Playboy Model Sandra Taylor Credits Anna Nicole Smith for Career Breakthrough

Sandra Taylor, once hailed by Hugh Hefner as his "most sexy model," credits her friendship with Anna Nicole Smith for fundamentally changing the course of her life and career.

Taylor, who graced Playboy covers in the 1990s, shared on Kim Alexis' podcast "Unexpired" that her connection with Smith, the 1993 Playmate of the Year, proved pivotal. Smith, who had recently arrived in Los Angeles from Texas, needed a place to stay, and Taylor offered her assistance. This early friendship laid the groundwork for Taylor's future.

"It was my friendship with Anna Nicole Smith... it led me right there," Taylor told Fox News Digital. She recounted visiting Smith on the set of "Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult." It was there that Smith's makeup artist encouraged Taylor to meet with Playboy during their 40th-anniversary search, an opportunity that ultimately launched Taylor's modeling career.

Taylor, who initially pursued mathematics and economics, found herself steering away from her academic path after the unexpected death of her father when she was 19. "The math died along with him, and I just didn't want to do it anymore," she explained.

The transition to modeling was a significant shift, but one Taylor embraced. Her association with Playboy extended beyond the initial modeling gigs, fostering a lasting friendship with Hugh Hefner that continued until his death in 2017. Taylor described Hefner as a kind and generous individual, recalling his infectious laugh and the unique experiences her connection with him provided, including flying on his jet.

Taylor also noted that Hefner considered her one of his "most sexy models." She learned this anecdote years later from fellow model Traci Bingham, who mentioned Hefner's praise when Bingham was considering her own Playboy layout.

Beyond modeling, Taylor's career included acting roles and collaborations with notable figures. She worked with director Garry Marshall and appeared in projects alongside actors like Steven Seagal and Robert De Niro. Taylor recalled Seagal as a gentleman and generous, remembering how he complimented her lucky pink Chanel suit during an audition. She also shared a fond memory of Dan Aykroyd, who purchased her SAG card for her first movie role, calling it a "beautiful surprise."

Taylor also ventured into modeling for romance novel covers, working extensively with Fabio Lanzoni. She met the model at a gym and recalled their collaboration as fun and exciting, involving elaborate costumes and a fast-paced shooting schedule.

Today, Taylor has pivoted to a new career as a head sommelier at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. She also helped create Raider Rosé. Despite losing her home of 24 years in a wildfire, Taylor remains resilient, stating, "I'm proud of the life I've led. I've faced ups and downs, but I've been blessed. And I'm always ready for what life throws at me."