ERIKA ELENIAK

Summary

Podcast Summary: Kat on the Loose – ERIKA ELENIAK

Host: Kat Zammuto
Guest: Erika Eleniak
Date: August 5, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this engaging and candid episode, Kat Zammuto welcomes actress Erika Eleniak—most famous for her roles in Baywatch, The Beverly Hillbillies, and E.T.—to discuss her decades-spanning career, her iconic return to the Baywatch reboot, embracing aging in Hollywood, body image, motherhood, and the stories behind her tattoos. The episode is characterized by its honest, empowering reflections on evolving as a woman, finding new purpose with age, and redefining success both personally and professionally.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Baywatch Return and Evolution of Shawnee (01:37–03:30)

• Erika’s Surprise at the Reboot:
  • “I never thought it would happen again … me coming back really was a big surprise for me, and it was so much fun.” (02:12, Erika Eleniak)
• Aging with Character:
  • Erika reprises her ‘90s character Shawnee, now reimagined as a Santa Monica city councilwoman, not a lifeguard.
  • “I'm not holding myself up to the standard of trying to be back in the bathing suit 35 years later.” (02:56, Erika Eleniak)
• Embracing Realism in Age:
  • Both Kat and Erika celebrate this as a meaningful evolution, noting the importance of representing women authentically at every age.

2. Body Image and Gender Double Standards (03:30–06:10)

• Pressure in the Spotlight:
  • Erika candidly recalls the pressures of wearing a swimsuit on national TV and the scrutiny she faced over her body.
  • “When your costume is a bathing suit, there’s nowhere to hide… so you're always constantly worried.” (04:00, Erika Eleniak)
• Comparisons to Male Co-stars:
  • Kat and Erika discuss how societal judgment is harsher on women: “People are definitely nicer and more lenient to the men than they are the women.” (04:56, Erika Eleniak)
  • The conversation touches on insecurity, media criticism, and the impact of social media.

3. Career Highlights and Hollywood Hiatus (06:10–09:29)

• Fond Memories from The Beverly Hillbillies:
  • “That was my favorite movie to work on ever … it was so much fun to play Ellie Mae, got to be with all the animals.” (06:28, Erika Eleniak)
• Choosing Motherhood:
  • Erika stepped back from Hollywood to raise her daughter: “She is and always was and always will be my world, my main focus.” (07:38, Erika Eleniak)
• Teaching and Giving Back:
  • Taught acting to all ages and kids in rehab, using the craft as a therapeutic tool. (08:23, Erika Eleniak)

4. The Unusual Path of Baywatch Fame (08:51–11:05)

• Timing of Fame:
  • Erika’s fame from Baywatch peaked globally after she’d already left the show, an “interesting and strange” experience.

5. Empowering Representations of Women (11:05–13:42)

• Importance of Seeing Women Age on Screen:
  • Kat expresses excitement: “They are adapting the role to the fact that women age … we need to stop thinking that you’re only worthwhile when you’re 20.” (11:47, Kat Zammuto)
  • Erika is “thrilled and relieved” to play a character her own age, feeling “grounded” and “ready to do the right projects.” (12:13, Erika Eleniak)

6. The Story Behind the Tattoos (15:11–23:41)

• Tattoos as Personal Storytelling:
  • Erika shares her tattoos started in her early 20s: “They really are an evolvement. All of my tattoos tell a story.” (15:33, Erika Eleniak)
  • Tattoos represent personal milestones, loss (a memorial for her mother), and favorite symbols (Tinkerbell).
• Handling Criticism:
  • Erika and Kat bond over using their bodies as “personal canvases,” and discuss facing online backlash.
  • “I look at my body as my own personal canvas … it means something to me, and I love it.” (20:05, Erika Eleniak)

7. Motherhood and Advice to the Next Generation (23:46–25:37)

• Daughter’s Creativity:
  • Erika’s daughter is artistic, with little interest in acting but strong in digital creation.
• Advice for Young Actors:
  • “So much of the work is internal because the industry has changed so much … You have to believe in yourself more than anything else… do the internal work, persevere, keep knocking on the doors.” (24:40, Erika Eleniak)

8. Early Career and E.T. Memories (26:24–29:38)

• Landing the Role:
  • Landed her part in E.T. after being scouted in an acting showcase at 12 years old.
  • “I didn’t know who Steven [Spielberg] was … he asked me if I wanted to be in his movie, and I said sure.” (27:17, Erika Eleniak)
• Shooting Her Famous Scene:
  • Remembers nerves about her on-screen kiss, Spielberg’s kindness, and the secrecy surrounding the film.

