Dana Hamm is also known as “the most photographed fitness model ever” and a babe who was named one of the sexiest women alive. In this extensive and exclusive interview, she tells us what you want to know about her personal life and modeling career. Check it out!
Citynet Magazine: What city do you call home?
Dana Hamm: Originally, I’m from a small town in North Carolina, but I moved away to pursue my career in modeling and acting. Now I live in Miami, Florida during the fall and winter, and near Chicago, Illinois during the spring and summer. I travel so much that sometimes I don’t know where home is anymore. However, it’s a good thing! It keeps life interesting. And now I’m spoiled because whenever I’m at home too long I start getting bored. I love to travel and see new places and meet new people. Not all of my destinations are glamorous. Last week I did an exotic animal photo shoot in Minnesota. Town population: 1,500. It was cold and windy with very little to do, but in spite of those factors, it was simple and nice. The people were so down-to-earth and wonderful… hospitable and kind. I don’t have a particular favorite place, but when it’s cold in the states, it’s always nice to visit a tropical location. I really like Italy… definitely one of my favorites.
Describe your youth.
My childhood was really good. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. No sad stories here. I had almost everything that a kid could dream of – or should dream of. Loving parents, a sweet sister, and lots of animals! We had that tight-knit kind of family (and extended family) that makes you feel very secure as a kid. We lived on the outskirts of town on about 20 acres. We had horses, a big fishing pond, and lots of trails and paths through the woods. I was very much a tomboy! So, there was lots of room to play and just be a kid. I was very active to say the least. I played volleyball, softball, and tennis in high school. Plus, I did a lot of outdoor activities on my own in my spare time. I loved to fish, freestyle on my BMX bike, horseback ride, catch snakes/lizards, climb trees, etc… I was quite the wild child. I also enjoyed doing some girl stuff too… of course Barbies were a big part of my younger years.
How did you get into modeling?
I was discovered at a young age, but being from a small Southern town my parents were very limited on what they could do to get my career started. The only available opportunities were in beauty pageants, but I refused that route. I thought they were really cheesy, so I decided to put modeling behind me. However, people continued to urge my mom to take me somewhere and get me signed-up with an agency. Right after high school I was discovered at a WWE wrestling event by a woman high up in the fitness industry. Soon after, I began appearing in a lot of fitness magazines (covers and layouts). Step by step my career took off and eventually became what it is today. All careers are a work in progress, but I come a long way considering where I started.
About how many magazines have you been in? How many fitness magazines?
I’m not 100% sure. I know I have 4 boxes of magazines I’ve been featured in stashed under my bed at my parent’s house. LOL!!! I’ve never been egotistical enough to count them. LOL!! They’re all special to me in different ways – I thumb through them and remember the photo shoots and how much fun I had doing them.
How does it feel to be in some many fitness features?
It’s cool, I guess. Yeah! At one time I was the “most photographed fitness model ever.” I’m not sure if I still hold the record or not, but I did the last time I checked. LOL!! Fitness media in the US/Canada today is not what it used to be… way too many extremes. The magazines show men that are ridiculously huge and juiced-up on steroids and the women look too harsh and a little cheap. I just didn’t want any part of it anymore. I felt it wasn’t the correct career path anymore, so I took my success and went more mainstream with magazines like FHM, Maxim, Stuff, Playboy, Esquire, GQ, etc… However, I still do a lot of fitness magazine work for publications in Europe. They seem to be a lot more fashion forward and more interested in “health, fitness, and beauty” rather than strictly drug-induced bodybuilding. I work closely with the Italian version of IronMan, it’s called Olympian’s Fitness and News. It’s a great magazine. I’ve appeared on 3 covers in the last 2 years and I have an upcoming cover next month. I’m also a columnist as well!
How do you stay fit?
I just maintain a fairly balanced diet and consistent workout routine. Believe me, I could be in better shape, because I travel so much that I find myself getting off track. It’s very easy to do. Most fitness models stay close to a gym, but for me that’s not realistic. Plus, I don’t really consider myself a “fitness” model. I’m a jack of all trades and I have the ability to use my looks to make money, so that’s what I do – no matter if it’s fitness or fashion or spokesmodel work or acting or beauty or glamour. I can do it all. That’s the versatility I’ve always wanted, and I have now achieved.
Lastly, the truth is… I don’t want to look or be over-the-top “fit.” I prefer a mainstream appeal that will land me a variety of work. Plus, I love having curves and feeling feminine. I’m 5’8”, but I’m not 100 pounds. I weigh 126 lbs and I’m proud it of. I like looking healthy and buxom and strong. I say “no thanks” to starvation. LOL!!
