Still Here Hollywood

Erika Eleniak "Baywatch"

Episode Summary

Erika Eleniak: From E.T. to Baywatch to Under Siege In this heartfelt episode, Steve Kmetko sits down with Erika Eleniak to discuss her iconic Hollywood journey—from stealing a scene in E.T. at just 12 years old to becoming a global sex symbol on Baywatch, and starring in the action classic Under Siege. Erika opens up about the challenges of fame, posing for Playboy, her deep love of tattoos, and the strength it took to walk away from the spotlight on her own terms.

Episode Transcription

Steve Kmetko:

I am Still Here Hollywood. And coming up on today's episode. She was one of the original stars who helped turn Baywatch into a global phenomenon, an unforgettable lifeguard in red, who became a pop culture icon of the nineties. But long before she ran in slow motion on the beach, she stole a scene in et posed for Playboy. She's an actress, a mother, and someone who's lived life boldly in and out of the spotlight. This is Still Here Hollywood. I'm Steve Kmetko. Join me with today's guest from Baywatch actor Erika Eleniak.

If this is your first time watching or listening to still hear Hollywood, what took you so long, even if you're a long time fan, I have a favor to ask. If you feel it in your heart, please like and follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us. Or if you watch on YouTube, please subscribe. And with both, it would be great if you rated and commented on your favorite episodes. Thank you so much.

And now on with the show. Erica, thank you for stopping by. I must ask you; this is a Saturday. What would you be doing if you weren't here?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Thank you for having me, first of all. I would probably, going on a, actually, you know what? I probably will be going on a drive later with my daughter today. We'll probably drive out to the beach. We like to, she's 19. So, we like to listen to her tunes and go driving. We will see where the road takes us sometimes.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Just tell her it's driver's choice.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, I've tried that.


 

Steve Kmetko:

I must ask, first of all, I see your hands. You have a lot of tattoos.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes. I do have a lot of tattoos. <crosstalk>


 

Steve Kmetko:

How did got, did that come about full? When did it start?


 

Erika Eleniak:

So, oh gosh. When did my first tattoo? My first tattoo started on my back and I feel like I was in my late twenties. So, it's been a long time. It's been a long road. Every tattoo that I have is significant of something. So, like, for instance, on this part of my arm, my mom's name, she passed. And her name is Iris. So, I have an iris here, and this says Free in a butterfly. So yeah, every tattoo has a story, significant of something.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Why did you do it?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I love tattoos. I love that my body is like a canvas to tell my stories. Just fun.


 

Steve Kmetko:

I always thought you're gilding the lily.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. Gilding the lily. That's funny.


 

Steve Kmetko:

One of your very first jobs was et correct? How did that come about?


 

Erika Eleniak:

That's right. I was, well, I started when I was 10 years old, so I was in an acting class and we were doing a showcase, and I was actually in the adult showcase because my scene partner was playing my father. So, we got asked to do the adult showcase and there was a talent scout for Steven in the audience. And they saw me and asked me to come in and meet Steven.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And how did that meeting go? Apparently, it went well.


 

Erika Eleniak:

It went really well. Yeah. He was really kind and funny and just basically asked me on the spot if I wanted to be in his movie. And I was 12. I was like, okay.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Everything I've read about him is that he's exceptionally good coaching, directing children.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did you find that to be the case?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh yeah. We--


 

Steve Kmetko:

Not that you had anything really to gauge it against.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Right. But we did, because most of my stuff were all the school scenes. So, there were a lot of props, you know, pens and, you know, all the stuff that goes with school. And I remember scented pens were a big thing back then. They had just come out and I remember Steven testing them and one saying, I wonder if they taste good too. And, and teasing us kids, like he would taste the pens and he just had fun. He had a lot of fun with us.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What are your memories from making ET?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Well, I was, I cried because I didn't want to kiss Henry Thomas. I was very nervous. So, I remember Steven coming into the trailer with me and my mom talking to me for about 10 minutes saying he assured me it would be a closed set. So like, very few people would be there. I remember Henry Thomas was in a girl haters club, so he was 10 and I was 12. I was the older woman. And he, I think Steven talked with him as well to reassure him. So, and I remember a lot of frogs. A lot of frogs, and just a good time. I was on set for about three days and then they extended my filming for another day. So, I wasn't there for a very long period.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Yeah. Did you rehearse the scene?


 

Erika Eleniak:

We did not--


 

Steve Kmetko:

The kissing scene?


