Rock Bottom Interview: Erika Eleniak

August 28, 2006
By Tim Nydell

Erika Eleniak
 

Erika Eleniak is an American Playboy Playmate and actress, perhaps best known for her role in Baywatch as Shauni McClain. She also starred in the films Under Siege and The Beverly Hillbillies.

Related Links:
 IMDB Resume
 Official Site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ve done a lot of things during your career that you should be
proud of - can you tell me about the ones that stick out the most in your
mind?
"The Opponent" is a film I'm very proud of. No stunt doubles... I worked very hard for that show. "The Beverly Hillbillies" was a blast.

 
What has been your most challenging role yet?
I think doing Celeb. fit club.  ... not having a "role" to hide behind and being so vulnerable.

Celebrity Fit Club 4 - what was the experience like for you?
Amazing ! to step outside all comfort zones and expose myself that way was empowering and liberating.

How do they go about finding celebrities willing to participate - did you volunteer?
No volunteering here. They phoned me and I said no thank you a few times initially.

Was it hard to make the decision to do the show?  Why did you decide
to do it?

Extremely difficult. As an actress, if you put on weight [as I did, due to my pregnancy] you don't tell people about it ! every "blockade" I threw up, they knocked down. It was meant to be.

 
What did you learn from the show, and what was the highlight of the experience?  How has the show opened your eyes?
If you stay focused and faithful, there's absolutely nothing you can't accomplish. It's time to challenge myself daily, and not always stay in my comfort zone.

What things are you doing now to stay in shape?
I've always been active and worked out. I'm resuming my pre-pregnancy training with weights and running.

What would you say to other women or girls that feel overweight or obese - what advice would you give them?
If you put your mind to your goal and your heart and soul and stay focused and consistent you can absolutely lose the weight. But most important, LOVE YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE INSIDE ! ... it's what really matters.

 
Are you working on any new projects?
We have a few things on the horizon for the fall, and we are producing a action drama series for later in 07-08.

 
I know you probably have no regrets in life, but what is one thing that you would do differently during your career if you had the chance to go back and start all over?
"Feel the fear and walk through it anyway" [that's actually the title of a book] .. not let fear dictate my decision making process, not have been so afraid to fall.

So what do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend my time with my daughter Indyanna, Roch and my 2 dogs.

 
What makes you laugh?  What brightens up your day?
My little girl makes me laugh and she brightens every moment of my existence.

 
What makes you cry?
Thinking about my daughter grown up and losing loved ones.

 
How would you like people to perceive you?
As kind.

What would you like to achieve in life and in your career?
I would like to raise my child to be joyful, fulfilled, balanced. that would be a big achievement. Continued diversity in my career.

Do you have daily routines?
You have to with a baby ! .. for myself, running.

 
Where and what would you like to be doing twenty years from now?
Hanging out with Roch, being there for my daughter.

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