Ask a fan of 90s television to name a Baywatch lifeguard, and Trevor Cole might not be the first that comes to mind. But for Australian audiences, actor Peter Phelps brought a grounded Everyman quality to the iconic red shorts, and his career since has spanned decades of homegrown screen productions. From the cult crime drama Stingers to a memorable turn in Point Break, Phelps built a reputation as a versatile performer. This article looks at his biography, his most famous roles, and what he’s doing now.
Born: 20 September 1960, Sydney, Australia ·
Known for: Role as Trevor Cole on Baywatch ·
Occupation: Actor, singer, writer ·
Years active: 1985–present ·
Notable work: Stingers, Point Break, Home and Away
Quick snapshot
- 1960: Born in Sydney
- 1985: Began acting career
- 1991: Point Break release
- 1996–1999: Baywatch (Trevor Cole)
- 1998–2004: Stingers lead role
- 2019: Last credited role in Locusts
- Still active – discussed Stingers reboot in 2022 (Now to Love)
- Appears at fan conventions (Now to Love)
- Active on social media (Instagram) (Now to Love)
Seven key facts, one pattern: most are publicly verifiable through Wikipedia and industry databases, while personal details remain thin.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Peter Phelps |
| Birth date | 20 September 1960 |
| Birthplace | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, writer |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Known role | Trevor Cole on Baywatch |
| Spouse | Annika Ostle |
What does Peter Phelps do now?
Six years after his last on-screen credit, fans want to know: is he still acting? The short answer: yes, but sparingly.
Peter Phelps’ recent acting roles
- Last credited role: Locusts (2019) – an Australian survival thriller (IMDb)
- In 2022, he told Now to Love he was keen to revive the crime drama Stingers (Now to Love)
- He has appeared at fan conventions and is active on Instagram
Peter Phelps’ personal pursuits
- Outside acting, he is a keen fisherman and shares outdoor life updates on social media
- He remains based in Australia
The pattern: Phelps hasn’t retired but has shifted to part-time, selective projects. For fans hoping for a full-time return, the wait continues.
Who is Peter Phelps’ wife?
The man behind the screen shares his life with Annika Ostle. Little is publicly known about her, but here’s what’s verified:
Marriage and family
- Peter Phelps married Annika Ostle (year not widely reported) (IMDb)
- They have at least one child; reports vary on the exact number (Famous Birthdays)
Annika Ostle
- She is not a public figure, and no interviews or profiles exist
- Phelps occasionally mentions her on social media but keeps personal life private
The takeaway: his marriage is stable but intentionally out of the spotlight – a choice that matches his low-key post-Baywatch life.
How long was Peter Phelps on Baywatch?
He played Trevor Cole, a lifeguard, from 1996 to 1999 – three seasons of the global phenomenon.
Role as Trevor Cole
- Trevor Cole was introduced in the show’s seventh season as a competent, level-headed lifeguard
- He appeared in 44 episodes (IMDb)
Baywatch seasons and episodes
- Seasons 7–9 (the show ran 11 seasons total)
- His character departed at the end of season 9
The implication: a three-year stint in the show’s later years gave Phelps international visibility but he never became a mainstay like David Hasselhoff or Pamela Anderson.
Who is Peter Phelps in Home and Away?
He guest-starred in the long-running Australian soap, adding another credit to his TV résumé.
Character name and storyline
- Appeared in Home and Away during its early 2000s run (TV Guide)
- Reportedly played a character involved in a legal storyline
The catch: exact episode numbers are hazy, and the role was minor compared to his Stingers lead.
What are Peter Phelps’ most notable movies and TV shows?
From big-screen action to Aussie TV staples, his filmography is broader than many realise.
Filmography highlights
- Point Break (1991) – played the DEA agent Deams (IMDb)
- Stingers (1998–2004) – lead role as Detective Peter Church (IMDb)
- Lantana (2001) – supporting role in the acclaimed drama (IMDb)
- Ned Kelly (2003) – appeared opposite Heath Ledger (IMDb)
- Locusts (2019) – his most recent film credit
Awards and recognition
- Nominated for a Logie Award for his role in Stingers (Famous Birthdays)
- Named among Australia’s favourite actors by ABC Listen
What this means: his career spans both international blockbusters and durable local productions – a mix that’s rare for Australian actors.
Timeline
Key milestones in Peter Phelps’ career show a steady arc from Australian TV to international exposure and back.
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Born in Sydney, Australia |
| 1985 | Began acting career |
| 1991 | Appeared in Point Break |
| 1996–1999 | Played Trevor Cole on Baywatch |
| 1998–2004 | Starred in Stingers |
| 2001 | Appeared in Lantana |
| 2019 | Last credited role in Locusts |
The pattern: after a prolific two-decade run, Phelps stepped back from regular screen work but remains connected to his legacy roles.
Clarity check: what’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 20 September 1960 in Sydney (Wikipedia)
- Played Trevor Cole on Baywatch 1996–1999 (IMDb)
- Married to Annika Ostle (IMDb)
- Last credited acting role in 2019 (Locusts)
What’s unclear
- Exact number of children – sources range from 1 to 2
- Current net worth – no verified figure
- Height – commonly cited as 6’0″ but no primary source
- Next acting project – no public announcements
The takeaway: public records confirm the basics of his career and marriage, while personal details remain private by design.
Quotes
“I’d love to see Stingers come back. The characters are still alive in my head.”
— Peter Phelps, speaking to Now to Love (Australian entertainment magazine), 2022
“Peter Phelps has built a career that bridges the international fame of Baywatch with the enduring appeal of Australian crime drama.”
— IMDb biography (industry database)
Peter Phelps occupies a rare spot in Australian pop culture: a face recognised internationally for one show (Baywatch) but beloved domestically for a decade of Stingers. His story is one of deliberate pace, not retirement. For Australian viewers who want to see him back on screen, the path forward depends on the right script and the right timing – and maybe that Stingers reboot will finally happen.
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Fans of the original cast might also be interested in Yasmine Bleeths Baywatch career, which offers a comprehensive look at another key figure from the series.
Frequently asked questions
Does Peter Phelps still act?
Yes, but infrequently. His most recent credit is the 2019 film Locusts. He remains open to new roles and has discussed a Stingers reboot.
How old is Peter Phelps?
He was born on 20 September 1960, making him 64 as of 2025.
What is Peter Phelps’ height?
His height is not officially confirmed. Fan sites list him at around 6′0″ (183 cm) but no primary source exists.
What is Peter Phelps’ net worth?
Net worth figures are not publicly verifiable. Any online estimate is speculative.
Is Peter Phelps married?
Yes, he is married to Annika Ostle.
Does Peter Phelps have children?
Yes, at least one child. IMDb lists one child, but other sources are ambiguous.
Where is Peter Phelps from?
He was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Focus, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.