 

Erika Eleniak:

No. It was all improv. In fact, it was Steven who had that little boy who Henry stands on top of. I remember him just choreographing that quickly. You come on over here, we're going to push you down on the ground and Henry's going to stand on top of you while he was trying to catch a frog. It was absolutely brilliant, actually. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

It's a nice movie to have on your resume.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh, man. Yeah. What a. I was in such disbelief when I went to see the film, I brought my mom and my grandma and my little sister, and my, my eyes and my jaw hit the ground. Because We were only told that it was about a boy and an alien. So, at 12, you know, you're like, I don't know, whatever, you know, rolling your eyes and no idea what was really happening. So, we were given a working title for the film, which was different too. He really kept it secret. So, when I saw that film, I was just floored.


 

Steve Kmetko:

We had Dee Wallace on Still Here Hollywood, not long ago a couple of weeks ago. And she spoke very fondly of the of her memories. What memories do you have that stick out?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I think having fun with Steven definitely sticks out to me. Just him being around all the kids and making everyone feel really comfortable. Because I was so nervous. And then the kissing scene really stuck out to me because it was a little bit traumatic. So, something I'll never forget.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Well, you grew up in the Glendale area, correct?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I was born in Glendale, yeah. Grew up more Canoga Park, north Hollywood, San Fernando Valley.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Which for people who may not be familiar with Los Angeles is all nearby.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes. It's all close to each other.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did that influence what you wanted to do?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I don't think so because we didn't spend, my mom was sort of the opposite of a stage mother. So, I grew up in Van Nuys actually, and went to school there and didn't spend any time in Hollywood or sort of growing up in the scene. I really didn't do that. So, I don't think that it did.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And then Baywatch happened.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Baywatch happened right after high school.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How did that come about?


 

Erika Eleniak:

That was an audition process that was pretty grueling. That was about, I feel like, six auditions for the writers, for the producers, for the director, then it was the networks. So yeah, that was a grueling process. And then they wanted to see the chemistry between myself and Billy Warlock, who was going to be the love interest for my character Shawnee. So, we had to do an audition to check our chemistry, and yeah, it was a lot.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What would Shawnee be doing today, do you suppose?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Shawnee. Shawnee grew up a lot in the short time that Shawnee was there. I would say she started out a very spoiled brat, a very self-entitled, spoiled brat. And she grew up a lot. So, I think Shawnee might be, what would Shawnee be doing today? Shawnee would probably still be working in the lifeguard field. She might be a higher up a senior now, but I think she would still be in a place where she'd be helping people.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What was the vibe like among the cast and crew in those days?


 

Erika Eleniak:

So fun, so great. I mean, it was just, that's what I miss the most is the comradery between the cast and the crew. Just a lot of joking and pranks and, you know our cameraman was Uncle Jimmy, and we just laughed and joked with each other all the time, and at each other's expense. Sometimes it was, but it was a, so much fun, just a really fun set.


 

Steve Kmetko:

First day on the beach. Red suit. Camera's rolling. There's a sigh. What do you remember most about that moment?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Cold, cold. We shot, you know, because as you know, there's deadlines for the shows to be prepared. So, we shot in January and they used the big Keno lights to make it look hot, and they would spray us with water, which they tried to keep warm, but of course, that never really happened, right? So, you're being sprayed down with freezing cold water and it's gray outside, and the water's like 55 degrees. It was difficult. It was difficult to shoot with the natural elements.


 

Steve Kmetko:

That show was physically intense. Besides what you've described how did you get yourself ready for it? Body and mind and--


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. I think there was a big difference for me between the first and the second year. So, the first year I just dove in headfirst. I really had no idea what, what was, you know, what it was really going to be like. Between the first and the second year, I started working out a lot and slimmed down. Really worked on my run, not the Slow-Mo run, the real run. You know, just tried to become more athletic now because it was at that point that I realized the job really called for it. So, yeah, I think that was a big, big difference between one and two for me.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How did you do that? How did you run? I mean, is there a difference between running full on and running slow motion?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. Oh gosh, sure. The Slow-Mo run and we get teased about it all the time and always asked to do it. The Slow-Mo run, it was really for camera. It's all for camera, right? So, there's this whole sort of technique about how you move your body and how you move your arms and as opposed to a real run, you know. But running in the sand is not easy. Also, if you're a real runner and you're running in the sand, there's a difference between running in the sand and cement. So but the Slow-Mo run was definitely just for camera.


