David Hasselhoff ‘Virtually Crippled’ and Headed for Brutal Surgery

David Hasselhoff, the once-chiseled star of Baywatch and Knight Rider, is now reportedly in such bad shape he can barely walk—and is finally heading into surgery after years of chronic knee pain.

Sources close to the 72-year-old actor say the damage to his body from decades of stunt-heavy work and personal struggles has caught up with him. “He’s been putting this off forever,” said one insider. “But now he’s practically crippled. He can’t avoid it any longer.”

Recent photos show Hasselhoff being pushed through LAX in a wheelchair after a trip to Cabo with his wife Hayley Roberts, 45. Witnesses say he needed help standing and leaned heavily on her as they made their way through the terminal.

Trying to keep a brave face, the former TV heartthrob reportedly told onlookers, “Everything is great. Having knee surgery.” But insiders say the reality is far more serious.

“He’s in constant agony,” a source revealed. “He pushed his body too hard for years—running on beaches, doing his own stunts—and now he’s paying the price.”

Doctors suspect severe cartilage loss may have left him with bone grinding on bone. Though he hasn’t been treated by him, sports medicine expert Dr. Gabe Mirkin said Hasselhoff is likely suffering permanent damage.

“He may have pain for the rest of his life,” Mirkin warned. “He’ll need a full knee replacement and won’t be able to safely run or jump again.”

The surgery news comes on the heels of another tragedy for Hasselhoff—his ex-wife Pamela Bach, who shared two daughters with him, died by suicide just two months ago. The two were involved in a 2003 motorcycle accident that left them both with serious injuries, including broken ribs and back fractures.

Friends say the emotional and physical toll is taking its toll. “He’s not just dealing with the pain—he’s carrying so much loss,” said the source. “People are really worried about him.”

While he’s been sober since a highly publicized relapse in 2007, insiders fear the stress of his declining health could test his resolve. “He’s got a long road ahead,” said one. “And this is only the beginning.”