Olivia Dunne is used to sticking the landing on a balance beam, but her first foray into acting didn't go quite as smoothly. The former LSU gymnastics star and social media sensation revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that she got turned down by HBO's hit series The White Lotus before landing her upcoming role in FOX's Baywatch reboot.
Dunne, 23, who is dating Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, sat down with Fallon and dished on the highs and lows of her new acting journey. She admitted that stepping into an audition room felt like a completely different world compared to competing on a four-inch beam.
“So, actually, my first ever audition was in person. It was different because in gymnastics, usually you just go out there and perform on a 4-inch beam. But this, I have to talk and perform and play somebody else rather than myself. So, it was a completely different animal,” Dunne said. “I ended up not getting that one, which was probably a show that you would know. It was for White Lotus.”
Though the rejection stung, Dunne didn't let it derail her ambitions. She kept auditioning and soon found herself in the running for a role in the iconic beach rescue series. “I ended up auditioning for Baywatch and submitted my self-tape,” she explained. “I had really no expectation of what was going to happen. I got a call back. It’s iconic, and that’s the first callback I’ve ever gotten, and I ended up booking it.”
The Baywatch reboot, set to premiere in 2027, will feature a star-studded cast including Brooks Nader, Shay Mitchell, and several other big names. Dunne's role marks her major acting debut, a huge step for the influencer who has already made waves with her massive social media following and her recent SI Swimsuit shoot.
Dunne's journey from the gym to the screen is a testament to her versatility. While she may have missed out on a trip to the fictional White Lotus resort, she's now set to patrol the beaches of Baywatch—and fans couldn't be more excited. The selfie she posted from the set already has the internet buzzing.
For Dunne, the rejection was just a stepping stone. “It’s iconic, and that’s the first callback I’ve ever gotten, and I ended up booking it,” she said, beaming. With her infectious energy and determination, it's clear that this is just the beginning of a promising acting career.
The Baywatch reboot is expected to bring a fresh, modern twist to the beloved franchise, and Dunne's addition only adds to the anticipation. As she continues to navigate her new path, one thing is certain: Olivia Dunne is not afraid to take risks—whether on the beam or in front of the camera.
