Kelly Rohrbach
A model and actress who stepped into an iconic red swimsuit, bringing a modern edge to the legacy of Baywatch's most famous lifeguard.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American actress and model·Birthday: January 21·Millennials
Biography
Kelly Rohrbach's path to the screen was paved on runways and in glossy magazines before she made a splash in Hollywood. A Princeton graduate with a degree in art history, she first gained attention as a fashion model, appearing in campaigns for major brands and gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated. This visibility led to acting, with small roles in television series before she landed the high-profile part of C.J. Parker in the 2017 'Baywatch' film reboot. Stepping into the role made famous by Pamela Anderson, Rohrbach brought a contemporary athleticism and comedic timing to the beloved character. While the film anchored her in pop culture, she has continued to balance acting projects with her roots in modeling, crafting a career that leverages both her academic background and her physical presence in front of the camera.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kelly was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kelly Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Kelly's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed C.J. Parker in the 2017 major film reboot of 'Baywatch'.
- Appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times.
- Landed a recurring role as Jessica in the HBO series 'The Wire' spin-off, 'The Deuce'.
Did You Know?
She was a Division I varsity golfer at Princeton University.
Rohrbach worked as an intern at 'Vogue' magazine while in college.
She is a trained ballet dancer.
Her mother was also a fashion model.
“Princeton taught me to look at a canvas; acting taught me to become one.”