9. Navigating Fame and Groundedness (29:47–32:43)

• Dealing with Sudden Fame:
  • Erika kept to herself, avoided party scenes, and found the relentless production schedule grounding.
• Advice to Younger Cast:
  • “Everything is constantly evolving. Nothing lasts forever … just to be ready that everything changes, to change with it instead of letting it change you.” (31:32–32:06, Erika Eleniak)
  • Kat praises Erika’s grounded attitude and highlights the value of remaining true to oneself.

10. Aging, Independence, and Looking Ahead (32:43–34:17)

• Best Years Yet:
  • Both women reflect on loving midlife, independence, and no longer settling: “I'm loving my vibe, and the thought of sharing everything sometimes is not always so appealing.” (33:29, Erika Eleniak)
• Representation Moving Forward:
  • Hopeful for more roles representing women of all ages in Hollywood moving forward.

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Memorable Quotes

• “Now I can, like, defend the beach.” (03:26, Erika Eleniak)
• “We should be proud of our age, any age, because it means we're alive.” (03:30, Kat Zammuto)
• “People are definitely nicer and more lenient to the men than they are the women.” (04:56, Erika Eleniak)
• “They are adapting the role to the fact that women age … we need to stop thinking that you’re only worthwhile when you’re 20.” (11:47, Kat Zammuto)
• “I look at my body as my own personal canvas.” (20:05, Erika Eleniak)
• “If you want to make it in this industry, you've really got to do the internal work and you've got to believe in yourself and you've got to persevere no matter what.” (24:40, Erika Eleniak)
• “Everything is constantly evolving. Nothing lasts forever. … Change with it as opposed to letting it change you.” (31:32–32:06, Erika Eleniak)

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Notable Timestamps

• Erika’s Baywatch Reboot News: 01:37–03:30
• Body Image on Baywatch: 04:00–04:56
• Hollywood Hiatus and Motherhood: 07:38–09:37
• Tattoo Stories and Symbolism: 15:33–20:05
• Advice for Young Performers: 24:40–25:37
• E.T. and Spielberg Memories: 26:24–29:38
• On Navigating Fame: 31:32–32:43
• Aging, Joy, and Coming Back: 33:13–34:17

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Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is warm, unfiltered, and empowering—full of laughter, honesty, and hard-won wisdom. Erika’s humility, resilience, and self-acceptance stand out, as does Kat’s supportive energy and advocacy for women’s empowerment at every age.

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For Listeners

This episode offers a heartfelt look at Erika Eleniak’s journey, tackling relevant topics for women in entertainment and beyond—body image, aging, self-worth, motherhood, overcoming adversity, the meaning behind personal expression, and gracefully navigating fame. It’s recommended for longtime fans, anyone curious about women’s evolving representation in media, and those seeking inspiration to embrace every part of their own story.

Transcript

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[Interviewer]

Cat on the Loose. It's such a pleasure having you here.

[Erica Eleniak]

Thank you. It's such a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.

[Interviewer]

Of course. I'm so excited to talk to you and I have so many questions. So let's do this fast and furious. If you're ready, let's do it. Okay, so obviously the first question, because you were on Baywatch decades ago and now Baywatch is coming back. As you know, I interviewed some of the cast. They're my dear friends and. And you're coming back as the same character but with a twist, which I definitely want to talk about because I loved it decades later. How do you feel to be on the show and see everyone? Did you ever think it might happen? How was the vibe?

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah, I never thought it would happen again. I figured Baywatch was, you know, had its Day. It was such a phenomenal show. I didn't think they'd bring it back, so. And then me coming back really was a big surprise for me, and it was so much fun. It was really fun hanging out with all of the new cast and crew. Yeah, it was a lot of fun.

