Nicole Eggert Reflects on Baywatch Experience and Regrets Over Plastic Surgery

Nicole Eggert's foray into the glitzy yet demanding world of television stardom as a cast member of the iconic ‘90s series "Baywatch" brought her not only fame but a journey of self-discovery and challenges. The actress, now at 52, sat for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at a Los Angeles diner, revealing her innermost struggles during her stint on "Baywatch," her subsequent plastic surgery regrets, and her current battle with Stage 2 breast cancer.

Eggert, who portrayed Summer Quinn on the show, reminisces about the excitement of landing what she believed was her dream role. However, she was neither prepared for the intense focus on her physique nor being enrobed in the show's signature swimwear every day. This focus on her body, along with the environment on set and early start times, led to a growing discomfort that Eggert could not shake off, culminating in her leaving the show after two seasons.

The fixation on her appearance drove an 18-year-old Eggert to undergo breast implant surgery—a decision she profoundly regrets now. The pressure to conform to an idealized body image portrayed on the show prompted this choice, which Eggert now views as a misstep of youth, urging young girls today to embrace their natural bodies.

As she navigated her career, allegations against her former costar, Scott Baio, added to Eggert's emotional turmoil. The actress recollects the negative impact that these experiences had on her mental health and self-image, contributing to longstanding insecurities and discomfort in her own skin. Baio has consistently denied these claims.

Eggert's encounters with plastic surgery didn't end with her initial procedure. She has since undergone multiple corrective surgeries and even took part in the E! reality show "Botched" in order to reduce her breast size, publicly sharing her journey of reversing the outcome of her earlier decision. She also touched upon tabloid claims about her breast enhancement, specifically refuting competitive motives related to co-star Pamela Anderson.

Now, over three decades since "Baywatch" reached worldwide acclaim, Eggert is sharing her narrative and the show's wider cultural impact in "Baywatch: The American Dream," a documentary featuring the series' prominent cast members. The documentary promises an insightful look at the highs and lows that came with being part of a global television phenomenon.

Eggert, a single mother dedicating herself to her two daughters, looks back at her past with a sense of resolution. She's embracing her story with authenticity, addressing previous challenges while bravely confronting her cancer diagnosis. The transparency with which she shares her story highlights the evolution of a public figure into a beacon of empowerment for women facing similar pressures.