 

Steve Kmetko:

It's good for you.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. It is good for you.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Good for your Butt.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, it's good for the Butt. Definitely good for the glutes. Yep.


 

Steve Kmetko:

When the spotlight suddenly found you how did you handle that level of attention?


 

Erika Eleniak:

It was never comfortable for me. The very first time, actually, two little kids that lived in a, I grew up in an apartment building, and these two little kids that had seen ET had asked me for my autograph. And I remember I ran upstairs and cried. I just thought it was so weird. So, I mean, it's part of the dinner, it comes with it, right? And you get used to it and respond kindly and, you know, as humbly as you can. But I think it was never anything that I felt super comfortable with.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And did the autographs continue? I would imagine they did.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did you get used to it?


 

Erika Eleniak:

You did. I did. Did you?


 

Steve Kmetko:

It doesn't happen.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, I got used to it. I got used to it. And like I said, then you just, you know, you just, it's, I mean, it's such a huge compliment. It really is a huge compliment. People are liking the work that you're doing, and so then it becomes something different when you start thinking about it like that.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Looking back on it are you glad your career went this way?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I am. I mean, I'm really, really fortunate in that I ha I feel like I had a pretty diverse career. I worked hard for it. So, a lot of the roles after I left Baywatch that I played in film and television were pretty diverse. I got to do some really interesting things, some tough things. So, I really liked the direction my career went. I think I made a lot of decisions based on fear growing up. So, I passed on some great opportunities, unfortunately. But I can look back on those and say, maybe that wasn't such a great decision to make. But I'm grateful for the career that I had. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And we'll be right back.

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After Baywatch, did you feel boxed in by the role?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Definitely. I would say definitely. It was really difficult to get auditions after that were strong women, you know, that were a cop, or I remember once, gosh, it, I feel like it was already 10 years after the show I was auditioning to play a cop, and it was between myself and another actress. And at the end of the day, there was one person in one of the camps that felt uncomfortable with the Baywatch credit. So, I lost the role.


 

Steve Kmetko:

When you say camps?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Networks


 

Steve Kmetko:

Oh!


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh, yeah, yeah. Networks.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Okay. Under Siege came not long after Baywatch. What stands out from that shoot?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Being the only female? I think among, oh gosh, how many men were on that film? It felt like a thousand. There were probably five of us girls. That was something that stood out. It was very weird. Working with Gary Busey and Tommy Lee Jones was amazing.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Amazing. Good.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Amazing. Good. Yeah, they're just such great actors. Watching them work together too. And just improv, so many cool things that ended up being in the film was really, really amazing opportunity for me.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You didn't mention Steven Seagal in that sense.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, Steven Seagal also. It was also great working with Steven. Steven was just different, kind of a different persona, I guess I would say. He had a big entourage around him all the time. When he showed up on set, you know, he was very professional. He did his thing. Sometimes he liked to joke around a lot, but we didn't really have a kind of a rapport where we hung out, you know? Whereas I feel like with Gary Busey and Tommy Lee Jones, we had some of that, which was really fun. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And with Baywatch, do you keep in contact with any of the cast members?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Some of the cast members, and it's really funny because none of them were the girls that I worked with. You know, it, we run into each other at charity events or different whatever, different, what have you, different events. And so, I've stayed in touch with Gena Lee Nolin and a little bit with Alexandra Paul with Donna, with Nicole Eggert. So yeah, it's been really nice.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Walking away after two seasons, what went into that decision?


 

Erika Eleniak:

The show started out and most people rolled their eyes when I say as a serious lifeguarding show, but it really was, you know, you had the lawyer and doctor and cop dramas. This was one about lifeguarding, which is a serious thing, you know? So, we did everything by the book. CPR was by the book, the Bathing, the swimsuits were regulation. Everything we did was by the book. And that's where my heart really was, was to do, to get my chops in there and, and really have a serious look at lifeguarding. And I think the direction it took, which was wonderful by the way, and I take nothing away from it because it made Baywatch what it became, which was eye candy and music montages. And I think for me, I just really wanted to do more serious work. Also, I was not really comfortable being in slinky little bikinis, and it just wasn't my thing. Running around on the beach in a thong was not my idea of-


 

Steve Kmetko:

A good time?


 

Erika Eleniak:

A good time. No, it really wasn't. And I was very self-conscious and it just, I didn't feel free, I think, to do my job. So, for me having Pamela Anderson come on when I was leaving was, I mean, it was the perfect marriage for that show. It was exactly what they needed and wanted. And then for me, I was able to go on and do some really fun films. So, I think it worked out really well.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did you and Pamela Anderson converse at all about talk at all about the show?


