Carmen Electra is open about how it took a whole year of insisting through her publicist for director Matthew Felker to get her on board for the new docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.”

At 52, Electra isn’t embarrassed about the iconic yet light-hearted lifeguard show from the ’90s that turned slow-motion beach sprints into a global sensation.

She takes pride in her journey, which includes being a protégé of Prince, becoming a Playboy star in 2016, and even experiencing tough days sleeping on friends’ couches while transitioning to Hollywood. This journey led her to guest star on “Baywatch Nights,” paving the way for her breakout role as lifeguard Lani McKenzie in 22 episodes of “Baywatch” from 1997-98, all while also hosting MTV’s game show “Singled Out.”

Electra expresses gratitude for the worldwide success of “Baywatch,” which significantly propelled her career, and fondly recalls the 2003 reunion film “Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding.”

Unlike some of her co-stars who had mixed feelings about “Baywatch,” Electra has no such love-hate relationship with the show.

“I wanted to ensure that this documentary was authentic,” Electra told YSL News regarding her initial hesitations. “Then I thought, let’s go for it!”

In the four-part docuseries “After Baywatch,” now available on Hulu, Electra shares insights about her experiences during her time in the “Baywatch” spotlight and what followed.

Carmen Electra Embraces Her ‘Prince-given’ Name and Its Official Recognition

“After Baywatch” highlights how Tara Leigh Patrick, who grew up in Ohio, moved to Minneapolis to collaborate with music icon Prince, who gave her the captivating name Carmen Electra to match her vibrant dance energy.

This month, Tara Leigh transitioned to an official name change to Carmen Electra, confirmed even on her driver’s license. For years, she hesitated to change her name legally to avoid upsetting her family.

“I kept my birth name because my father and grandparents were still here, and I wanted to honor them. But now, even my nieces refer to me by my name given by Prince,” Electra explains.

Electra’s First Kiss on ‘Baywatch’: A Lesson in TV Romance with David Chokachi

Despite rumors claiming she was fired for her lack of skills, Electra asserts she excelled during her audition’s swimming test in a pool.

“The producers required us to perform our own stunts because viewers demanded authenticity,” Electra adds. “I dove into the waves over and over again. I was good at it but often ended up with water up my nose and would have to ask, ‘Can we do that again?'”

Electra’s First On-Screen Kiss with David Chokachi: A Playful Experience

Electra’s first kissing scene was with David Chokachi, who portrayed Cody Madison, a recurring romantic interest of fellow lifeguard C.J., played by the renowned Pamela Anderson. Electra confesses that she may have gone a bit overboard with her enthusiasm during the kiss.

“I was really inexperienced, and I just dove into it,” Electra shares. “I thought, ‘Let’s really go for it!’ Not realizing I should have just kept it simple and maneuvered my lips more subtly.”

Chokachi, who wasn’t bothered by her enthusiasm, had prior experience with intense kisses with Anderson. “Pam and I would go all in, kissing passionately, because we were actors on camera. So when Carmen did that, it didn’t surprise me at all,” relates Chokachi. “I’d been doing that with Pam for two years; it was like, ‘Why not?'”

Electra’s Unique Entry into ‘Baywatch’ via Yasmine Bleeth’s Suit

When Electra landed a role on “Baywatch,” she was thrilled to try on the iconic red bathing suit designed for the show. Unfortunately, it didn’t arrive in time for the scheduled beach filming in Los Angeles. So, she searched through the costume collection and got the green light to wear the one belonging to seasoned “Baywatch” actress Yasmine Bleeth, who portrayed lifeguard Caroline Holden and was famously admired by Matthew Perry’s character Chandler Bing on “Friends.”

“The suit that fit me best was Yasmine’s,” Electra recalls. “Wearing it felt like receiving a crown; it was like a symbol of a global sensation.”

Paparazzi Frenzy Before Dennis Rodman’s Wedding

Before her marriage to the Chicago Bulls NBA star Dennis Rodman at the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas in 1998, Electra had her first encounter with intense media attention while traveling to New York for a “Baywatch” promotional event. Dressed casually in a comfortable sweatsuit and sneakers, she was unprepared for the swarm of paparazzi.

“It was surreal; they seemed to emerge from everywhere,” Electra described. “I realized I had to put more thought into my outfits in the future instead of just dressing cute and casual. Adjustments were necessary.”

Electra soon adapted to the constant presence of ’90s paparazzi, who would trail her closely.

“That was the era; it was absolutely wild. Nowadays, it’s all different because of social media,” Electra reflects. “But there were instances where I’d be so closely followed that I’d stop and say to them, ‘Let’s take a picture. I’ll step out of the car if you stop following me. Next time, I promise to share an incredible picture with you.'”