David Chokachi reflects on 'surreal' romance with Pamela Anderson on Baywatch

David Chokachi is looking back on his time as Cody Madison on Baywatch and opening up about what it was like dating Pamela Anderson’s iconic C.J. Parker on the show.

The 58-year-old actor spoke on the March 30 episode of Pod Meets World with Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, reflecting on the 1990s hit series where he starred from 1995 to 1999.

Chokachi revealed that it was actually his choice who his character would pursue romantically. 

“It was a little bit surreal because they actually had come to me. I had like earned my status really quickly up the ladder, and they were like, ‘We’re giving you the option for a girlfriend on the show. Do you want Pam or Yasmin?’ And I was like, ‘Are you serious?’”

Though he expressed admiration for co-star Yasmin Bleeth, Chokachi ultimately chose Anderson’s character. 

“I’m like, ‘Yeah, Pam.’ For a number of reasons, but mainly because we just had this goofiness to both of us … it was like nobody else was around us,” he said.

Chokachi, who grew up in New England, admitted he wasn’t initially aware of Anderson’s widespread fame. 

“I was obsessed with movies and actors, but I wasn’t intimidated by other actors or actresses. I kind of felt like I belonged,” he said.

The actor also recalled a bittersweet moment in the series: he proposed to C.J. Parker at the end of season nine, but Anderson left the show in 1997, shortly afterward.

Looking ahead, Chokachi will reprise his role in the upcoming 12-episode Baywatch series, slated for Fox’s 2026–2027 lineup, reuniting fans with a beloved face from the original show.