 

Erika Eleniak:

We really, I feel like we've run into each other a couple times over the years. But we really didn't talk too much about the show. We hung out a little bit on set. But there was no sort of handing off of the baton or anything like that. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Why do you think Baywatch struck a chord with people all over the world?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh gosh. Because it was just the ultimate fantasy show. You know, all over the world people are freezing and Baywatch, everyone was, you know, in these little shorts and bathing suits. And the sun is shining and the music is wonderful and people are eye candy to look at. And I just think it was a really fun no-brainer. So, I think there was that kind of concept would work anywhere globally.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Do you go back and watch any reruns or episodes of the show that you, to refresh your memory?


 

Erika Eleniak:

You know, I have, I'll tell you, it's really funny. My television, and I swear this is true, my tv, my Samsung TV is literally when you turn it on, the station that comes on is the Baywatch channel. So, every once in a while, I do catch myself in the living room. If I leave the TV on for the dog, I do see it. And it's really, it's funny. It's really, it's fun to watch.


 

Steve Kmetko:

I leave my TV on for my dog too.


 

Erika Eleniak:

You do?


 

Steve Kmetko:

Yes. As company.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes. As company, exactly. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You did a string of thrillers and action flicks in the nineties. Was that a genre you enjoyed?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, I loved action. I would say give me action over the talkies any day. I really had fun doing a lot of my own stunts and yeah, I enjoyed it a lot.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Is there a role that you're particularly proud of?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I have two that I love, and they're sort of on opposite scales in terms of the size of the films. So, I really loved The Beverly Hillbillies. Getting to play Ellie Mae Clampett was so much fun. And that was a big studio movie, so we had all the bells and whistles and tremendous cast. And then the other one is the little independent movie called The Opponent, where I played a boxer and I did my own training and I trained hard. I trained in Brooklyn. We, we lived in New York and it was a ring girl turned boxer because of an abusive relationship. So, I learned how to box and I'm really proud of the work that went into that.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What is a ring girl?


 

Erika Eleniak:

A ring girl. The girl that wears a bathing suit and holds up the--


 

Steve Kmetko:

Brings out the card, says.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, brings up the car that says.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Now appearing.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Right. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Yeah. What was the toughest stretch of your career and how did you get through it?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I don't know. I think there was some kind of transition between doing television and film, which there doesn't seem to be anymore. It seems like the industry has changed so much, but I think making that kind of crossover back and forth was challenging. Because once you sort of start doing the films, then you're sort of, you know, you're back then, especially if you were doing films, you weren't doing TV and now everybody's doing tv. Everybody just wants to work, you know.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And a lot of people do commercials too, which was not the case.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Right. You just didn't do that. Right. If you were doing films, you didn't do tv, you didn't do commercials, you just didn't. And if you modeled, you never said you modeled. And then there was a time where if you were a model, you were getting all the jobs because you were a supermodel. So, I think maybe that transition from being, it being okay to go back and forth.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And was there a personal part of this not professional, but personally, was it tough for you at any point in your career?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, absolutely. Probably a good handful of times. Definitely during Baywatch, when I was deciding whether or not to stay or go, that was really hard on me because it was a successful show. It was doing well. But I just wasn't happy towards the end of my stay. So that was personally kind of tormenting for me, deciding whether or not I should go and, you know, risk losing that position and kind of put myself out there to do other things. How, who knows how that would go. Right. So yeah. And I think also too, there's so many other things that I really love doing. I love writing and hosting, and there's just lots of different things that I've always wanted to try. So, I think there were moments in my career where I was like, man, should I keep going? Should I go do something else?


 

Steve Kmetko:

What swayed you to continue?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I think it was just in my blood. You know, once you start really performing and you get some opportunities to sink your chops into something really good, I think you miss it. You miss it tremendously. So that for me was what kept me going.


 

Steve Kmetko:

So, before Baywatch came Playboy.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How did that decision shape what came next for you?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Well, Playboy's really interesting for me because I didn't set out to do Playboy. I actually was with a girlfriend of mine who was a playmate, and we were roommates, and I went with her to go pick up her film from the then editor, Marilyn Grabowski, who was there. And she and I met and she said, you should do the magazine. And I was like; I won't do this magazine. I can't do the magazine. I was like, oh my gosh, no way. And my girlfriend was in my ear and I thought, you know, why not? Maybe it'll be really fun. I was so young. So, I did that just before Baywatch, sort of on the heels of Baywatch. And it was difficult. In fact, I believe I became known as the difficult one because I was never comfortable shooting, filming, and I was very guarded.

