‘Didn’t Recognize Her’: ‘Baywatch’ Star Nicole Eggert Looks ‘Way Different’ at 52 amid Cancer Battle

Nicole Eggert’s recent public appearance amid her courageous battle with cancer has left fans both shocked and inspired. Her strength and determination in tough times have truly inspired so many people.

Nicole Eggert recently made an appearance at the premiere of “After Baywatch: Moment in The Sun.” However, the “Baywatch” star’s presence left fans deeply concerned for her well-being.

A fan comment dated August, 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

A fan comment dated August, 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

At the event, the 52-year-old actress bravely opened up about her ongoing battle with breast cancer. She revealed that her journey has been anything but smooth. “I’m doing okay,” she shared, her voice steady yet reflective. “There’s good days and there’s bad days[sic].”

A screenshot of Nicole Eggert taken from an interview posted on August, 27, 2024 during the "After Baywatch: Moment in The Sun." premiere  | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

A screenshot of Nicole Eggert taken from an interview posted on August, 27, 2024 during the “After Baywatch: Moment in The Sun.” premiere | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

Eggert candidly described her experience as a “wild ride” she never wanted to be on. She said it was a rollercoaster of emotions where some days feel manageable while others are a stark reminder of her reality.

A screenshot of Nicole Eggert taken from an interview posted on August, 27, 2024 during the "After Baywatch: Moment in The Sun." premiere | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

A screenshot of Nicole Eggert taken from an interview posted on August, 27, 2024 during the “After Baywatch: Moment in The Sun.” premiere | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

Despite the challenges, Eggert’s resolve remains unwavering. “I try to stay positive every day,” she said, a mantra that seems to fuel her strength and resilience. One of the key elements keeping Eggert motivated is her involvement in producing the “After Baywatch” docu-series.

A screenshot of Nicole Eggert taken from an interview posted on August, 27, 2024 during the "After Baywatch: Moment in The Sun." premiere  | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

A screenshot of Nicole Eggert taken from an interview posted on August, 27, 2024 during the “After Baywatch: Moment in The Sun.” premiere | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

The project, she explained, has given her a renewed sense of purpose. “It keeps me busy and focused,” Eggert admitted, noting that the work helps her avoid the pitfalls of dwelling on her health. She said if she was at home, she’d just be thinking about what’s going on in her life.

At the event, Eggert debuted a chic new look—her short haircut and minimalistic black ensemble catching the eye of many. The transformation left fans in awe, with some barely recognizing the actress they once knew.

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries "After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun" at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun” at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Yet, beneath the surface, her beauty and spirit shone through, prompting an outpouring of love and support from her followers.“Still as beautiful as ever,” one fan wrote, admiring her strength and sharing a personal connection to Eggert’s struggle.

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries "After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun" at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun” at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

“Seeing both my sisters and my mother battle and lose to cancer has been an incredible lesson in my life.” Another fan commented on her still-striking features, saying, “She still has those beautiful eyes. Praying for her complete healing 💕.”

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries "After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun" at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun” at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

The sentiments varied from shock to admiration, with some fans expressing surprise at her changed appearance while others focused on her enduring beauty. “Awwww bless her. Didn’t recognize her till I read the name. Beautiful lady❤️❤️,” one person wrote.

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries "After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun" at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert attends the premiere of ABC News Studios docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun” at The Bungalow on August 26, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Another user, reflecting on their surprise, added, “I didn’t know she was going through what she’s going through. WOWWWW. All the best to her. 🙏[sic]”

Others were more candid about the change, with one noting, “She looks way different,” while another simply remarked, “Sad.” Yet, many chose to see beyond the surface, with one fan gushing, “She’s still beautiful ❤️.”

A fan comment dated August, 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

A fan comment dated August, 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight

For Eggert, the most challenging aspect of her breast cancer diagnosis is the waiting period. The actress, who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2023, shared that the uncertainty between treatment phases has been the “hardest” part for her.

Nicole Eggert attends The Hollywood Show held at Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport on April 16, 2022, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert attends The Hollywood Show held at Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport on April 16, 2022, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

She mentioned that she is currently in a “gray area” after finishing her initial treatment. She now awaits further imaging and possibly surgery. Reflecting on the experience, Eggert noted that no one really discusses the waiting period in cancer treatment, which she described as particularly difficult because it leaves her feeling unproductive.

Nicole Eggert attends Chiller Theater Expo Winter 2017 at Parsippany Hilton on October 27, 2017, in Parsippany, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert attends Chiller Theater Expo Winter 2017 at Parsippany Hilton on October 27, 2017, in Parsippany, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

As a mother of two daughters, Dilyn, 25, and Keegan, 13, Eggert revealed that her children have been handling her diagnosis “really well.” She humorously noted that her younger daughter, Keegan, has kept her grounded by not giving her any special treatment. Instead, she continues to demand the usual motherly duties and activities.

Nicole Eggert and daughter Dilyn during Silver Spoon Hollywood Buffet at Private Estate in Hollywood in June 2004 |  Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert and daughter Dilyn during Silver Spoon Hollywood Buffet at Private Estate in Hollywood in June 2004 | Source: Getty Images

At the premiere of “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,” Eggert was joined by fellow “Baywatch” star Carmen Electra. The event celebrated the upcoming four-part docu-series, premiering on August 28 on Hulu.

The series, described as a nostalgic and insightful exploration, delves into the cultural phenomenon of “Baywatch” and offers an unprecedented look into the lives of the stars who brought the world’s most famous lifeguards to life.

Nicole Eggert captivated audiences in the 1990s as a celebrated blonde actress following her role in “Baywatch.” In early December 2023, she shocked fans after disclosing that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis followed a period of notable weight gain and intense pain in her left breast starting in October of the same year.

Nicole Eggert is seen on September 01, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert is seen on September 01, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Initially attributing these symptoms to menopause, Eggert sought medical advice after discovering a lump during a self-examination. Her medical journey involved undergoing mammograms and biopsies, which led to the identification of stage 2 cribriform carcinoma breast cancer.

Nicole Eggert and her daughter, Dilyn, at the "The Powerpuff Girls Movie" Premiere in 2002 | Source: Getty Images

Nicole Eggert and her daughter, Dilyn, at the “The Powerpuff Girls Movie” Premiere in 2002 | Source: Getty Images

Eggert has spoken candidly about her experience, acknowledging the difficulty of this period and how she finds solace in inspirational quotes and affirmations.

As a single mother of two girls, Eggert focuses on staying strong for her family. She expresses concern about being there for her children, saying “I’m the only caregiver.” Her concern is more centered around Keegan, the youngest. Eggert shared, “She needs me more than anything and anybody.”

Eggert has prioritized her children above all, often placing her own needs last, a choice she made willingly because of her love for them. However, it has not been easy for Eggert as a single mother, who admitted, “I have no family. I have nothing.'”

Mindy Molinary, a close friend of Eggert, has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the financial demands of her treatment and surgeries. Launched on January 8, the campaign aims to raise $100,000 and has already garnered over $10,000.

This effort underscores Eggert’s role as a single mother and her plans to establish a non-profit organization that supports single parents in similar circumstances once she recovers.