When Miss Universe 1980 became a Baywatch Babe

Posted by Norman on May 2, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

21st July 1980: Miss USA, Shawn Weatherly, gives a victory wave after she was crowned ‘Miss Universe 1980’ at the Seoul Cultural Centre, South Korea. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Portrait of Miss Universe, American winner Shawn Weatherly, wearing her crown and a fur coat, during a visit to London, December 5th 1980. (Photo by Gary Stone/Central Press/Getty Images)

I have already done throwback blogs about Miss Universe 1980 held in Seoul, Korea but the significant focus was on the 3rd Runner-Up placement of Maria Rosario Silayan of the Philippines.

This time, let’s give the spotlight to the winner herself – the 29th Miss Universe Shawn Weatherly – who was able to build a breakout – albeit less notable for the remainder – career on US Television and the movies after her reign. In the very first season, she starred as Jill Riley opposite David Hasselhoff in the hugely successful “Baywatch” and was also able to land a role as Cadet Karen Adams in the film Police Academy 3: Back in Training. She also guested on The Dukes of Hazzard and had a recurring role on Chicago Hope before retiring from acting completely.

BAYWATCH — Pictured: (l-r) David Hasselhoff as Lt. Mitch Buchannon, Shawn Weatherly as Jill Riley — Photo by: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank

The video below is a clip from the Baywatch episode when her character was killed by a shark. It went appropriately “viral” at the time (although viral is a word that wasn’t popularly used back then). One season of the show was enough for Miss Universe 1980.

Shawn Weatherly at 60

Soon after wrapping up her last acting stint in the television series Chicago Hope – which ran until 2000 – Shawn basically disappeared from the public eye with no regrets. Back in 1994, she married the president of a biotech research company, Chip Harris. The couple went on two have two children together, but little is known about either of them. It seems that she had had her fill of the limelight and went on to raise her family in peace and quiet. She is based in Orange County now.

12 comments on “When Miss Universe 1980 became a Baywatch Babe”

  1. I think many stunning Misses USA were crowned from 1980-1990. Julie, Christy and Carole could have won as well.

  2. another year when you have one of the best top 5s ever…. nobody can be kicked out and almost nobody can be allowed in to the magic circle of 5 ( except maybe Iceland and Puerto Rico , but if you did , who would you bump off of the pedestal ??? )

  3. I was already a Miss U fan in my late teens in the 80s when I spotted her at a pharmacy in Brentwood, CA, on the westside of LA. She had no make-up except I think for a light shade of lipstick. Very gorgeous face. No one seemed to know who she was as she browsed through the aisles. By the time she picked up her medz I came as close to the counter to make sure it was her (customers have to state their full name). I just gave her a smile and she smiled back.

    • Thanks for the story!

      It’s not surprising! She looks very down-to-earth and approachable. An All-American Girl!

  5. Angela Visser also appeared in Baywatch!

    Akala ko dedo na itong si Shawn Weatherly!

    Anyway, I just find out that Facebook will host a virtual Commencement Address with Oprah Winfrey. I think it’s worth watching how is it gonna be to at least somehow have a template on the possibility of conducting the local pageant in the same level.

  7. Powtek, Blogger Man!!! My youth just came rushing back. A-HAHAHAH….. 🙂

    Miami Vice, Kenny G, and Tadao Hayashi – Sadao Watanabe.

    ‘Eto rin po ba ‘yung dekada ng “That’s Incredible”?

    Uwian na ang mga ses. May wyn-wyn na…. Si Erika Eleniak. Ka-love team ni Billy Warlock. May LQ pa ‘yan…

    5’8″ si Shawn Weatherley? So, ano si David Hasselhoff? 6’6″?

    • (cont.)

      I also followed Falcon Crest and Lace (Phoebe Cates).

      “Faces” was THE discotheque. I remember Mimilanie had at least one “Mod” cover. “Mirabella” was still in print. For me, Louie Mamengo designed that time. Pitoy, Mang Bhen, & Sir Aureo were on the latter-end of their careers. Inno Sotto was emerging; Frederick Peralta, too. Armani RULED.

      • We often got wasted at Faces then one time we were so wasted when we boarded the plane for Caticlan. The flight attendants had a hard time waking us when we arrived in Kalibo haha. I didn’t realize that the high altitude and alcohol can render you immobile haha

      • I loved and I am an fanatic for ‘Falcon Crest’ … so many great actors , Jane Wyman is the best , and so many good looking actors … Robert Foxworth is best !

  8. The crown can only do so much . Ultimately , it’s the talent that counts .
    Btw, has Iris M stopped pursuing dentistry ? It looks like is gaining ground in France . I’m hoping Pia and Cat will get the same opportunities .
    Pia needs more acting lessons
    Cat will have to re-invent herself in the music industry . Modern pop does not suit her Once nor does the Filipino audience . We always gravitate towards kundiman songs . I know she can do it .

Comments are closed.