Actress Brande Roderick fondly recalls her time on the hit lifeguard drama, disclosing both the camaraderie and the behind-the-scenes struggles faced by the cast.
Actress Brande Roderick, who played lifeguard Leigh Dyer on the popular drama series "Baywatch," recently opened up to Fox News Digital about her experiences on the show. While she cherishes the memories of filming in Hawaii and the close bond she formed with her fellow cast members, she also acknowledged that the series wasn't always a carefree paradise.
Recalling the upcoming Hulu documentary "After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun," Roderick hinted at the private struggles the cast endured during their time as glamorous lifeguards. "People assume that everyone's life is perfect when they see celebrities living this beach babe lifestyle," she said. "But what they'll find out is that it wasn't perfect, and there were struggles that people went through that the world might not have known about."
Brande Roderick Reflects on the Sweet and Sour Memories of 'Baywatch'
Roderick and other cast members faced constant pressure to maintain their image as the picture-perfect "Baywatch" babes. "Even I had that misconception when I booked the lead role," she admitted. "I thought it was the end of my struggle, but I was wrong." Despite her initial belief that the show's success would guarantee her a smooth career path, she realized that she had to prove herself time and time again.
Another misconception Roderick held was that "Baywatch" would ensure her financial stability for the rest of her life. However, she was rather rudely awakened when the show ended and she found herself unemployed, despite its global popularity. The actress emphasized that making it in Hollywood requires consistent effort and perseverance, even after landing a major role.
Brande Roderick Reflects on the Sweet and Sour Memories of 'Baywatch'
Despite the challenges, Roderick said she always felt a sense of family with her fellow "Baywatch" castmates. She particularly cherishes her friendship with Carmen Electra, whom she still stays in touch with regularly.
Roderick also spoke about the planned FOX reboot of "Baywatch." "I've talked to Michael [Berk], the co-creator," she shared. "I told him I'm ready to go to Australia and have some fun." She expressed her excitement about potentially being a part of the reboot.
Brande Roderick Reflects on the Sweet and Sour Memories of 'Baywatch'
In addition to her acting career, Roderick has recently ventured into filmmaking. She directed and starred in the horror film "Wineville," which presented a unique set of challenges as she also served as a producer. She described the experience as demanding, requiring her to switch between roles constantly.
Roderick's journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. She has faced the pressure of maintaining an unrealistic image, the disappointment of a post-show career slump, and the challenges of directing her own film. However, her resilience and determination have seen her through these hurdles, and she continues to embrace new opportunities, both in front of and behind the camera.
Brande Roderick Reflects on the Sweet and Sour Memories of 'Baywatch'