[Interviewer]

So the twist that I want to talk about, because when I read it in the media, I thought it was really genius, is that you're coming back as Shawnee, your character in the 90s. I was a huge fan of the show, of course. Right. But she's not a lifeguard anymore.

[Erica Eleniak]

That's right.

[Interviewer]

They adapted the character to the fact that you aged. Because we all age, of course.

[Erica Eleniak]

That's right. That's right. She's a Santa Monica city councilwoman now. A lot of fun. And. And it allows me to breathe. You know, I'm not holding myself up to the standard of trying to be back in the bathing suit 35 years later. You know, I know it would be unrealistic as well to have me be the lifeguard at 56 on the beach. So. I love being the city council woman. It's fantastic.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Erica Eleniak]

Now I can, like, defend the beach. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Back then you were super young, of course, perfect body. And I know it's a standard that I don't think any woman should live up to. I always say that, you know, I think we should be proud of our age, any age, because it means we're alive, you know, so I'm a huge advocate for women not being embarrassed of telling their age. But back then, when you did the show, did you have that mindset of pressure, like, oh, my God, you know, I gotta be perfect. My body's being scrutinized, or you. It didn't come across back then.

[Erica Eleniak]

No. Definitely had that mindset. Always so worried. And, you know, when you're. When your uniform or your costume is a bathing suit, there's nowhere to hide. There just isn't. So you're always constantly worried about, you know, what's hanging out and what am I. What do I look like? And, you know, did I do enough crunches this week? Did I? You know? Yeah. So constantly worried about that.

[Interviewer]

Do you think that the scrutiny is different for men as it is to women? Because I think I'm tell. I'm saying me, right. As a woman, and I've never been on bathing suit on tv, but I'm saying for me as a woman, and I actually talked to David Choker, my friend, about. I think for guys, it's just people are Just more lenient and nicer to men. But with women, I feel they're always dissecting every little piece of us.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes, I agree with you. I think. I think you just had the key there, is that people are nicer to men because I know a lot of actors do also go through body image issues. You know, talking about David Chokaji, who's in phenomenal shape. But. But the men still go through the, oh, I have to take my shirt off today for a scene. You know, so they still go through their own insecurities. But I think people are definitely nicer and more lenient to the men than they are the women.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. I feel it's like that in anything. Right. A woman. If we show up someplace, like, without the perfect makeup or if you have cellulite. I never heard anybody say to a guy, oh, my God, look at him. He has. But with us, I feel we. We have this pressure all. Especially nowadays with so. Even social media. Right.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Because everybody has access to just looking at us. Every little piece of us.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes, agreed, Agreed. There's. And there's no way to really escape it. It feels like. Not with the Internet. You know what I mean? People are going to say what they're going to say, and it's just, you're out there. You're out there. Yeah, I know.

[Interviewer]

But, you know, I have to say, I loved Baywatch. I was a huge fan of Baywatch, of course, like, millions of people out there. But there was another project you worked on that made me fall in love with you back then. I freaking love that. The Beverly Hillbillies.

[Erica Eleniak]

Oh, thank you. You know, that was my favorite movie to work on ever.

[Interviewer]

Oh, really? Yeah. Because I thought Ellie May was the cutest freaking thing on this planet. So as much as, of course, I loved you as Shawnee, I just love that movie is just so light and adorable.

[Erica Eleniak]

Oh, thank you so much. Yeah, that was a blast. It was so much fun to do. It was difficult. Like, it had its challenges, but it was definitely so much fun to play Ellie Mae. Got to be with all the animals and.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I love that. And it's so funny, Erica, because, you know, I had a best friend. Friend for decades before college and. And through college, her name is Elisa and I started calling her Elimelech because of. And her mom used to get so mad at me. She's like, why are you calling my daughter Ellie? Her name is Elisa. But I loved. And it cried. And everybody's like, ellie, because of you. So that was like, to me, it means a lot. You know that.

[Erica Eleniak]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

That I'm talking to, because I have the best memories because of that movie.

[Erica Eleniak]

Oh, that's wonderful. Thank you so much. I love that.