What has been the best experience modeling?
Oh, I’ve had so many! In fact, I can’t really think of any truly bad experiences. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to pick and choose the work I want, so it’s been awesome. I typically make life-long friends with most of my clients, so I suppose that says a lot about me and the people I choose to work with. It’s always great doing appearances and signings, because it gives me the chance to meet fans and have a great time. The last one I did was over the summer in Italy. It was amazing! Although, I couldn’t understand much of language, the feelings were still there and I enjoyed all the smiles on their faces!
Describe your wildest experiences. Are you a big partier? Do you drink or smoke?
Mmm… I can’t tell you my naughty little secrets. LOL!! Yeah, I like to party, especially in the right environment with the right people. Miami, LA, New York, Florence – those are amazing places to live it up! But I’d like to think I’m responsible about it as well. I’ve always been crazy for dancing… I just love everything about it. I’ve always been a good dancer. As a kid, while all the other girls took tap and ballet classes, I took break dancing and freestyle club dancing. LOL!!! I’m glad I did now.
I drink in moderation – socially. I drink enough to get loosened-up… warm and fuzzy. But I’m not the girl slurring her words or falling on the floor (at least not usually)! I smoked cigarettes for a few weeks in high school… I suppose it was all about being cool, but nothing since then. In fact, I’m allergic to smoke. I stay pretty conscious about my health and my appearance. Drinking, smoking, and staying out too late won’t help a model’s looks, especially after the age of 24. That party lifestyle catches-up and can sadly be the end to many careers. As a model, it’s important to stay fresh faced, and that takes work (and a lot of saying “no”).
Has anyone ever run up to you in the street and brought you flowers?
Yes, I’ve been blessed with many flattering opportunities, gestures, and offers. No matter how much self-confidence a woman possesses, it still makes us feel wonderful when we are noticed, singled-out, and serenaded by strangers on the street. The thing about me… well, I’m told by a lot of people that I don’t look very approachable. So, when strangers do approach me, I suppose they’ve got a lot of balls. LOL!!
What’s the most common question that people ask you?
I get lots of questions of all kinds. Questions about my career, my likes and dislikes and of course all the personal stuff too. Here’s one of the most asked: What’s your nationality?
So, what’s the answer?
My nationality is American, but my heritage is Scotts-Irish, English, and Native American.
What do you prefer to wear when just hanging out and watching TV?
I like comfortable lounge clothes like the ones from the Victoria’s Secret brand “Pink.” You know… cute and sexy little sweats. I’m not a big athletic shoe person. I’d rather wear Uggs or some kind of boots. Of course, flip-flops are good in the warmer months.
What 3 words best describe you?
Maybe something like this: intelligent, caring, and humorous???
What do you think is your sexiest body part?
Mmm? I hate these kinds of questions, so embarrassing. LOL!! I really don’t know. I never think about stuff like this. I’m pretty happy with the way I look, but I don’t single out any particular body parts. My fans seem to be especially fond of these body parts in order:
1. Lips
2. Eyes
3. Breasts
I’d have to say that the 2 dimples on each side of my lower back are pretty sexy. Not everyone has them. I’ve heard they’re kind of special, but I don’t really know for sure. LOL!! Maybe a lot of people have them? Anyway, I like to expose them in a pair of low-slung jeans and a cropped t-shirt.
Name anyone, alive or dead, who you would love get to know.
Jesus Christ. I can’t think of anyone who would be more delightful or interesting. I’d have so many questions… it’d be amazing to say the least.
What do you want the world to know about you?
That I’m more than good looks and sex appeal. I have a very good mind and an even better heart. I have several causes that I’m passionate about such as: Protecting and preserving the rain forest, Antarctica, and many animals both in the US and abroad.
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
I have taken a lot of risks in my lifetime. Most of them have been well worth it. I’ve taken risks in love, business, finances, and of course with my career. I don’t know the greatest, but I think anytime you put your heart on the line, it’s a great risk.
Favorite upcoming projects?
I’m the new spokesmodel for SinFuel Choppers. SinFuel Choppers builds customs bikes that range in price from $100,000 – $150,000!!! They have built bikes for several a-list actors. I will also be appearing in 2 feature films: Adventureland and Transformers 2. I just came out on my the 3rd cover for Olympian’s Fitness Magazine (Italian version of IronMan).
Please visit my official website www.danahamm.com for the latest information on me and my career! Or here at MySpace: www.myspace.com/danahamm
RSS