Brande Roderick | Baywatch, Playboy, and Film Direction
On this episode of the Beyond the Boardroom podcast, host Aleksandra King sits down with actress, entrepreneur, and former Playboy Playmate of the Year, Brande Roderick. The conversation offers a deep look into Brande's iconic career, her mindset, and her latest ventures, revealing the intelligence and drive behind the Hollywood glamour.
From Baywatch to the Mansion: Navigating Fame and Stereotypes
Brande shares what it was like joining the number one watched show in the world, Baywatch, at age 25. She describes the set as a supportive, family-like environment. She also recounts her "dream-like" two-and-a-half-year relationship with Hugh Hefner and the amazing experiences she had, like attending the Cannes Film Festival. Crucially, Brande discusses the necessity of having to "work harder" to overcome the "dumb blonde" and "Playboy/Baywatch" stereotypes throughout her career.
The Business Acumen: Pivoting and Proving Herself
Brande uses the word "pivot" to define her resilient approach to life's challenges. Her time on Celebrity Apprentice served as the perfect platform to prove her business intelligence and acumen, raising substantial money for charities like California Youth Police Charities. She also highlights her success in real estate, where she uses a "visionary" mindset to buy and transform properties, proving that she’s an entrepreneur with a clear, profit-driven strategy.
Directorial Debut: A New Chapter with 'Wineville'
Brande's latest and most significant move is producing and directing her own horror film, Wineville. This was a calculated business decision; after consulting with producers on "what is the easiest genre to sell," she went with horror. She calls the process "freaking hard" but loved the job so much she'd do it for free, embracing the challenge of creating her own work and taking control of her career.
Listen to the full podcast now and gain insight on Brande's illustrious career, time in Hollywood and her directorial debut.
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