[Interviewer]

So after you did all of that, you kind of left Hollywood for a while.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah. Yeah. You know, I have a daughter who's 20 now, but she is and always was and always will be my world, my main focus. So taking care of her and making sure that I was there for her 247 was very, very important to me. I kept a toe in the door, you know, like, there's a couple movies I did that she was on set with me.

[Interviewer]

Oh, really?

[Hip Hop Narrator]

Yeah.

[Erica Eleniak]

One was called Meant To. Dean Cain was in that film with me. Indy was on set for that one. Some speaking engagements. But I, mostly to make a living, taught acting. And I taught acting at a studio to all ages. And then I also taught kids in rehab.

[Interviewer]

Oh, wow.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah. As a means of therapy, to use acting as a means of, like, a therapeutic tool. So that's pretty much what I did. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So. But it was. It was volunteer because the show was huge. Right. At one point, I think Baywatch was the. The top show in the world. It was in so many countries, it, like, exploded. Did you feel like, oh, I need a break. It's too much?

[Erica Eleniak]

No. You know that it's very funny how it all worked with Baywatch. By the time Baywatch was reaching its peak of fame and the character Shawnee, I was already off the show. It took a while to catch on overseas. So by the time the fame was happening and people were recognizing me from Baywatch, I wasn't even on the show anymore. It was very bizarre. It was really kind of a strange happening. But, yeah, because it took a while for it to catch up over there.

[Interviewer]

So did you want to take a break from acting? You're like, you know what? I'm gonna focus on other things in my life for a while.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah, I think it just kind of happened organically, honestly, because I did a lot of. A lot of film work. All the way up until my pregnancy. I was living in Canada, and I was doing a lot of, like, TV movies, movies of the week, that kind of thing. And when we had straight to video movies, I was doing a ton of those. I was working a lot, and then I got pregnant. And then obviously you don't. You know, I wasn't working on the set at eight months pregnant. I was doing a lot of the conventions, like the autograph conventions and things. But then after my daughter was born, there were a couple TV shows I did, and I just started staying at home. Really what would ended up shifting for me was that I stopped doing the auditions. Right. So I stopped hitting the pavement and doing those auditions constantly. So offers would come through, but they would become fewer and farther between as the years went on. Of course, because you need to get out there and audition. I wasn't doing that. So the occasional offer would come in, I'd do the show, I do whatever it was, you know, if it was a good project, and then continue just focusing on my child. And that's pretty much so kind of just happened organically. I just sort of stepped out a little and it pulled away a little bit. And that's the.

[Interviewer]

And I think when I read that you were going to do a cameo on the new Baywatch, I was personally really happy about it. And I'll tell you you why, because other than, of course I love you as an actor, a lot of people probably forgot you've been in one of the most iconic movies ever, which was E.T.

[Erica Eleniak]

oh, right, right.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Right. Like, oh my God.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Talk about that in a second. But so anyway, when I read that you were coming back, I'm like, first of all, number one, thank goodness they're bringing an original to such an iconic show. But they are adapting the role to the fact that women age.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And I think it's such an important conversation because we need to stop thinking that you're only worthwhile when you're 20.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right.

[Interviewer]

So I really loved that.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And when I saw that, okay, they adapted the character. It's still Shawnee, but now she's doing something else. She doesn't have to be bouncing on the beach with a bathing suit. I obviously we haven't even seen the show because the show is gonna air in January. But in my mind, I thought that is such an important representation.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes, yes. I'm glad you mentioned that. Agreed. And I was thrilled. I was so happy when I read the part as well. And relieved. And relieved. But yes, you're absolutely right to be where I need to be and where I should be. I hate to should, but at the end of the day, you know, I am 56 years old and I want to be me.

[Interviewer]

Yes. So there's no reason why you shouldn't. Right. I mean, there's. There are parts for. At least that's my opinion. I think there are parts for women of all ages because every single story needs a mix.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes. Right.

[Interviewer]

Not all stories need only 20 something year olds. So. Yeah, I think it's an evolution of life to just change and want to be yourself in any decade of your life.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes, absolutely. Absolutely.

[Interviewer]

I am hoping they bring you as a series regular.

