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Moviehole 2001 Interview

It's been twelve years since former "Baywatch" star Erika Eleniak handed in her togs on the top-rating series. Since then she has appeared in several films.

Among those are "Under Siege", "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Chasers" and recently, "The Opponent", which saw Erika playing against type as an abused young woman who learns how to box. Next she can be seen on the big screen in the re-release of "E.T", in conjunction with the film's anniversary. I caught up with Erika to talk about life after leaving "Baywatch", and found her to be one of the nicest people in the business.

Clint: Erika, you're probably best known for your role on "Baywatch", what's been happening since you left the show. How is life these days?
Erika: Life after "Baywatch" has been full for me. It's been 12 years since those days, as I only did the first 2 seasons of the show.

Clint: Recently it was announced that David Hasselhoff plans to make a reunion movie called "Baywatch Blast". What is your involvement in the film, if any?
Erika: I have no involvement in the reunion movie, we were approached for it and unfortunately I had prior obligations.

Clint: You starred in the first "Under Siege" movie, now although you didn't appear in the sequel, a third film is rumoured to be coming...will you be involved in that?
Erika: As for a third "Under Siege" I have not heard that rumor myself..the sequel did not have my character on board so I don't know that the possibility of a third would. As for the experience..lets just say..3 months in "Mobile-Alabama", being the only female cast member had it's share of ups-and-downs (laughs). It was a challenge but lots of fun.. I did get to work with some extraordinary actors.

Clint: It's quite likely that the readers dont know this, but you had a small role in "E.T". Did you know it is being re-released?
Erika: I had no idea that "ET" was to be re-released! I am very excited.

Clint: So do you regret any of the acting choices you have made?
Erika: I have learned not to regret anything in my life. I believe everything in life has a purpose. { not to mention putting food on the table}.

Clint: I recently saw your film "The Opponent" (available on video from RocVale) in which you played a female boxer. Was that you boxing?
Erika: Firstly it only came to our attention at the beginning of this year that the "Opponent" had been bought..where did you see it? I loved doing that show! It challenged me in many ways. Yes I did do my own boxing! As far as getting into physical shape for the show, I had previously been weight training for about 1 year before the show came up..in terms of the fight skills, I had 4 weeks to prepare.

Clint: Flashing back a bit, you also did "The Beverly Hillbillies" movie. Critics didn't think much of it, what did you think of it?
Erika: I had a blast playing Elly May, the cast was great and I love working with animals... though animals can be challenging at times in the film making process, I always have had a lot of fun working with them. As for the finished product..even though it's weird watching myself on screen..I really enjoyed the movie. It was everything i hoped it would be. It would have been fun to do another one.

Clint: What are you working on now? Do you think Hollywood will change in light of the wake of the attacks on America?
Erika: As for up and coming projects, I just completed 4 projects. Release times and dates are still to be determined..2 are still in "post-production". In view of the recent tragedies, I believe we are seeing changes all over the world, not just in Hollywood. As far as film is concerned; I think themes will change. Location film making could be affected due to travel concerns. I just pray for peace for everyone.

16. 03. 2001 (Clint Morris)

Moviehole

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