Olivia Dunne, better known to her millions of followers as Livvy, has redefined what it means to be a student athlete in the 21st century. As of October 2026, she has successfully pivoted from the high pressure world of collegiate gymnastics to a blossoming career in mainstream entertainment. While many initially knew her as the face of LSU gymnastics, she is now capturing a global audience as the breakout star of the new Baywatch television series.
Her journey is not just about backflips and social media trends. It is a masterclass in personal branding. From being the highest paid female college athlete to becoming a Hollywood actress, Dunne has proven that the influence gained on a smartphone screen can translate into genuine star power on the silver screen.
From Jersey Roots to Elite Gymnastics
Born on October 1, 2002, in Westwood, New Jersey, Olivia Paige Dunne began her gymnastics journey at the age of three. By age five, she was already showing elite potential at ENA Gymnastics in Paramus. Her commitment was so intense that by age 14, she transitioned to homeschooling through the Abeka Academy curriculum to accommodate her rigorous training schedule.
Her early career was marked by rapid ascent. In 2017, she earned a spot on the U.S. Junior Women’s National Team. During her time as an elite gymnast, she competed at prestigious events like the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy and the U.S. Classic. Despite battling various injuries, including ankle issues that hampered her senior elite years, she remained one of the most recognizable faces in the sport before transitioning to the collegiate level.
The LSU Era: A National Championship Legacy
Dunne joined the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers in 2020, instantly becoming the program’s most famous recruit. Her collegiate career was a mix of individual excellence and team success. She specialized in the uneven bars, where she frequently posted scores of 9.9 or higher.
Her gymnastics journey reached its peak on April 20, 2024, when she helped the LSU Tigers secure their first ever NCAA National Championship title in Fort Worth, Texas. This victory solidified her athletic legacy before she officially retired from competitive gymnastics on April 17, 2025. During her time in Baton Rouge, she was not just an athlete: she was a cultural phenomenon who helped sell out arenas across the country.
| Achievement | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Debut | 2014 | American Classic |
| U.S. National Team | 2017 | Junior Women’s Team |
| NCAA Debut | 2021 | Scored 9.875 on bars vs. Arkansas |
| NCAA Team Title | 2024 | First National Championship for LSU |
| Official Retirement | April 17, 2025 | Retired from competitive gymnastics |
How NIL Made Livvy Dunne a Multi-Millionaire
When the NCAA changed its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules in 2021, Livvy Dunne was perfectly positioned to capitalize. She had already built a massive following on TikTok and Instagram, which she leveraged into partnerships with brands like Vuori, American Eagle, and Motorola. By early 2026, her social media following had grown to over 10 million across platforms, with 7.9 million followers on TikTok alone as of January 27, 2026.
Her success created the “Livvy Dunne Effect,” where female athletes realized they could command seven figure incomes while still in school. By the time she graduated, her net worth was estimated in the millions, making her one of the most successful examples of athlete entrepreneurship in history.
Acting Debut: Grace in the Baywatch Reboot
In late 2026, the entertainment world buzzed with the news of Dunne’s first major acting role. On October 13, 2026, Fox released the official trailer for the new Baywatch reboot, featuring Dunne in a prominent role. She plays the character Grace, described as a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard.
The series is set to premiere in January 2027 and will consist of 12 episodes in its debut season. This transition from athlete to actress marks a significant milestone. Rather than relying solely on her gymnastics past, Dunne is using her athleticism and charisma to establish a long term career in Hollywood. Critics and fans alike are eager to see if she can follow in the footsteps of previous Baywatch stars who used the show as a springboard to global fame.
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Personal Life: The Power Couple with Paul Skenes
Dunne’s personal life has remained a hot topic for fans. Since August 2023, she has been in a high profile relationship with professional baseball pitcher Paul Skenes. Skenes, a former LSU standout himself and the number one overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has often been seen supporting Dunne at her events, just as she is a frequent fixture at his games.
In 2026, they are widely considered one of the biggest power couples in sports and entertainment. Despite their busy schedules, including Skenes’ MLB commitments and Dunne’s filming schedule for Fox, they remain a staple of red carpet events and viral social media posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Who does Livvy Dunne play in the new Baywatch?
Livvy Dunne plays the character Grace, who is described as a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard, in the Fox Baywatch reboot.
Q.When did Livvy Dunne retire from gymnastics?
Olivia Dunne officially retired from competitive gymnastics on April 17, 2025, following her successful career at LSU.
Q.Is Livvy Dunne still dating Paul Skenes?
Yes, as of late 2026, Olivia Dunne and MLB pitcher Paul Skenes are still a couple, having started their relationship in August 2023.
Q.How many TikTok followers does Livvy Dunne have?
As of January 27, 2026, Livvy Dunne reached 7.9 million followers on her TikTok account, contributing to a total social media presence of over 10 million fans.
Q.What is Livvy Dunne’s height?
Olivia Dunne stands at approximately 5 feet 6.25 inches (168 cm) tall.
