'Baywatch' star Erika Eleniak looks unrecognizable in photos

June 2024 · 4 minute read

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Tatt’s a “Baywatch” star?

Actress Erika Eleniak — who played lifeguard Shauni McClain in the first three seasons of the blockbuster ’90s surf series — looked unrecognizable as she stepped out in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Monday.

The 53-year-old has swapped her iconic red swimsuit for sleeves of tattoos and showed off her impressive inkings as she took her pup for a stroll in the sunshine.

Eleniak’s tattoos include an etching of an eagle wearing a witch’s hat, as well as the words “I Am” emblazoned on her left bicep.

The actress kept things casual for the dog walk, dressed down in a maroon tee, patterned pants and flip-flops.

The mom of one also went make-up free, showing off her youthful complexion and her incredible natural beauty.

Eleniak — who is set to appear in an upcoming documentary about “Baywatch” — was born and raised in Los Angeles and first appeared on screen in Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.” at the age of 12.

Actress Erika Eleniak — who played lifeguard Shauni McClain in the first three seasons of “Baywatch” — looked unrecognizable as she stepped out in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Monday. KOAS for NY Post
The 53-year-old swapped her iconic red swimsuit for sleeves of tattoos, showing off her impressive inkings as she took her pup for a stroll in the sunshine. KOAS for NY Post
Eleniak appeared as Shauni McClain from 1989 to 1992. She exited the series just as it was becoming a global phenomenon. Fremantle Media

She shot to global fame when she snagged her lead role on “Baywatch” back in 1989.

The same year, the stunning blond posed for Playboy, becoming one of the most eligible women in the world.

At the time, however, Eleniak was embarking on a real-life romance with her “Baywatch” co-star, Billy Warlock.

Eleniak’s tattoos include an etching of an eagle wearing a witch’s hat, as well as the words “I Am” emblazoned on her left bicep. KOAS for NY Post
Eleniak currently hosts her own podcast titled “The Spiritual Alchemy Podcast.” KOAS for NY Post
Eleniak is seen second from left with her co-star and ex-fiancé Billy Warlock (far left). Also pictured: Parker Stevenson, David Hasselhoff, and Shawn Weatherly. Fremantle Media/Shutterstock

The hot couple frequently hit headlines and were even briefly engaged before they called time on their relationship.

Then, in 1992, the “Baywatch” babe shocked fans by announcing that she was quitting the series to pursue a film career.

In a 2018 interview with Fox, Eleniak said she had no regrets about leaving the show just as it was becoming a global sensation, saying she wasn’t “comfortable” with the fact that it was becoming more “risqué.”

The star says she has nothing but fond memories of her three years on “Baywatch.” She also has no regrets about leaving the series just as it was becoming a global sensation. KOAS for NY Post
Eleniak said she had no regrets about leaving the show just as it was becoming a global sensation, saying she wasn’t “comfortable” with the fact that it was becoming more “risqué.” KOAS for NY Post

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

“It did take a different direction, but it is what made the show a phenomenon,” she continued. “I felt like it was a different show and no, I was not comfortable. It definitely wasn’t my thing to be super risqué.”

Still, the star said she has nothing but fond memories of her three years on the series, stating: “It really was just like a big family, honestly. Brothers and sisters. There was this big camaraderie … The cast and crew were just really amazing.”

Eleniak was born and raised in Los Angeles, and she first appeared on screen in Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.” when she was 12 years old. Amblin Entertainment
Eleniak is pictured in the 1993 big-screen adaptation of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Everett Collection (54002)

After her exit from the series, Eleniak appeared in a number of films including “Under Siege” and a movie adaptation of “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

She is also slated to star as Marilyn Monroe in an upcoming flick titled “Marilyn Monroe Back?”

Elsewhere, Eleniak also has an audio series titled “The Spiritual Alchemy Podcast.”

Outside of her entertainment endeavors, the star leads a quiet life in the California suburbs with her husband, Roch Daigle, and their 17-year-old daughter, Indyanna.

Eleniak’s outing comes just months after her “Baywatch” co-star Jeremy Jackson’s ex-wife, Loni Willison, was spotted rummaging for food in an LA dumpster after years spent living in homeless encampments.

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