David Hasselhoff is an actor, singer and producer who rose to fame in the ’80s after landing the role of Michael Knight in the popular crime series “Knight Rider.” He became a global phenomenon after landing the role of Mitch Buchannon in “Baywatch.” Since the series’ conclusion, he has appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as “Dodgeball,” “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” and “Click,” and has released numerous albums throughout his career. He has also become an iconic figure in pop culture, especially in Germany, where he is known as “The Hoff.”

In his private life, David has had his fair share of ups and downs. He has been married three times. His first wife was Catherine Hickland, and they were married from 1984 to 1989. His second wife was actress Pamela Bach, and they were married from 1989 to 2006. They have two daughters together, Taylor-Ann and Hayley Hasselhoff. Today, the 70-year-old is currently happily married to Welsh actress Hayley Roberts, who is 27 years his junior.

David faced a challenging period after his divorce from Bach in 2006. He and Bach fought fierce battles in court over finances and custody of their daughters. He was temporarily blocked from seeing the children after a drunken video of him went viral in 2007. Later that same year, he was given primary custody of Taylor-Ann and Hayley after a court filing alleged Bach tested positive for cocaine and was inebriated at Taylor-Ann’s 16th birthday party.

Despite his personal struggles, he has remained a doting dad to his two daughters. Hayley often speaks about the support she receives from her famous father in all her career endeavors, even her decision to pose on the cover of Playboy magazine.

Taylor-Ann Hasselhoff, David Hasselhoff, Hayley Hasselhoff (2011), (Barry King/FilmMagic)

Growing up in beauty-obsessed Los Angeles under the shadow of David’s fame was challenging for Hayley. She found that her naturally large body size and faster physical growth compared to other girls her age didn’t seem to fit the standard and caused her much grief. She told Yahoo Life:

“I’ve always been curve – beautifully curve – but, you know, it came with its own set of challenges. I grew up in Los Angeles. The idea of society’s standard of beauty was not (curvy) at that time. When you’re a teenager, you’re developing, you don’t understand why you don’t look like the person next to you. I developed very, very early.”

However, she cited her parents – famous for their “Baywatch” roles – for instilling a sense of confidence and self-love in her that culminated in her launching her career as a curve model at the age of 14. She said:

“I never, ever looked at it as, ‘Oh, look at their bodies’ or an idea of society’s standard of beauty. I’ve always had love and support from them about my body and celebrating my body.”

However, Hayley admits being body positive still comes with its struggles. “It’s hard when you look at your mother or you identify not looking like what you think beauty should look like. It brought up a lot of different conversations. My mom and my dad are just so proud to see how far that I’ve come and how resilient I think that I am.”

Now, the 30-year-old actress and curve model uses her platform to advocate for more acceptance and representation of body diversity. One way she did this was by making history by becoming the first plus-size model to ever be featured on the cover of Playboy magazine.

David Hasselhoff, Hayley Hasselhoff (2019), (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

In 2021, Hayley appeared on the cover of German Playboy, with the photoshoot taking place in Paris. She wore her own lingerie after running into problems finding garments in her size there. Hayley said the experience left her feeling “empowered.” She told MailOnline:

“At the beginning there were pieces of me like ‘oh Playboy…’ and then I had a think and I was like ‘oh cool!’ I get to make this movement for curve women during a global pandemic and let them know they have every right to celebrate their bodies.”

She added: “The day was fun but I look back at it more as empowering – I felt very empowered when I left set, I felt like I was grounded and had taken ownership of my body. Everybody there knew it was for a bigger purpose and being able to showcase that women can be desired and loved no matter what shape or size they are,” she told the outlet.

She said her parents were incredibly proud of her. “To see the progression of where I’ve gone, to where I am today, I think they’re both very, very supportive and they believe in me and all the choices I make in my own career, just like I do for them,” she added.

In July 2022, Hayley became a runway sensation when she joined Miami fashion week for the first time modeling for the beachwear brand Cupshe. The model looked gorgeous strutting down the runway in bikinis alongside other women of diverse body shapes. “The show was filled with size inclusivity and diversity — something I am ever so passionate about,” Hayley told Today. She also told Untitled Magazine:

“I think my biggest message is really just having women of all different shapes and sizes find that love for their body.”

Hayley Hasselhoff (2023), (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Cupshe)

What do you think of Hayley’s journey as a body positivity advocate? Do you think her father’s support plays a large part in her outlook on beauty? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to all your beautiful friends and family — no matter their size!