I was very guarded about my angles and just, I was not that yes girl. So, I actually had another playmate call me up and, and say, hey, I need some advice. I hear that you're the difficult one, so, and I was like, oh, okay. Well, I guess I am. So yeah, Playboy. I think for me, I viewed it as a modeling job. It was fun. I did a pictorial for them. I did some covers for them, but I never looked at myself as a playmate. I was an actress who did Playboy. And so, for me, I kind of kept Playboy. I mean, you can't really keep it a secret. And it wasn't what I was trying to sweep it under the rug, but I wasn't advertising it to go to my next acting job, right. Where I feel like some girls feel that Playboy will launch their acting careers. And for me it was the opposite.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You thought it would?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Get in the way, be an obstacle for sure.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Really?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, absolutely.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And was it?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, absolutely. Sure.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How so?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Well, I think there's a perception maybe not so much today. Now, that's the other thing I need to say. I need to qualify. I'm 55 today. I was 18, 19 when I did Playboy. I think the perception is that you're, you know, you're, there's the bimbo that does the playboy, the bimbo girl, right? That can't walk and talk and--


 

Steve Kmetko:

Chew gum.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Chew gum, right. I mean, and so I really was, but also at that age, you feel invincible. So even though I knew it was an obstacle, maybe I was going to get through it and it wouldn't be an issue. But I can remember doing a film actually walking out of my trailer, overhearing a conversation between the director and the DP about how dare I, because I was refusing to do a shower scene when I did Playboy. You know, how dare I not do that scene in the film? Like, who do I think I am? So now what I owe everybody being naked because I did Playboy. Now that's just my job. So still a little defensive about it, as you can see. Right.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You have a right being labeled a sex symbol can be a double-edged sword. Which it sounds like it was for you.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, it was definitely.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did it take a while for that to go away or hasn't it gone away completely?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Well, I mean, I've gotten older too, you know, so that the relevance of that diminishes. But I think double-edged sword is a great way to say it. Pros and cons, right? So, some of it's fantastic and it would be a lie to say any different, but there were definitely the other sides of that coin that were hard to get great acting roles and to have respect from people. So yeah, double-edged sword. And I don't think it really ever did go away. I think it just diminishes a little bit.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And we'll be right back.

Was there ever a time when you seriously considered walking away from the business altogether?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes, there definitely was. Definitely was.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did that have to do with attitudes towards your work?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I think more mine, the business part of acting, I really, really, really didn't like, I love the work itself, but when you think about how much business goes into the work, it's what, you know.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How much business goes into show business?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Right. 90% and you've got 10% on stage or in front of the camera. It's, there's just so much of it. And I think it really took a toll on me. It was just the audition process is not something that I ever got comfortable with. I was really an insecure, very fearful girl. So, it's a tough business to be in.


 

Steve Kmetko:

That's funny to hear you say that about being a tough business when you had to overcome all this.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How does someone with that kind of an attitude to begin with, go into it?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. Not easily. Not easily. And that, that sort of answers the question, you know, about all the torment and being unhappy is because there was so much of that for me that made me unhappy, really made me unhappy. So, there was a lot of push pull.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Had you not gone into acting, what would you have done?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Gosh, there were so many things. I was such a weird kid. I mean, I wanted to be a parapsychologist. I loved paranormal things. A child psychologist. I really loved the idea of counseling or being a therapist and I loved kids. So maybe something like that.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You've been open with your today even with your struggles with body image and eating disorders. What happened to help you turn that corner?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Well, I don't know if I ever fully have, I still feel like I have issues. I mean, I've never been satisfied. That's not true. Actually, when I did the boxing movie, the opponent, and I was training like crazy and eating like a professional athlete, I really, I loved, I appreciated the work that went into it, and I appreciated the way my body looked. That was the only time I feel like I ever felt really comfortable with my body. And that's crazy because it was a 24-hour job to maintain that and to get that. And I would not want to do that today. There's just, you know, it's not worth it to me. Yeah. But I think even today, you know, there's still times I look at myself and say, oh, you know, I wish this was like that. Or, you know, I don't think I've ever felt a hundred percent comfortable in my skin. I'm much more comfortable in my skin today, older as a, you know, than I was when I was younger.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What advice would you give someone?


