and cocaine was well-known, yet the news of her demise has left those who knew her closely in disbelief.
Pamela fought against personal struggles, and unfortunately, those struggles ultimately claimed her life. As a close friend of Pamela’s for over two decades, Jeannine Madsen shared this heartbreaking news with me last night. Struggling to hold back tears, she remarked: ‘This is the sad tale of Hollywood – it’s been seen before and will be seen again. This town has a way of consuming people and discarding them. Some of us manage to endure, but, sadly, others do not.’
Jeannine is known for being the former spouse of Michael Madsen, a renowned actor best recognized for his roles in films like Reservoir Dogs, Free Willy, and Thelma & Louise. In her view, Pamela’s difficulties are often encountered by ex-wives whose husbands have found new relationships following their divorces.
Originally, these women enjoyed the radiant limelight of fame; however, as their marriages dissolve and their partners move on to fresher, younger companions, both their lives and their luster seem to wither away into harsh anonymity.
In my experience as a lifestyle advisor, navigating the glamorous world of Hollywood isn’t always easy, especially for women who have sacrificed their personal careers to stand by their significant others, nurture their families, and uphold our collective image. Unfortunately, some of us may find ourselves in situations where we are unfairly treated during a divorce, despite our unwavering dedication and support. It’s crucial for us to remember our worth and seek the guidance we need to protect our interests and secure a brighter future for ourselves and our loved ones.
Often, people assume that marrying a celebrity equates to a flawless, shiny lifestyle. However, it’s crucial to understand that frequently, the second wives, like myself and Pamela, often pay a significant price in reality.
Pamela was married to Hasselhoff from 1989 to 2006 when he was at the peak of his fame.
In the world of Knight Rider, I found myself in the limelight, while she was an extra adding flavor to the scenes. It wasn’t long before a year had passed, and we were blessed with our firstborn, Taylor, who at 34 years old is now a mother herself to my grandchild, sweet London, only seven months young.
Pamela and Hasselhoff had a second daughter Hayley, now 32, who is a plus-sized model.
Reportedly, it was Hayley who discovered her mother’s body in the bedroom of their four-bedroom house on Troy Drive, located close to the iconic Hollywood sign in the Hollywood Hills.
neighbors mentioned that Hayley ran out around 9 PM on Wednesday night; Hiromi Osiecki, a neighbor living across from her, reported: ‘She appeared frantic, shouting, wailing, and sobbing on the street.’
Upon the arrival of the police, they attempted to console Hayley, as she was reportedly unable to be comforted by anyone, according to a trusted family source.
On Thursday afternoon, they (she and her sister Taylor) were seen retrieving their mom’s cat, yet they appeared too distressed to provide any comments.
The initial police report revealed Pamela died of a single gunshot wound to the head.
A good friend of mine, who recently conversed with the ex-actress mere days prior to her tragic passing, shared this insight with me: “Pamela was one who consistently maintained a composed demeanor. She always presented herself neatly, kept her hair styled, underwent Botox treatments and plastic surgeries.
Over the past couple of months, she started pulling away from social interactions. Our conversation a few days prior to her passing suggested that she was alright, yet her demeanor was unusually subdued compared to her typical self.
The warning signs were there.
Originally, Pamela was meticulous with keeping her house clean; however, now it appears that her home has turned into disarray. My friend commented on the situation, noticing that the cat’s litter box was filled past capacity, clothes strewn about, and dirty dishes piled up in the kitchen.

‘Her house was an unholy mess and so was she. It was sad to see how far she had fallen.
‘She was drinking neat vodka at 11am. There were pills. She was smoking marijuana all day long.
‘She’d had bad times with drugs and alcohol before but had always managed to pull through.’
On social platforms, Pamela portrayed a cheerful and optimistic persona, maintaining this image until late last year when she suddenly ceased updates, presumably due to her addiction’s increasing hold on her.
On New Year’s Eve, her latest Instagram post displayed a stunning image of her beloved granddaughter, London, accompanied by a heartfelt caption expressing her immense appreciation as she welcomes 2025, with particular fondness for her cherished grandchild, London.
Witnessing her growth and observing her radiant smiles filling up my life has been the most wonderful gift. Cheers to another year filled with creating unforgettable moments, spreading happiness, and cherishing each priceless second.
Ten weeks later she was dead.
