Carmen Electra is opening up about love and the lessons she’s learned over the years.
In a recent interview with Playboy, the actress and model shared her thoughts on dating later in life, offered advice to divorced women, and revealed what she considers a major dating turnoff.
She also reflected on her past marriages, her long-running connection to Playboy, and the decision to officially adopt the name Carmen Electra, a move inspired by music legend Prince early in her career.
During a recent interview with Playboy, Carmen Electra answered fan questions about relationships, sharing her thoughts on dating later in life and what catches, or immediately loses, her interest.
According to the 54-year-old actress and model, good communication goes a long way. She advised men to avoid last-minute late-night invitations, explaining that calling a woman at midnight and expecting her to meet up on the spot is unlikely to make a good impression.
“We do appreciate texting or calling appropriately,” she said, per Fox News Digital. “What you really need to do is make sure you don’t call her and say, ‘Hey, come meet me at a bar right now,’ when it’s midnight. That’s a huge no-no.”
Electra also offered words of encouragement to women navigating life after divorce, reminding them that their 40s are still a time to enjoy new experiences, have fun, and remain open to opportunities, adding that they “need to go have fun, keep having fun and live your life.”
The Actress Shares Her Dating Philosophy And The Key To Lasting Chemistry
Electra’s perspective comes from personal experience. The actress was briefly married to former NBA star Dennis Rodman in 1998 before their marriage was annulled months later. She later married musician Dave Navarro in 2003, and their divorce was finalized in 2007.
When it comes to romance, Electra admits she prefers a more traditional approach. While she enjoys subtle flirting, she believes the man should generally take the initiative if he’s interested.
“I’m old-fashioned,” she said, noting: “I prefer if the man makes the first move, although I have been known to do a little walk, sway the hips a little bit, you know, bat my eyelashes a little like a butterfly, and keep on walking.”
“If they are really interested in you, they’ll talk to you or slip you their number,” Electra added.
Carmen Electra Talks About What Keeps A Relationship ‘Alive’
Earlier this year, the “Scary Movie” actress also reflected on what helps keep relationships strong over time.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Electra said lasting chemistry often comes down to genuinely enjoying a partner’s company and appreciating their personality, because doing so is “definitely what’s gonna keep the spark alive anyway.”
She added that she is particularly drawn to creative people and admires those who are passionate about their craft, whether that’s art, music, or another form of self-expression.
Beyond relationships, Electra recently revisited one of the defining chapters of her career: her long association with Playboy.
She first appeared in the magazine in 1996 and returned for another feature the following year. The exposure helped raise her profile in Hollywood and ultimately contributed to her landing a role on “Baywatch” during its eighth season.
The Actress Reflects On Her Playboy Legacy And The Career It Helped Launch
Regarding her Playboy experience, Electra once said that seeing herself in the publication felt surreal.
She recalled: “I couldn’t believe that I was actually in the magazine and going to be a part of such an iconic time, being a part of Playboy in general.”
The actress also cited Marilyn Monroe as one of her inspirations, noting: “Marilyn Monroe started off with Playboy, and those are the women that I admire and truly have been inspired by.”
“So, yeah, Playboy was a lot of fun. … And I’m not shy at all anymore, by the way,” she added.
Carmen Electra Opens Up About Legally Changing Her Name And Prince’s Lasting Influence
Electra also reflected on her decision to legally change her name in 2024, officially adopting the stage name that made her famous and leaving behind her birth name, Tara Leigh Patrick.
Responding to a fan who asked whether changing her own name could be empowering, Electra encouraged the idea of reinvention. She said people shouldn’t be afraid to choose a name that better reflects who they are, adding that a new identity can sometimes boost confidence and help someone embrace a fresh chapter in life.
The actress also recalled the role Prince played in shaping her career. According to Electra, the music icon encouraged her to use the name “Carmen Electra” early on, a suggestion that left a lasting impression.
She said Prince’s belief in her gave her confidence at a pivotal moment in her life and career. Although she had used the name professionally for decades, Electra recently decided to make it official, explaining that she always thought it was a unique and memorable name and wanted to formally claim it as her own.