[Erica Eleniak]

That would be really fun. Listen, I'm absolutely open to it. I think there's a lot of room for them to use the character just because she is a city council woman. I think there are a lot of issues. A lot of issues that could be brought up and where Shani could be utilized and mixed in with the cast and with hope be. And so I think I'm definitely open to it. I would love that.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Let's hope that happens. Baywatch, if you guys are. Are listening, you have a hu. I know you have a huge fan base out there because I. I've been telling you that for a long time. I get messages from people from all over the world.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

To have on the show, on my show, they must get a lot of messages. You know, people love you and. And when they don't see you for so long and all of a sudden you show up again.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

That audience is very loyal to you, you know?

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes. Yeah. Which is so wonderful. I'm so grateful. So grateful.

[Interviewer]

So now in the. At this stage in your life, you're 56. We're the same age. I'm. I'm very few years younger than. I'm two years younger than you. So we're the same age. But at this stage in your life, do you feel okay? Bring me more. I'm ready for it. I want to be front of the camera. I'm ready to go. How do you feel?

[Erica Eleniak]

I do feel ready. I feel ready. And I feel like me. You know, I have tattoos. I'm covered in my sleeve.

[Interviewer]

I want to talk about that.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes. And, you know, I'm my age. I've said it a million times. I'm 56. I'm more grounded, I think, as a human. I'm more evolved, hopefully, I hope, as a human being, But I'm definitely ready and I'm ready to do the right projects. You know, I'm ready to do the right project, so I'm excited. It's an exciting time. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So let's talk about your tats, because, guys, if you're listening to the audio episode, go to Cat on the loose show on YouTube so you can see her beautiful tats and her face. But how did that start? I know, obviously, when you were on Baywatch, you didn't have any tattoos. You were very young.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right.

[Interviewer]

And now you have this beautiful tattoo all over your arms. Can you tell me the behind the scenes, the story, how you decided to get going on that actually started on

[Erica Eleniak]

my back and I got a devil and an angel, little girl all combined with horns and wings. And it was just a very personal expression of how I saw myself.

[Interviewer]

And how old were you when you got the first one?

[Erica Eleniak]

20. Oh, gosh. Very early 20s. 23, 24. Somewhere in there. And it just evolved from there. It really is an evolvement. All of my tattoos tell a story. Each one is either very significant to me because it's representing a time in my life, or it's something favorite of mine. I have Tinkerbell on my arm. There she is. And I love. I'm obsessed with Tinkerbell. I love Tinkerbell, so. But most of the tattoos on me tell a story and they are significant of a time in my life. I have a memorial to my mom who passed away and her name is. Or not her name, but I wrote free for my mom and a butterfly and an iris. Her name is Iris. So I have an iris flower on my arm.

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[Mint Mobile Announcer]

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[Interviewer]

You know, it's so interesting you're saying that. I actually heard you say, talk a little bit about that on a different show because I have the same story. I had no tattoos whatsoever.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And a few years ago, when I went through hell in high water, I don't know if you know my story, but I lost my mom and I lost my husband within a year. My gosh, my life collapsed. I lost all my ass. It was chaos. And I was in so much pain. So much pain. I ended up tattooing the word strong on my wrist. I think I wanted to feel some kind of pain.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And some kind of reminder that I could go on. And so when you said that all your tattoos to tell a story that means something to you, I was like, oh, my God. That's exactly.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

I started doing one after the other. Not as many as you, but I have a bunch all over.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

And every single one of them tells a story to me. Like, have a very specific meaning for myself.

[Erica Eleniak]

I'm really glad you said that because I get a lot of flack for it. I get a lot of backlash. I get a lot of really negative.

[Interviewer]

I get a lot of by whom.

[Erica Eleniak]

By people out on the Internet just mean that have nothing better to say than mean things. And I don't bother responding. I just don't. But it's interesting to hear you say that because I look at myself and I look at my body as my own personal canvas. And when I'm going through something or something is very meaningful to me. Having a Tattoo represented is. Just means something to me, and I love it. I just love it. I love it. I love the way it looks. And so that's, you know, to each his own.

