David Hasselhoff: My daughters told me the truth about drinking ...and inspired my new musical

The actor said the help his daughters gave him when he went off the rails inspired his new musical

The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Reality check: David Hasselhoff with his daughter Taylor Ann Hasselhoff

IBL/Rex

Alistair Foster2 February 2016

David Hasselhoff says the help his daughters gave him when he went off the rails inspired his new musical, which opens in London tomorrow.

The actor, 63, co-created and stars in Last Night A DJ Saved My Life, a jukebox musical in which he plays a hedonistic disc jockey in Ibiza. He admits it is “not Les Mis”, but added: “It turns from this subtle message to full-on audience participation — it’s like an adult panto.”

Hasselhoff’s struggles with alcohol have been well publicised. In 2007, his 16-year-old daughter Taylor-Ann filmed him in a stupor to show him how he behaved while intoxicated. The footage later became public.

The father of two said once the decision had been made to set the show in Ibiza, he insisted: “It’s got to have heart or I won’t do it.” He told the Standard: “I said, ‘Why don’t we do something about a father/daughter relationship?’

Latest theatre reviews

1/50

“My daughters were instrumental in telling me the truth when I was partying a little too much and being too self-indulgent.

“Teenagers are going to lie to their parents, like we all did, and that’s part of the story. I’ve been around the father/daughter scene a lot with a lot of different celebrities and I’ve seen what they go through. We could all save the world but we’ve got to save our children first. It starts with being honest with ourselves, being honest with the kids... I give that message.”

The Knight Rider and Baywatch star, who is known affectionately as The Hoff, also spoke about his status as a cult figure.

“David Hasselhoff is just a guy,” he said. “But I also happen to be The Hoff, who is blessed with chops that took a long time to train.

“The Hoff is making more money than David Hasselhoff. I’m working and earning money for the family so we can keep our lifestyle. Showbusiness changes. You can make a tonne of money on Thursday and then you don’t work for five years.”

The actor said he has no plans to slow down, and would like to return to his roots: “I would like to do Knight Rider the movie, but the right way. I’d like to continue its legacy and not just make it a joke.”