Sandra Taylor, a former Playboy model and now head sommelier at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, shared how her friendship with the late Anna Nicole Smith changed her career path in the 1990s.
Speaking on Kim Alexis' podcast "Unexpired," Taylor explained that meeting Smith in New York and Los Angeles led to her introduction to Playboy executives during the magazine's 40th anniversary search.
"I was friends with Anna Nicole Smith, and she was such a darling," Taylor said.
Before entering entertainment, Taylor was studying mathematics at SUNY Purchase, following her father's footsteps.
However, her father's sudden death on campus caused her to permanently abandon her academic path.
"It was my friendship with Anna Nicole Smith ... it led me right there," Taylor said.
Taylor noted she never imagined appearing in the publication due to her rigorous educational background in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and differential equations.
"I never, in a million years growing up, thought I would ever be in Playboy," Taylor said.
After her father's collapse, Taylor left her belongings at the university and shifted entirely to professional modeling with Smith's encouragement before Smith's passing in 2007.
"I was only 19 years old when my dad passed away," Taylor said.
Reflecting on her friend's character, Taylor emphasized Smith's gentle disposition and dedication to her young son during their time working together.
"I remember how sweet she was," Taylor said.
The career move launched a long-term personal connection with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner that endured until his death in 2017 at age 91.
"Even when you do the magazine, it doesn't end there," Taylor said.
Taylor later learned from fellow model Traci Bingham that Hefner had praised her original photo shoot as one of the finest in the magazine's history.
"You know Traci Bingham from 'Baywatch?'" Taylor said.
Despite Hefner's known preference for blonde models, Taylor expressed gratitude upon discovering that he held her photos in high regard.
"I always knew he was so into blondes, like real blondes," Taylor said.
Her work with Playboy opened doors to romance novel cover shoots alongside male model Fabio, whom she briefly dated after meeting at a New York gym.
"Shooting the romance covers with Fabio was exactly what you would imagine it would be," Taylor said.
Taylor embraced the sudden transition into commercial cover shoots, taking advantage of the multiple print bookings offered in single-day sessions.
"I was on the yes train from the get-go," Taylor said.
In addition to modeling, Taylor later built an acting resume featuring roles under director Garry Marshall alongside actors Robert De Niro and Steven Seagal.