[Interviewer]

To each his own, exactly. Look, this is what I'm gonna tell you, Erica. I feel, obviously, that's my opinion. The people out there on the Internet, like, if they. They leave a nasty comment on your social media.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

It's always a miserable person.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

It's always somebody who is unhappy with their own life.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

You are never going to see somebody fulfilled, happy, success, successful, leaving a nasty comment to someone they never met.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right.

[Interviewer]

So if somebody bothers, like, oh, my God, you're full of tattoos, it's never going to be another successful artist.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right.

[Interviewer]

Somebody that matters.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right.

[Interviewer]

In your life, you know? So I say, I never let it affect me.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

When I respond, I actually. People think I'm crazy, but I respond, like, with love and kindness because I feel sorry for them.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes, yes, I hear you. I think about that sometimes, too. And then I think. But it's such. It can be such an energy drain to go in, get into that mind space. Right. That I just ignore them. I just.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, yeah. I don't think. Look, as long as you don't let it affect you.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Personally. Which I know it's really hard for a lot of people, but as long as you remember that, it has nothing to do with you.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

It's always something about their life. You shouldn't let it bother you. For some reason in your body, you decided, you know, I want to start telling my story on my body. And I'm a firm believer that whoever is meant to work with you to be a part of your life, to do projects with you, they're gonna love you just the way you are, and they're gonna work around it. And obviously, there are a million actors out there with a ton of tattoos.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right. That's for sure. That's for sure. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

They're super beautiful. I mean, you know, I love tattoos. I have a bunch. Not as many as you, but I. I think I have 10 or 11 sometimes.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer]

You know, everybody. This one is a huge, big one right on my wrist, and everybody asks me what that is, and it's the symbol of gratitude. I love that I try to do same. I have symbolism. I have a huge phoenix on my leg.

[Erica Eleniak]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

Because my life was in absolute shambles, I had to keep reminding myself, like, you're a phoenix. You're a phoenix. So, you know, I'm kind of like, I Think the tattoos should tell our story, you know?

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

I think yours are super beautiful. Are you planning on doing any more?

[Erica Eleniak]

You know, I don't know if I have any more real estate. I haven't done my legs or anything. There is a place on my back that has no tattoos on the other side of my back that I think about sometimes. But it would have to be because I'm not the kind of person that just for me, like, there have been so many beautiful images that I would love to have and sometimes that's tempting to think about just having a beautiful image, which is fine. That's also, you know, some people get tattooed just because they like an image, but for me, it has to be. Like I said, it needs to be something significant in my life. And so I don't feel like I'm there right now. I might. I mean, I'm always open to it.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, same. I'm exactly the same now. You said Your daughter is 20?

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

My, oh, my time goes by so fast. Does she have any aspirations in terms of being in the entertainment industry?

[Erica Eleniak]

Not particularly. She's had times in her life when she's thought about it and maybe wanted to pursue a little bit, but then she was always too shy. So, yeah, she's very, very creative. She loves to do edits and digital edits and very. She's very visually creative, so. But not so much the acting world anymore.

[Interviewer]

So what would you. If she came to you and said, you know, I think I want to because it's a really tough business. I mean, you know that up close and up close and personal.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

What would be your 2 cents for your daughter or any younger person out there for that matter? How do you navigate this crazy industry without going nuts?

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah, I think so much of the work is internal. So much of the work is internal because the industry has changed so much and it's going to continue to change so much. Every time we get somewhere, we turn another corner. And so I think it's perseverance. You have to believe in yourself more than anything else. You have to believe in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will. And I know that firsthand from being down on myself and having times in my life when, you know, you're not feeling good and people, we teach people how to treat us. So if you want to make it in this industry, you've really got to do the internal work and you've got to believe in yourself and you've got to persevere no matter what. You got to Knock on the doors. You got to keep knocking on the doors. And if the doors keep closing, you got to keep knocking on the doors. And those are the people that end up getting the job.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. I love that you said that. That it's an internal job because you have to keep a good mindset.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right.

