Carmen Electra, 54, is reflecting on her tenure on the original "Baywatch" ahead of the premiere of Fox's 12-episode reboot, slated for January 2027. Electra, who starred as Hawaiian lifeguard Lani McKenzie in seasons eight (1997-1998), recalled the show's significant impact on television by showcasing a level of skin exposure that was groundbreaking for its time.
"It was the first time on television you could see so much skin because we really were playing lifeguards, right? So, we could be in these skimpy outfits," Electra told Fox News Digital. "And it wasn't porn. You know, what I mean? They didn't have to sneak away and find a VHS tape to, like, sneak and put in. You can watch this. You can also learn something [like CPR]."
Electra, who first appeared as Candy in a 1996 episode of "Baywatch Nights," joined the main cast of "Baywatch" the following year. The original "Baywatch," which also starred David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, initially ran on NBC before finding massive success in syndication, eventually becoming one of the most-watched television series globally.
Reflecting on the show's legacy, Electra expressed interest in appearing in the upcoming reboot. She proposed a storyline where her character, Lani, could reunite with her former love interest, Cody Madison, played by David Chokachi. "I think it would be so cool if I just came in for an episode to surprise him and say hi. They fall in love again, who knows?" Electra offered.
However, production for the reboot has reportedly concluded, and Electra was not among the original cast members invited to return. The new "Baywatch" series will feature a new ensemble cast, including Brooks Nader, Stephen Amell, Hassie Harrison, and social media personality Livvy Dunne, among others. Some original cast members like Michael Bergin, Erika Eleniak, and Kelly Packard were reportedly asked to reprise their roles.
Electra also shared advice for the new cast, emphasizing the physical demands of the show. "My advice to the ladies is to be in the best shape of your life because you're really going to be out there on the water, and you're going to be doing all of these activities," she stated. "You're going to be running through the sand, diving through waves, jumping over waves and diving off boats. You're going to be doing some crazy stuff. So just get into your best shape and be ready."
In recent years, Electra has continued to work in entertainment, including a cameo in the latest "Scary Movie" parody and an upcoming role in the martial arts film "Rise Of The Tarragon."