 

Erika Eleniak:

In terms of their body image? Love yourself. Just love yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Easier said than done.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Definitely, definitely. It is.


 

Steve Kmetko:

As time has passed, how has your relationship with the industry evolved?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Well, I've been out of the industry. Well, I keep a toe in the door, I guess I'll say that. I've sort of switched. I've been working in the podcast world myself and narrating and hosting, and so it's a little bit different. I'm not really out there auditioning anymore. So, I don't know. I think about it though. I think about the possibility of returning, and I'm wondering, I'm sort of in a transitional period right now where I'm wondering if that's something that I would be courageous enough to do.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What would it take?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I don't know. I wish I knew. I really wish I knew. I'm struggling with that right now. It, I mean, I know it takes courage. Maybe that's all. Maybe that's what it takes is courage to just get up and get out there and who cares? You know, who cares if you make a fool of yourself or fail or just who cares?


 

Steve Kmetko:

You've spent time helping others in recovery. What inspired that path?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Well, I was teaching acting for about five years. I was teaching at a studio and the opportunity to teach kids in rehab that were either suffering from substance abuse or behavioral issues. That opportunity came up. So, it was teaching, acting as a form of therapy. And it was amazing. I did it for about three years. It was a, the toughest thing I've ever done, ever except being a mom. Yeah, because you never knew what was going to happen when you walked into work that day. These kids were in crisis, you know, this was a really serious situation for the kids. So here I come with my, my monologue book and, you know, the kids would like to tell me to take the book and stuff it so, but it was really fulfilling when you could reach the kids and, and get them to open up.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did you go through any formal teaching or training for that?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I mean, no. I trained my whole life as an actor. I've trained with different coaches and classes and things. I've always kept myself studying. But to do that, no. So, I went in as an acting teacher and not as a therapist. And when I went in, there were always two therapists present, so it wasn't really set up that way.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What have you learned from it?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh, my goodness. How important, and this is going to sound lame because of course it's the most important job of all being a parent, but how important your, your actions as a parent and your walking your talk as a parent, how important those things are? Because I've seen a lot of kids suffer because of some, and I don't want to sound judgmental, but I've just seen some terrible things from rotten parenting at the end of the day.


 

Steve Kmetko:

And did it teach you a lot in terms of how you relate to your daughter?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Absolutely. Absolutely. Listen to, listen, it's so important to really listen. Because we can talk and talk at our kids, but to really listen to what's being said and take it in, that's something that I learned definitely from working with the kids.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Listen. Carefully.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Carefully.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What does life look for you now? Are you still drawn to acting or have other passions taken the lead?


 

Erika Eleniak:

You know, it's interesting. My daughter left for about five months. She left the nest and I was devastated. Because She and I are besties. And so, I was really left to figure out what on earth to do with myself. And then she came back after five months, so it was sort of a whirlwind. And I'm so happy she's back home now. But it sorts of opened a little window for me to figure out what on earth I want to do. Like I said, I had my own podcast and I did that for a while and I narrated a fictional murder series, which was really fun. I'm loving that world, but I'm thinking about returning to acting. I'm just thinking about it. It's just the thought right now. And I'm, I don't know, I just don't know if there's anything left--


 

Steve Kmetko:

Putting out there.


 

Erika Eleniak:

I'm putting it out there. It'll be interesting to see if I do have anything left in me, and I think maybe I do, so.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What kind of roles would you look for or would you take anything that came along?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I definitely don't think I would take anything. I would have to be right for it for sure. It would have to be something that I was right for strong women for sure.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What's holding you back from that decision?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I think at this point, honestly, fear for sure. Just fear and you know, also to the whole business part of it. Again, you know, that's not something that I ever found peace with or made peace with. So, that it's, I can get over walking into a room, but it's the whole business part of it. That's just a big part of it. It just is. Do I want to sign up for that again?


 

Steve Kmetko:

Outside of acting, what's something that you've picked up over the years that brings you joy?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I love being outside. I love nature. I just feel so close to the universe, spirit when I'm outside. So, I would say spending time outside, walking, reading. I like solo activities. I'm pretty much a recluse.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Are you?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How come?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I don't know. You know, that's interesting because I don't feel lonely. But I'm definitely more of a reclusive person. I'm not super social and I don't know if it's on purpose. I'm not sure.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Well, I'm kind of that way too. Don't like to be out there all the time. I like my privacy. My space. Which sounds so hokey.