[Interviewer]

I see a lot of young actors, they get like. And. And I joke with somebody else that I was interviewing. I said, sometimes you see somebody, like, be. Be part of these reality shows, and they think they're the last Coca Cola zero of the desert with ice. They let it go up to their head and they go, yeah. But I think professional actors are usually really good about staying chill. Right. And riding the wave. But back then, because obviously you started, you were a kid, right? People forget, but you did, et cetera, which is one of the most iconic movies ever. Steven Spielberg, how old were you?

[Erica Eleniak]

I was 2012.

[Interviewer]

So you were a child. How was that experience? What are the memories you have of being on set so young with Steven Spielberg?

[Erica Eleniak]

Pretty amazing. I started acting when I was 10, and I had done some commercials. I was in an acting class. I had done a couple little spots on TV shows. So I had a little experience. And I was actually doing a showcase, and someone was talent scouting for Steven Spielberg in the audience and saw me in the showcase and asked if I would come in and read for this and meet with Steven. Not read for it, but just meet with Stephen. And I was 12. I didn't know who Stephen was. I had no idea what was going on. And I was like, okay, I'll go. And I went and met the beauty

[Interviewer]

of being a kid. Right? You don't really care, right?

[Erica Eleniak]

I did not. I didn't. And he asked me, you know, he said I was taller than the main actor that he had cast for the role. But he asked me if I wanted to be in his movie, and I said, sure. And he said, okay. And that was pretty much how that went. It was very secretive. So they even told us. They told my mom and I the. The movie was called A Boy's Life. It was not called E.T. the extraterrestrial. They wanted no one to know anything about this movie at all. Didn't want anything to get out. So when I worked, I worked for about. I think I had three days of shooting, and then I did one extra day, and there was no hanging out on set afterwards. It was literally, do your work and go. We had a very closed set because both Henry Thomas and I were. We were very nervous about the kiss. So I cried. I was in my trailer crying because I didn't want to do it. Henry was in a girl haters club, so he didn't want to do it. And so Stephen had to assure us that everything was going to be fine, that he was going to close the set. So he explained what a closed set meant. And so he did that for us and made sure, you know, very few people were on the set. And. And it all worked out and it was just fine, of course. And. But he was so kind, he was so lovely, and he was so good with kids. We had a lot of props on set because of the. It was a school environment, so we had a lot of, like, backpacks and pens, and back then the scented pens had come out, and I remember him wondering, saying, I wonder if they taste the same as they smell. And just being really fun with the kids.

[Interviewer]

Oh, my God. I have the best memories of being a teenager and my parents taking me to the movie theater. And it was. Was such a huge deal back then.

[Erica Eleniak]

If.

[Interviewer]

If anybody out there listening from the younger generation and you haven't watched it, oh, my God, for the love of God, go watch. It's one of the best movies ever, ever, ever, ever, ever.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah, I feel very blessed to have just been a small, teeny, tiny little piece in there.

[Interviewer]

Hey, listen, you're a part of the story, my love. You know that you're a part of one of the most iconic movies ever, period.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes. And I'm very grateful for it. Yes, yes.

[Interviewer]

And you're one of a part of one of the most iconic TV shows ever, period.

[Erica Eleniak]

True.

[Interviewer]

You know, did you, when you were shooting Baywatch, was it. Because I asked the same question to the guys. Okay. Because of course it was attention and money and people and press. How did you manage, like, not letting. Because for some people, they really let it go up to their head like it messed up with their lives, and there are some heartbreaking stories. But did you manage to stay, like, really focused? No, this is just work. Yes.

[Erica Eleniak]

And I didn't really hang out in Hollywood, so to speak. I wasn't one of the kids that you would see photographed out at a club or whatever. I never did that scene. I did my stuff sort of behind the scenes, my partying days and whatever. I never was out in Hollywood, and it was a very busy show. You know, we worked hard and it was a. It was a pretty grueling schedule, so there wasn't much time for a social life either. It was just film, film, film. And. And as I said, I Didn't become sort of known for that character. Character, Excuse me. Until after the show had moved on without me. So, yeah, it was kind of an interesting thing to experience that way.

[Interviewer]

If the girls now asked you something like, how do. Because a lot of the girls now on the show are complete unknowns as well. Or maybe the social media audience knows them. Would you give them any tips in terms of how do you. Let's say Baywatch explodes and it becomes this number one shanti, which we all hope. Right. Of course. We love it. How do you stay grounded? How do you not let it, you know, go this Hollywood dream go crazy up to your head?

