Hollywood Chicago interview
This captivating blonde, best known as Shauni in the iconic “Baywatch,” began her career as a child actress with a bit part in “E.T.” and went on to do a Playboy pictorial and play Elly May Clampett in 1993’s “The Beverly Hillbillies.
HollywoodChicago.com: What is the decision making process in doing a Playboy centerfold?
Erika Eleniak: I was 18 years old at the time, it was fun and exciting, and that is how I viewed it.
HC: How does it make you feel now, several years later?
EE: I’ve always viewed Playboy as just another job. It was great experience, I’ve got other experiences now and everything adds to who you are.
HC: What was the atmosphere like when you took on The Beverly Hillbillies? Was there any apprehensions in re-doing that famous TV show on screen?
EE: It was really carefully thought out. The director, Penelope Spheeris, wanted to stay true to the character’s tone from the TV, but we didn’t want to emulate or imitate the original cast. We had a dialog coach for 8 weeks, and the production team wanted certain things very specific. They wanted to dive into the Clampett’s Arkansas origins but at the same time make it more modern.