 

Erika Eleniak:

No, but I'm with you. I feel the same way.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What first lit the spark for acting?


 

Erika Eleniak:

When I started acting, actually my dad wanted to be an actor. He followed in his older brother's footsteps, who was an actor for many years. Eddie Carroll, he was actually the voice of Jiminy Cricket. And so, my dad wanted to act.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Excuse me, Jiminy Cricket?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. Since 1973, he was the voice of Jiminy Cricket. And my dad came out here from Canada to become an actor and he ended up dating a lady in a film company. And whenever they needed extras to do like the training films for commercials, they would put my sister and I in. And it was really my dad. He just said to me, do you want to try this? And I was 10, so I was like, okay, why not? And it just stuck. It just stuck. I kept, I started out with theater and did a lot of theater around here, Studio City, and did some commercials and then got into a modeling agency and actually started modeling before acting. And yeah, I guess it just stuck.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Would we know your father's voice?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Not my dad's voice, but my uncle's voice. You would know if you hear Jiminy.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Oh really?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, definitely.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What moment in your life really showed you just how resilient you are?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Being a single mom? So, I don't know if it's a moment in particular, but definitely being a single mom and I went through a terrible, terrible, terrible breakup with her father. And it would be that moment in time I would say, where I realized how resilient I was.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Do you still feel that way?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I do. I think it's my strength. It's my strength. If you ask me what I think I'm.


 

Steve Kmetko:

It's your superpower.


 

Erika Eleniak:

It's my superpower. I was just going to say that. I swear. Yeah. It's my superpower.


 

Steve Kmetko:

When people look back on your work, on your journey. Given reason to, what do you hope they remember most about you?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I hope that maybe I could be seen as a diverse actor. That I did a lot of different things and took different risks because I got a chance to do that. I got to play a cop; I got to play a boxer. I got to play, you know, the fluffier more sex symbol roles. And so maybe just for the range, that would be nice. That would be really nice. That'd be a great compliment.


 

Steve Kmetko:

How will you look back and re what will you remember?


 

Erika Eleniak:

What a wonderful long journey, it's been, what a wonderful long journey. I'm still looking back at it sort of dissecting pieces of it and right now, and it's interesting how fast time flies. I'll say.


 

Steve Kmetko:

The older you get, the quicker it goes.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh boy. Isn't that the truth?


 

Steve Kmetko:

Yes. if there's one big misconception about you that you would go back and change if you could.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What would it be?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I think the whole bombshell bimbo sort of tag--


 

Steve Kmetko:

Perception?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. Yes. I would definitely change that. And I would not do Playboy again.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You wouldn't?


 

Erika Eleniak:

No, I wouldn't. I have a daughter. So that really changed my perspective. I would not, and it's no judgment. Oh, my goodness. So many of my good friends have done Playboy. And there's no, it's not about morality or anything like that. It was really about the, sort of the obstacles that it created for me. And also too, I feel now I feel like sharing your body is a private thing. It's just a private matter, you know, with the people that you love. Some of them, not all of them. Yeah. And, you know, if my daughter wanted to do Playboy, I would support her in really, whatever she wants to do that'll make her happy. But I would have a lot to tell her about that journey.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Could you share any of that with us?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I think, I don't think you get the same level of respect. Even today there are famous film actresses without naming names, who are proud of the fact that they haven't ever done a topless scene or, you know, there's a stigma to it. There's definitely a stigma and it creates a lot of pain. It for, it did for me. I'm sure there are girls that would hear me speaking right now going, boo, you know. This was just my experience and I think it created a lot of obstacles and a lot of pain, and I would not want my daughter to go through that.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did your family discourage you from doing Playboy?


 

Erika Eleniak:

My mom tried. She knew me though. I was so headstrong. My dad was very supportive. My mom was, she ended up being on board, but she definitely tried to persuade me not to do it.


 

Steve Kmetko:

But you weren't about to hear--


 

Erika Eleniak:

I wasn't listening. No, I was a kid. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You've worked as a recovery counselor. We touched on that. So, if Hollywood were your clients, what kind of pep talk would you give it?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh, my goodness. What would I, that's a great question. What pep talk would I give Hollywood? I would say to relax, relax a little bit.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Chill!


 

Erika Eleniak:

You know, just chill. Just chill. Don't be so uptight. Yeah, I think that would be it. Just chill.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Is there a role that people always swear you played but you didn't?


