You probably remember the red trunks and the slow-motion running. If you grew up in the 90s, Jeremy Jackson was basically the kid brother of the world. Playing Hobie Buchannon on Baywatch, he spent nearly a decade under the sun, starring in more episodes than anyone else besides David Hasselhoff. But what happened when the tide went out? Honestly, it's a wilder story than most people realize.
His career didn't just stop at the shoreline. From obscure B-movies to reality TV stints that made headlines for all the wrong reasons, Jeremy Jackson's filmography is a weird, fascinating map of what it's like to grow up in a fishbowl.
The Baywatch Years: Where It All Started
Before he was a household name, Brandon Call actually played Hobie in the first season. But when the show moved into its second season in 1991, Jackson took over. He stayed for 159 episodes. Think about that for a second. That's a huge chunk of a childhood spent on camera. He literally went from a 10-year-old kid to a 19-year-old man in front of a global audience.
While Baywatch was the anchor, he was doing other things too. He popped up in Shout in 1991, a movie that featured John Travolta. It was a small role, but it showed he had aspirations beyond just being Mitch Buchannon’s son.
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During the height of the show's success, Jackson also dabbled in music. If you were in Europe in the mid-90s, you might have heard "Number One" or "French Kiss." David Hasselhoff actually introduced him to the music scene. It was very "teen idol" energy—lots of denim and hairspray.
Key Baywatch Eras
- Season 2–9: The main run where he was a series regular.
- Baywatch: White Thunder at Glacier Bay (1998): One of those "event" TV movies where the team goes to Alaska.
- Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding (2003): The big reunion movie. It was a chance to see the old gang back together, though the vibe had definitely shifted from the 90s peak.
The Transition to Movies and Niche Roles
After leaving the beach, things got a bit quiet, then they got a bit strange. In 2004, he starred in Ring of Darkness. It’s a horror film about a boy band that’s actually a cult of undead singers. It’s exactly as campy as it sounds. If you like "so bad it's good" cinema, this is a deep cut you should probably track down.
He also did a film called The B Team, which was a self-aware nod to his action-star roots. It’s clear that by the 2010s, Jackson was leaning into his status as a nostalgic figure. He appeared in The Last Sharknado: It's About Time in 2018. It’s a Sharknado movie—you know what you're getting into.
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Reality TV and the Public Struggle
This is where the story gets heavy. Like many child stars, the transition to adulthood was messy. Jackson has been very open about his struggles with addiction, which played out across several reality shows. It wasn't always pretty to watch, but it was raw.
In 2011, he appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Viewers saw a side of him that was miles away from the smiling kid on the beach. He was dealing with a steroid addiction and the fallout of early fame. Later, he joined the cast of Confessions of a Teen Idol, a show that explored what happens when the spotlight fades.
Then there was the Celebrity Big Brother UK incident in 2015. It was a disaster. He was removed from the house after just a few days following a controversy involving housemate Chloe Goodman. It was a low point that dominated the tabloids for weeks.
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The Jeremy Jackson Movies and TV Shows List
If you’re looking to binge-watch his work, here’s the essential rundown. It’s not just lifeguarding; it’s a mix of teen drama, horror, and "himself" credits.
- Baywatch (1991–1999): The definitive role.
- Thunder Alley (1994): A brief guest spot on the sitcom.
- Ring of Darkness (2004): Playing the character "Xavier."
- DTLA (2012): A TV series where he played "Kevin."
- Altered Reality (2016): A lesser-known indie project.
- The Last Sharknado: It's About Time (2018): His most recent notable film credit.
What He's Doing Now in 2026
Jeremy Jackson has undergone a massive transformation. He’s largely stepped away from traditional acting roles to focus on fitness and recovery coaching. He’s now a personal trainer and an advocate for mental health, using his own "downward spiral" as a lesson for others.
He runs a fitness program called JJ Fit, which focuses on "radical self-love" and physical training. It’s a far cry from the Hollywood lifestyle. He often shares his journey on social media, connecting with fans who grew up watching him and who are now navigating their own middle-age hurdles.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're a fan of 90s nostalgia or curious about his career trajectory, here’s how to catch up:
- Watch the Documentary: Check out After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun. It’s a recent look back at the show’s legacy and features honest interviews about the cast's experiences, including Jackson's.
- Stream the Classics: Many episodes of Baywatch are available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or Pluto TV. It’s interesting to watch his evolution from a young kid to a teenager.
- Follow the Fitness Journey: If you’re into health and wellness, his current work as a trainer is where he’s most active. It’s a great example of someone reinventing themselves after a very public struggle.
Jeremy Jackson’s career is a reminder that being a teen star is a double-edged sword. He had the world at his feet at 15, lost his way in his 20s, and seems to have found a different kind of peace in his 40s. It’s not the typical Hollywood ending, but it’s a real one.