'Baywatch' star checks into rehab

David Hasselhoff has checked himself into The Betty Ford Centre for treatment of alcoholism.

The former Baywatch star, who turns 50 next week, issued a release announcing the voluntary stay at the hospital.

"He realised his social drinking had increased more than he was comfortable with and he decided to do something about it," publicist Richard Hoffman said in a statement.

The actor checked in on June 26; his representatives say they do not know how long he will be there.

Hasselhoff's recent roles included a cameo appearance as himself in the summer comedy The New Guy and he performed on Broadway last year in the musical Jekyll & Hyde.