Erika Maya Eleniak was born on September 29, 1969 in the Los Angeles
suburb of Glendale, California. She is the eldest daughter in a family
of four girls and one boy. Erika began her acting career at the age of
10, starring in numerous productions for television, film, commercials
and theater. Her first film role was in the science fiction blockbuster
E.T. - Der Außerirdische (1982),
by Steven Spielberg. Her film credit
given was "Pretty Girl". Erika was spotted by a talent scout working
for Steven Spielberg in a performer's
audition showcase. Erika's mother was very determined for Erika to have
a normal childhood and finish school, so Erika worked a couple of jobs
a year throughout childhood and adolescence, until after graduating from
high school.
It was directly after this, that Erika joined the original cast of the
television series Baywatch - Die Rettungsschwimmer von Malibu (1989)
and stayed there for the first two years. Erika decided to leave the
series after it changed direction. She wanted to venture out into other
avenues and so began a successful film career. Erika starred in such
films as Alarmstufe: Rot (1992),
Die Beverly Hillbillies sind los (1993),
Chasers - Zu sexy für den Knast (1994),
Brennende Liebe (1995),
Geschichten aus der Gruft: Bordello of Blood (1996), among
many others. Erika has also done many independent
films and cable movies. Her credits include writing, hosting and producing, as well.
Erika's television work also includes
a guest-starring role on
CSI: Miami (2002) and a guest-starring role, rumored to be reoccurring, on
Desperate Housewives (2004).