 

Erika Eleniak:

There was a movie called the Chase and I did a movie called Chasers, and I've literally had people say that, you know, you were in the Chase. You definitely, because there was a, oh my goodness, who was the wonderful actress that was in there? Oh, I can't remember her name now. I feel bad. But there was another young lady that was in the chase that I've always have people say, no, it was you. And I'm like, pretty sure it wasn't. But--


 

Steve Kmetko:

If you could hit rewind and relive just one day of your career, what would it be?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I remember it actually; it was a movie called Caught in the Headlights with Kim Coates. And Stacey Ke was in that movie. And the filming the work was just, I'm really proud of the work in that film too. And there was a day that we had filming where it was just really intense work and it was strong and it felt amazing, felt amazing. One of the best experiences I've ever had.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Do you have it on tape?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I do. I do, but it's VHS.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Oh, well forget that notion.


 

Erika Eleniak:

What are we going to do now?


 

Steve Kmetko:

What's the wildest fan moment you ever experienced?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh, my goodness. Seeing people get tattoos of your face is really a trip. Having someone walk up to your table and show you a tattoo of you on their body is definitely like, mind blowing.


 

Steve Kmetko:

I would think so?


 

Erika Eleniak):

Yes.


 

Steve Kmetko:

But I would think with all the tattoos you have that maybe you could get past that.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes. Now I could. Back then when I was a kid and someone had come up to me and shown me a tattoo of my face on their body and I was just like, oh my gosh, that's a commitment. That's really a commitment.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Someone you'll be close to forever.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Aaa, yay.


 

Steve Kmetko:

What advice would you give to a young actress today who's just starting to navigate the time machine, the fame machine?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah. I would say, well, starting out in acting would be one thing. I would say perseverance. Perseverance. Perseverance. Because there are so many talented, beautiful people in this industry. I don't even know how much it's about anymore the talent and the beauty. It's about being outside the box now. And so, I would say perseverance. You just, you know, five doors close and go open the sixth door. Just keep trying and keep trying. And with the fame, I would say don't take it so seriously. Try to, I hate try to have fun with it, but at the end of the day, really try to have fun with it.


 

Steve Kmetko:

So, you are pondering what to do next?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes.


 

Steve Kmetko:

No inkling which direction?


 

Erika Eleniak:

You know what, I really do love the podcast world. I would love to co-host a show. I think that would be really fun to co-host a show. That's more my comfort zone too, and I love to chat. As you can tell, I'm very chatty. So that would be something that I would love to do and I would welcome narration. I loved narrating the series. That's something that I would do in a heartbeat. Like I said, with the acting, I don't know if an opportunity fell in my lap, that would definitely make the decision easier than me sort of calling up the agent and saying, let's dive back in, you know?


 

Steve Kmetko:

And how it'll be received, not knowing how it'll be received.


 

Erika Eleniak:

That's right.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Say, is there a costume or a keepsake something from the past that you've held on to?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I have knickknacks that I really love, like props from different films. Little Tom Beringer gave me a little canned possum. It's not really, but it was like a prank thing. I feel like he found it in South Carolina. So, I have this canned possum and I have a little car from the Beverly Hillbillies. Just little things like that that I, little mementos that I have.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Well, something to remember it by.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yes, yes.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Over the years, what have you learned about leadership? Either onset or off?


 

Erika Eleniak:

Yeah, that's a good question. What have I learned about leadership? I think you got to have a lot of self-confidence to be a leader. And I don't know that I've had a lot of self-confidence throughout my time in front of the camera. So, I don't know if I have a lot to say about leadership, if I was enough of a leader.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Did you keep the red bathing suit?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I did not.


 

Steve Kmetko:

You did not?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I know. Can you believe that? I know, but you know--


 

Steve Kmetko:

Could've sold it for a fortune?


 

Erika Eleniak:

I know. Dang it. There's actually a few of the girls that have did not keep their bathing suits that are rewriting it. Yeah.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Okay. Erika, thank you very much for coming in. I really appreciate it.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Thank you for having me.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Sure.


 

Erika Eleniak:

It's been fun.


 

Steve Kmetko:

It appears as though it's not particularly easy for you to talk about yourself.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Oh, you know, it gets easier the older I get.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Thank you.


 

Erika Eleniak:

Thank you for having me.


 

Steve Kmetko:

Sure. Still Here Hollywood is a production of the Still Here Network. All things technical run by Justin Zangerle. Theme music by Brian Sanyshyn and executive producer is Jim Lichtenstein.