Olivia Dunne, the former LSU gymnastics standout and social media icon, has successfully reached a new milestone in her professional evolution. The athlete has completed filming for her recurring role in Fox’s highly anticipated Baywatch reboot. Dunne will portray Grace, a spirited junior lifeguard, appearing across several episodes of the upcoming series.
Stepping into the world of television, Dunne joins a high-profile cast that includes Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, and fellow Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooks Nader. Following her retirement from competitive gymnastics in April 2025, the 23-year-old has strategically redirected her focus toward establishing a presence in the entertainment industry.
Transitioning from the gymnasium to the screen required significant preparation. To ensure she was ready for the demands of a professional set, Dunne dedicated months to intensive acting workshops and collaborated with a private coach to refine her script-reading and memorization skills. Her path to the role wasn’t immediate; after navigating the typical hurdles of Hollywood rejections, she secured the part of Grace through a successful self-tape and a subsequent callback.
During the production process, Dunne frequently provided her fans with glimpses of her new life on set. This week, she continued that trend by sharing a collection of highlights from her time in the iconic lifeguard uniform.
The Cinematic Transition of a Collegiate Icon
The gymnast-turned-actress delighted her massive digital audience this week by signaling the end of her first major production. Taking to Instagram, Dunne shared a series of behind-the-scenes photographs to commemorate the completion of her filming schedule.
The photo gallery prominently featured Dunne in the legendary red one-piece swimsuit that has become synonymous with the Baywatch franchise. Her post included the caption, “officially off duty… season 1 it’s been real ;),” accompanied by various shots showcasing her posing confidently against coastal backdrops in her character’s uniform.
With production on the Fox series now officially wrapped, fans have a timeline for when they can see her acting debut. The Baywatch reboot is currently slated for a network premiere in January 2027.
In addition to her solo shots, Dunne included personal moments with costars Hassie Harrison and Jessica Belkin. Other images in the collection offered a look at the reality of television production, including time spent relaxing outside her trailer and a final celebratory photo in front of the series’ official signage.
Building a Long-Term Career in the Spotlight
Olivia Dunne’s move into Hollywood appears to be a calculated career shift rather than a one-time appearance. After leaving her mark as one of the most influential figures in collegiate sports history, she is leveraging her brand to build a sustainable acting career. Her 12-episode commitment to the first season of Baywatch serves as the cornerstone of this new chapter.
The former Tiger has been candid about the challenges of entering a competitive new field. During a recent guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she discussed the realities of the audition process, noting that her journey has involved numerous self-tapes and navigating the industry’s frequent rejections. Rather than being discouraged, Dunne is leaning into the process and is reportedly auditioning for several upcoming film and television roles to further expand her professional portfolio.
As Olivia Dunne transitions from the balance beam to the beach, her successful completion of Baywatch Season 1 demonstrates her ability to adapt her discipline and work ethic to a new craft. With a January 2027 premiere on the horizon, her journey from a star athlete to a professional actress is just beginning, marking a new era for one of the most recognizable faces in the NIL and social media landscape.