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah. I mean, I. At the end of the day, everything is constantly changing. Everything is constantly evolving. Nothing lasts forever. Right. So, yeah, to. But even to say that the fame is going to change, so the fame from Baywatch is going to turn into the fame for something else that's going to fade. So not to be a downer, but just that. Just to be ready that everything changes, you know, constantly sort of to change with it. It. As opposed to letting it change you. If that.

[Interviewer]

I love that. That's like. That's one of the best phrases I. I ever heard in my life. Because this is an industry that gives you a lot of instant gratification.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

And unfortunately, I think a lot of people let that go up to their heads and change their personality. And I don't think that's a very cool idea at all.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah. Yeah. And not easy to avoid sometimes, Especially when you're really young, you know, and you get used to. And you get accustomed to a certain kind of lifestyle. It's very difficult not to change, you know, not to change, to keep grounded. It's definitely not easy.

[Interviewer]

Oh, you seem like you kept very grounded.

[Erica Eleniak]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

Very chill. And I am so excited that you are back. I cannot wait to watch it. And I hope they bring you back and I hope you do tons more projects. Because like I was saying the beginning of the show, that's one of the main reasons why I wanted to talk to you. I think it's so important to portray women as they age and all ages. We. I mean, I. I speak for myself, but I'm 54 and I'm like in my best phase ever.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah, I love that. I love that. That is so amazing.

[Interviewer]

You know, after everything I've been through, people even ask me, like, don't you want a relationship? At first I thought I did, and now I'm like, I don't know. Because I don't Want any men rocking my boat.

[Erica Eleniak]

I love that. I feel very much the same way. You know, you're loving your vibe, you're loving what's going on in your life. And the thought of sharing everything sometimes is not always so appealing.

[Interviewer]

Right. I know. And when you get presented with this really cool projects and you have an opportunity to come back and. And show even the audience. Right. Because I know the old Baywatch audience is going to watch the new Bay Watch, they're like, oh, this is really cool. Okay. David is in great shape, but he's not a lifeguard anymore.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right.

[Interviewer]

Tony is back with her same gorgeous face that she's the blonde girl, but she evolved because guess what? This is what happens with people in real life.

[Erica Eleniak]

Right? Right, Exactly. It's going to be that way. So we'll see what happens with the new Baywatch.

[Interviewer]

Yes. I'm so happy you're back. It's such an honor speaking with you. Oh, thank you. Congratulations. I hope when the show comes back, you come back to talk to us.

[Erica Eleniak]

Oh, I will. Thank you so much for having me.

[Interviewer]

And I know how busy you are. Yeah. So maybe next time you come, you can come to the studio so I can meet you in person. But I do say again, I reminded everyone not only you did Baywatch, but you are an actor with a fantastic body of work.

[Erica Eleniak]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

The Beverly Hills Billies is one of the movies that always makes me smile. So if anyone hasn't watched that go. And you can see Erica's fabulous work. And again, it is one of the most iconic and you've done many others. I mean, I could name. You've done so much, so much. But these are my two favorites. So here it is, like two. Two classics if anybody wants to see a little bit more of your. Your past work.

[Erica Eleniak]

Oh, thank you so much. I appreciate that.

[Interviewer]

Thank you, my love. And by the way, congratulations. I've seen posts, I've seen photos of you and your daughter. She's gorgeous. Thank you.

[Erica Eleniak]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

So congratulations on being such a fantastic mom.

[Erica Eleniak]

Oh, thank you so much. Yes.

[Interviewer]

Because that's not easy, by the way.

[Erica Eleniak]

No, it's not easy. That is definitely one job that is not easy.

[Interviewer]

And the most important job of the most gratifying.

[Erica Eleniak]

Yeah, yeah, definitely.

[Interviewer]

You're amazing. I'm very honored to talk to you. I'm so happy you came to the show. Guys, be safe out there and I'll talk to you very soon. Thank you, Erica.

[Erica Eleniak]

Bye bye

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[Interviewer]

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