Former Baywatch star Nancy Valen ditches Hollywood glamour for hoodie and sweats in rare sighting

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In her heyday, Nancy Valen was known for turning heads while wearing an iconic red swimsuit on Baywatch. However, during a recent outing this month, she opted for a more casual look.

In a casual and laid-back setting in Los Angeles, the 59-year-old actress, renowned for her role as lifeguard Samantha Thomas in the popular ’90s show, was observed appearing relaxed.

Instead of the beachside glamour she’s known for, Valen opted for a casual ensemble – a navy blue hoodie with coordinating sweatpants, paired with clean white sneakers.

During the peak of Baywatch, this particular actor preferred a low profile, often concealing her lengthy chestnut-colored tresses beneath a LA Dodgers baseball cap of blue hue.

Despite the contrast from her television days, Valen radiated ease and confidence.

Despite taking a backseat in recent times, Valen still holds a cherished place within the enduring legacy of the iconic series Baywatch. The show, with its continued airing of reruns and reboots, continues to resonate strongly.

Baywatch aired between 1989 and 1999, eventually becoming one of the globally popular television series, drawing in an astounding 1.1 billion viewers every week across 148 different nations.

The show was translated into 44 different languages.

Throughout the span of her acting journey, she has made guest appearances on approximately twenty-three television shows, among which are Friends, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Boy Meets World, Full House, Charles in Charge, and Miami Vice.

Valen has been happily married to actor and producer, Nels Van Patten, since  1994.

The couple share sons, named Jake and Alex. 

Last month, her family took in a four-month-old stray kitten they found ‘under’ their house. 

While making the announcement on Instagram, she revealed they named the cat, Ishkabibble. 

As a lifestyle enthusiast navigating the challenges of the new year, I found myself directly impacted by the catastrophic wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in January. These fires scorched over 37,000 acres and destroyed more than 16,000 structures, leaving an indelible mark on our community. In the midst of this chaos, I took to social media to share a personal update, assuring my friends, family, and followers that, despite the circumstances, I was managing to stay resilient and hopeful.

Last night was quite nerve-wracking. While I was out running errands yesterday, I noticed an enormous cloud of smoke rising from Mulholland Drive. Given that we live in an area not usually prone to fires, I found it hard to believe when I saw the flames so close to home last night. She shared a picture of the fire from afar along with this caption.

As an ardent admirer, I cannot help but share this update: The Palisades fire has climbed Mulholland and is encroaching upon the San Fernando Valley. Currently, we reside just beyond the evacuation perimeter, crossing our fingers for tranquil winds. My thoughts and prayers go out to those directly in harm’s way. Regrettably, each day brings news of friends who have sadly lost their homes.

‘Thank you to the firefighters and all those who have reached out,’ she concluded. 

During that moment, supporters of hers expressed their sympathies and shared messages of affection, acknowledging the overwhelming tragedy.

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2025-08-24 18:03