ERIKA Eleniak was known for her time on Baywatch between 1989 and 1992, where she slipped into one of the iconic red swimsuits and looked like an utter bombshell.
But now overly thirty years on, Erika has traded in her bare skin and cheeky costume for something a little more edgy, and fans find her unrecognisable but still absolutely gorgeous.
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Erika was one of the original Baywatch babesCredit: Alamy
But she’s since traded in her signature look for something a bit more edgyCredit: Unknown
The star has two full tattoo sleeves, as well as others on her bodyCredit: Getty
She’s just wrapped up filming for her latest on-screen role in movie, Alchemist In VeniceCredit: Getty
The 56-year-old television star’s striking new look today sees her covered in all kinds of tattoos, even snaking their way onto the backs of her hands.
Though the actress has kept her signature blonde hair, fans were stunned to see how many inks she’s accumulated.
Speaking on an episode of the Still Here Hollywood podcast with Steve Kmetko, Erika revealed what propelled her to start tattooing her body.
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“Every tattoo that I have is significant of something,’ she said, citing that one is an iris flower.
Iris was the name of Erika’s mother who sadly passed away.
“I love tattoos. I love that my body is a canvas to tell my stories,’ she added.
Erika started getting tattoos “sometime in her late 20’s” just after her stint on Baywatch ended at the start of season three.
Her first was etched onto her back, though the star didn’t reveal what the tattoo depicted.
Now in her 50’s, Erika has a complete sleeve covering each arm in full colour.
Prior to her days starring as Shauni McLain on Baywatch – the original female lead for the program’s first two seasons – Erika had an incredible, ever-changing career.
She started out as a top Hollywood pinup before swerving into making a film debut in Steven Spielberg’s ET in 1982.
Once that award-winning movie came to a close, Erika shifted her image again and became a Playboy Playmate for Hugh Hefner, before jumping into her next movie: Imps.
In 1987, Erika began acting in television roles, beginning as a guest star of shows including Silver Spoons, Still the Beaver, and Boys Will Be Boys.
Erika played the important role of Shauni McLain on the showCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
She was frequently seen dolled up in the iconic red swimsuitCredit: Alamy
But after the trio of shows came to a wrap, she delved back into film work, with her face in classics including The Blob, Under Siege, and A Pyromaniac’s Love Story.
In recent times Erika seems to be acting less, with her last film role being in the 2024 dark comedy, Lolipop Gang.
Though she’s just wrapped up filming for a new movie feature in Alchemy In Venice, which currently has no release date.
Erika was born on Glendale, California, in 1969.
She got married to her current partner Roch Daigle in 2005 in Calgary, and has since moved there.
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They share one daughter – Indyanna – who was born in 2006.
Before tying the knot with Roch, Erika was married to author Philip Goglia, as well as previously engaged to Baywatch co-star, Billy Warlock.
Erika has aged like fine wineCredit: Getty
She still has a youthful face todayCredit: Rex
