David Hasselhoff landed the lead role in Knight Rider after beating out Don Johnson in auditions for the part of Michael Knight.
Hasselhoff detailed the casting story in his autobiography Don't Hassel the Hoff: The Autobiography. Studio executives at NBC were unhappy with initial screen tests that included Johnson, prompting Hasselhoff to complete a second audition.
Creator Glen A. Larson favored Hasselhoff after his first tryout, in which he patted the talking car KITT and called it buddy. Johnson later starred as Detective James Crockett on Miami Vice.
Knight Rider ran for four seasons. Hasselhoff has said the series opened doors for his career and continues to connect with fans who grew up watching it.
A Knight Rider movie is in development from the creators of Cobra Kai, though it is unclear whether Hasselhoff will take part.