I encountered Pamela for the first time during the pinnacle of her spouse’s popularity on Baywatch. The series debuted in 1989 and lasted for an impressive 11 seasons. It skyrocketed to international acclaim, airing in 142 different countries and setting the Guinness World Record for the largest television audience ever, boasting a staggering 1.1 billion viewers at its zenith.
David Hasselhoff, affectionately called ‘The Hoff,’ amassed fortunes through his roles as both producer and star of the show. He also embarked on a successful music career, particularly popular in Germany, and could command up to $100,000 for each speaking event he attended.
In the early days, at least, Pamela seemed deliriously happy with her good fortune.
Frequently, I’d run into her at Hollywood gatherings. Standing at only 5 feet 5 inches, she was stunningly attractive. With a past as a cheerleader, she effortlessly maintained an air of sophistication and never a strand of blonde hair seemed out of place.
At the Universal Studios gathering where The Hoff was socializing with both fans and reporters, Pamela shared with me, “I should return to David soon, as he gets uncomfortable when I’m away for too long.
Instead of carrying a negative undertone, her words were quite the opposite. In fact, they exuded pride. She expressed her profound sense of identity as his wife by stating: ‘My greatest role is that of a mother. Our daughters are my world. David is my other half. His professional life takes precedence while I manage our home. I take great pride in that.’
The Hasselhoff family relocated to a grand 1.5-acre estate situated in the exclusive area of Encino, Los Angeles. Their primary residence, a stunning colonial mansion, boasted 6,000 square feet. This property also included two guest houses, a tennis court, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a spa.
Additionally, it served as a social center, where entertainment thrived – a fact that held particular significance for Pamela, a native of the quaint town of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Previously, Pamela and others delighted in partaking in drinks, with champagne being abundant, yet at that point, she hadn’t encountered any struggles related to addiction.
As a passionate aspirant, at the tender age of 17, I found myself among countless others in Hollywood, pursuing fame and wealth. Reflecting on those days, I shared a two-bedroom apartment with four other young women, each of us claiming a half to call our own. With a face that attracted glances and dreams as vast as the sky, my ultimate dream was to unite my life with my Prince Charming.

However, due to her petite stature, unsuitable for the runway, Pamela found success in modeling for knitting magazines instead. Later, she secured minor roles in B-list films like “Nudity Required” (1988) and appeared in TV series such as “Cheers” and “Knight Rider”.
Or:
Pamela’s height made her unfit for the catwalk, but she still managed to land modeling gigs in knitting catalogues. Eventually, she began appearing in minor roles in B-list films like “Nudity Required” (1988) and on TV shows including “Cheers” and “Knight Rider”.
Or:
Although too short for the runway, Pamela made a name for herself by modeling in knitting catalogues. Later, she found roles in B-list films like “Nudity Required” (1988) and on TV shows such as “Cheers” and “Knight Rider”.
All three sentences convey the same information but are phrased differently to provide variety and ensure easy reading.
Back in 1986, when Hasselhoff was still married to Catherine Hickland, she initially turned him down. When he invited her to visit his trailer, she respectfully refused due to her Midwestern upbringing values which discouraged her from getting involved with a married man.
By 1989, it was confirmed that David Hasselhoff (often referred to as “The Hoff”) was no longer married. One evening, we went out for dinner and within nine months, I found myself expecting a child. Laughing, she added, “I suppose my traditional Midwestern beliefs took a bit of a hit.
During the early years, their marriage was a haven of happiness, but as David Hasselhoff’s fame skyrocketed with Baywatch and music tours worldwide, Pamela found herself feeling more and more isolated at their Encino home. This solitude led her to turn to excessive alcohol consumption.
One friend said: ‘It’s easy to become an alcoholic when your house has its own pub.’
Drugs, as well, turned out to be her downfall, encompassing substances like cocaine and prescription painkillers. A friend remarked: “She wasn’t a social butterfly. She used drugs in the privacy of her own home. She would drink at home too. Loneliness consumed her, with David being away, and when he returned home, there were frequent arguments.
By early 2006, the Hasselhoff’s marriage had ended, and their divorce quickly gained notoriety for being one of the most bitter in Tinseltown.
After openly discussing his struggles with alcohol, Hasselhoff accused his spouse of being dependent on drugs and alcohol. In response, she filed court documents making claims that he was abusive physically, a charge he has strongly and persistently refuted. She asserted that her husband had broken her nose; however, his lawyer countered by stating: “The individual responsible for breaking Pamela’s nose was actually her plastic surgeon.
