Tara Leigh Patrick became Carmen Electra after an early career move from dance and modeling into entertainment. Discovered by Prince, she recorded for Paisley Park and later became widely known for MTV's Singled Out, her Baywatch role, and appearances in comedic films including Scary Movie (2000) and Scary Movie 4 (2006). She has also marketed fitness videos and continued occasional film and TV work.

Early life and origins

Carmen Electra was born Tara Leigh Patrick on April 20, 1972, near Cincinnati, Ohio. She took dance classes as a child and attended a performing-arts school. As a teenager she relocated to Minneapolis and worked as a model before moving to Los Angeles in 1990 to pursue entertainment full time.

Breakthrough with Prince

While dancing in an L.A. nightclub, Electra caught the attention of a talent scout and landed an audition with Prince. He signed her to Paisley Park Records, gave her the stage name Carmen Electra (inspired by Bizet's Carmen and the Greek figure Electra), and recorded material with her. She released pop material in the early 1990s, but her music career did not break into the mainstream. 1

Television: MTV and Baywatch

Electra re-emerged on television in the late 1990s. She became a host on MTV's dating show Singled Out and joined the cast of Baywatch as Lani McKenzie, a role that expanded her visibility worldwide. Her transition from modeling to television made her a regular presence in celebrity and lifestyle magazines. 2

Film and comedy roles

Carmen moved into film in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She had a memorable role in the horror-parody Scary Movie (2000) as the character Drew Decker and appeared in other mainstream comedies such as Starsky & Hutch (2004). She later returned to the Scary Movie series in Scary Movie 4 (2006). Electra has continued to take supporting roles and cameos in film and television since then.

Fitness and modeling

Alongside acting, Electra marketed fitness videos and worked regularly as a model. Her image as a fitness and pop-culture personality has been part of her public brand since the late 1990s. 3

Where she stands now

Carmen Electra remains a recognizable pop-culture figure for her combination of modeling, television hosting, comedic film roles, and fitness projects. She is best known for the Prince connection, her Baywatch role, and appearances in comedy parodies that reached mainstream audiences.

  1. Confirm birthplace details (White Oak / Sharonville / Cincinnati area) and early childhood schooling.
  2. Verify modeling work in Minneapolis (Target or other retailers) and timing of the move to Minneapolis.
  3. Confirm details of Prince's involvement: signing to Paisley Park, songs recorded, and the specific single releases (e.g., "Go-Go Dancer").
  4. Verify the exact years Carmen Electra hosted MTV's Singled Out and the seasons/years she appeared on Baywatch.
  5. Confirm the titles and release years of fitness videos attributed to Carmen Electra.

FAQs about Carmen Electra

What is Carmen Electra’s real name and birth date?
She was born Tara Leigh Patrick on April 20, 1972, near Cincinnati, Ohio.
How did Carmen Electra get her stage name?
Prince gave her the stage name Carmen Electra, reportedly inspired by Bizet's Carmen and the Greek figure Electra.
What are Carmen Electra’s best‑known TV and film roles?
She is best known for hosting MTV's Singled Out, playing Lani McKenzie on Baywatch, and appearing as Drew Decker in Scary Movie (2000).
Did Carmen Electra record music?
Yes. Prince signed her to Paisley Park Records and she released pop material in the early 1990s, though it did not achieve major commercial success.
What other projects has she done?
Electra has modeled, marketed fitness videos, and appeared in supporting film and TV roles and cameos through the 2000s and beyond.