Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Gena Lee Nolin joined “The Price Is Right” as a model in 1994 (via PhoenixMag). Although her tenure on the show was brief compared to some of the other “Price Is Right” models, she appeared in more than 200 episodes between 1994 and 1995, happily modeling jet skis, hot tubs, and bicycles. exercise (via IMDb). However, by the time the final episode of the model’s game show aired in December 1995, she had already landed a coveted role on a decidedly different series.
For most of the world, “Baywatch” was already a cultural phenomenon by the time Nolin joined in September 1995. For more than a decade, the acclaimed lifeguard series has combined the most popular elements of soap operas, thrillers and procedural dramas with the beautiful scenery on the coasts of California and Hawaii. The series also brought fame to David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson.
Originally played by actress Heather Campbell, Neely Capshaw had a rocky start in “Baywatch,” immediately clashing with Matt (David Charvet) and CJ (Anderson). When Nolin took over the role at the start of Season 6, Neely still had a reputation as a bad girl on the show. However, over Nolin’s three seasons on “Baywatch,” his character grew into a kind-hearted lifeguard and love interest for Mitch (Hasselhoff). In 1998, Nolin left the show to star in her own show, “Sheena” (via IMDb).
Of course, Nolin isn’t the only notable actress to make her modeling debut on a game show. Long before taking on the title of Duchess of Sussex, former ‘Suits’ actress Meghan Markle appeared as a model in ‘Deal or No Deal’ (via Initiated).