Then an ignominious video circulated of a drunken Hasselhoff on all fours eating a hamburger.
I learned that a tape of Pamela might have been leaked, so I reached out to her to confirm. However, she vehemently dismissed the allegation and warned me not to publish the story, or else she’d cease all communication with me.
It turns out that I was not privy to the information myself, but I discovered through various reliable resources such as Pamela’s close friends that, in fact, she was responsible for the embarrassing disclosure.
Known for avoiding media attention, she subsequently granted me a single extensive interview following her divorce – an interview that has been frequently referenced globally in news reports since her passing.
As a lifestyle advisor, I’d like to share an eye-opening story from my personal experience. Once upon a time, I was married to a man who was a global sensation. Yet, despite being the center of attention on the planet, he struggled with alcohol addiction.
One day, I learned that he had left a renowned rehabilitation clinic in Palm Springs, not for recovery, but to check into a nearby hotel. There, he proceeded to consume every item in the mini-bar, fueling his destructive habit. This is just one instance of many where he struggled, and I unknowingly enabled him by concealing his battles for years.


For quite some time, Pamela stubbornly declined to vacate the family residence. However, a compromise was made: she’d receive a monthly allowance of $21,000. To most people, this would seem like a vast sum, but to Pamela, it felt more like an insult.
She used to call me, often intoxicated, to vent about how Hasselhoff allegedly wronged her – an issue that didn’t seem to be resolved when her monthly payment decreased to $5,000 upon her children leaving home. Even though she had nannies, she cherished being a mother, as one of her friends remarked. ‘She was an excellent mother. You couldn’t find fault with her in that regard.’
After discovering a more compact residence in Hollywood Hills, Pamela decided to leave her previous estate in Encino, which later got sold.
In 2018, David Hasselhoff, who is currently 72 years old, tied the knot with Hayley Roberts, a Welsh model, after their chance encounter at a hotel bar in Cardiff while Hasselhoff was serving as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
During the 2023 wedding of their daughter Taylor to estate agent Madison Fiore, Pamela, his ex-wife, found the encounter with Hayley particularly challenging. Jeannine Madsen shared: “Pamela was quite anxious. I advised her to put on her best outfit and walk in with confidence. She managed it, but admitted it wasn’t easy for her.
Pamela’s affection for David remained constant throughout the years. Even after their divorce and well past the point when he had moved on, she continued to speak fondly of him.
Jeannine understands better than most the money struggles that women like Pamela face.
She remarks, “Once you’re no longer married to a well-known figure, friendships seem to disappear overnight.” Financial difficulties emerge. You’ve been accustomed to maintaining a particular lifestyle for your children, and all of a sudden, that comes to an end. I’ve had to work as a hairdresser and real estate agent to make ends meet.
‘People assume you have been left rich but in many cases that simply isn’t true.’
Pamela always railed against claims she was a ‘gold-digger’.
She asserted to me, “That’s entirely unfounded,” expressing her frustration. “Once the daughters reached maturity, the funds ceased, and at that point, I had grown too elderly to resume acting. I felt unfairly treated.
It’s been reported that she borrowed a loan with a high interest rate, using her property in the Hollywood Hills as collateral. Some of her friends are concerned that she might have been driven to such drastic measures due to financial stress.
One mentioned that she frequently discussed finances, and it seemed as though this topic consumed her thoughts. Her conversations often revolved around the past, specifically the house in Encino and the lifestyle she shared with David during their relationship.
‘She found it hard not to be resentful, living in a place where age and attractiveness are often the basis of judgement for women. Despite her youthful appearance, she remained 62 years old.’
Pamela maintained contact with some friends but, as she lapsed back into drinking, lost many.
‘It was shared with me that Pamela exhibits two distinct sides. She’s gentle and charming when she’s sober, but when she’s under the influence of alcohol and drugs, she becomes erratic and unkind.’
Hasselhoff said he and his children are ‘deeply saddened’ by Pamela’s passing.
On social media, he expressed his thanks for the abundance of affection and encouragement amidst our tough times, yet humbly asking for seclusion to mourn and manage this complex situation privately.
Jeannine mentioned that Pamela contacted her not too long ago, inviting her to join a fresh reality TV series that Pamela is organizing.
She’s still aiming for a return,” she expressed. “She was an admirable woman, kind-hearted and genuine. May she find tranquility wherever she may be.
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2025-03-08 05:38