‘Baywatch’s Erika Eleniak Spotted Looking Unrecognizable

Erika Eleniak starred in the first three seasons of the blockbuster surf series Baywatch in the ‘90s as Shani McClain—a hot and naive but dedicated lifeguard. Recently the actress was seen in Thousand Oaks, California, and she looked different from her Baywatch days.

The 53-year-old actress was out on a walk with her dog, wearing a maroon tee, patterned pants, and flip-flops as she flaunts the impressive tattoos on her arm, which featured an eagle wearing a witch’s hat, and the words “I Am” imprinted on her left bicep.

Erika’s time on ‘Baywatch’

Erika, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, had her first on-screen experience at the age of 12, appearing in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. at the time. The mother of one is most famous for her lead role in Baywatch and for posing for PlayBoy in 1989. She was also regarded as one of the most eligible women in the world in the early ‘90s.

RELATED: The Cast Of ‘Baywatch’ Then And Now 2023

In 1992, Erika announced that she was leaving the series to pursue a career in film. She mentioned in a 2018 interview that she had no regrets about leaving Baywatch even though it just started to gain global attention. Erika added that she was not “comfortable” as things started to get more “risqué.”

“When we first started the show… It was on NBC, which, at the time, was the most conservative network on television. There were certain things you didn’t show, you didn’t say,” she said.

Erika says she only has fond memories from ‘Baywatch’

The actress revealed that she enjoyed her time on Baywatch and has fond memories from the set. “It really was just like a big family, honestly. Brothers and sisters,” Erika said. “There was this big camaraderie. The cast and crew were just really amazing.” At the time, she was also romantically involved with her co-star, Billy Warlock, and their relationship made headlines. They were briefly engaged but unfortunately split shortly after.

After leaving the series, Erika went on to star in films like Under Siege, a movie adaptation of The Beverly Hillbillies, and many more productions. She is also set to play the lead in an upcoming flick titled Marilyn Monroe Back?. Aside from acting, Erika lives in the suburbs with her husband, Roch Daigle, and their 17-year-old daughter, Indyanna.