Playboy Playmate® Lexie Karlsen grew up in Mesa, Arizona, where she began writing for newspapers such as The Arizona Republic, The Phoenix Gazette and Tribune Newspapers at the age of 15.

After working as a correspondent reporter for three years, she then became licensed at the age of 18 by one of the largest mutual fund companies in the world. Although Lexie enjoyed earning her Series 6 and 63 licenses as the youngest person at the company, she was impatient for a career.

Since she had lived independently since the age of 15 and also attended high school and college concurrently, Lexie felt the need to create instant success. After modeling intermittently, she experienced success and appeared on shows such as Howard Stern and Hard Copy.

However, Lexie moved onward and upward. In 1998, she submitted photos to Playboy Magazine. One year later, after gaining ten pounds, she appeared as Miss March 1999 for Playboy in the United States. Stints as a Playmate all over the world shortly followed, in countries such as Italy, Japan, Norway, Australia and Greece (just to name a few), as did extensive success in modeling. Lexie has appeared in magazines ranging from STUFF, Elegant Bride, and Guitar World, to regional magazines, such as Beverly Hills 213, and print projects.

Beyond modeling, Lexie has continued to develop success as an actress and personality. After publishing articles in mens' magazines, she focused primarily on television. As a host of “Love and Money with Lexie Karlsen,” on FX’s two-seasons long The X Show, Lexie combined her beauty and brains. Her segment was a success: a babe offering dating and financial advice.

Additionally, Lexie has exposed her goofy side on numerous TV shows. Most recently, she Guest Starred as herself on NBC’s primetime sitcom DAG, CBS’ The Late Late Show, NBC’s The Tonight Show, TBS’ Ripley’s Believe It or Not, E!‘s Talk Soup and UPN’s Battledome. Lexie also worked as a Barker Beauty on CBS‘ long-running hit game show, The Price is Right.

Since posing in Playboy, Lexie has stayed true to her roots and now resides in Arizona. This year will bring her first exclusive 2003 Lingerie Calendar, as well as her first venture into book publishing. She continues to utilize both her brains and body: Lexie is the resident advice columnist for www.dresses.com, maintains her own official website at www.AlexandriaKarlsen.net, and will soon launch the superlative and sexy, www.LEXIE.tv.

"People ask what do I see in my future, and there's no definitive answer for that question," says Lexie. "The answer I would have given five years ago is essentially the same today: to keep evolving. So far, I've been so fortunate. I don't know how I could ask for more."

.:: OUR INTERVIEW WITH LEXIE KARLSEN ::.

Q - Lexie, everybody will want to know the basics first. Where did you grow up?
A - I grew up in the hot desert in Mesa, Arizona! It can get up to the 120's there in the summer...which means minimal clothing!

Q - What was it like growing up in Mesa?
A - Mesa is a great place to grow up, albeit a little bit conservative! It is a nice family environment, however.

Q - Were you popular in school?
A - In high school, I guess I was popular - although it was not popular in the same way the head cheerleader would be! I had many different friends from many different groups - I have always enjoyed diversity. I actually chose to go to a more ethnically diverse school by getting a boundary exception, as opposed to the rather homogenous one I was supposed to go to.

Q - When and how did you start modeling?
A - I began modeling when I was pretty young, although I was all over the board as far as careers. I worked in finance, journalism, and then had the most success in modeling - so I pursued that. Around the age of 17, making the most money was the most important thing, since I was supporting myself since I was around 15. Modeling was the way to do that! I also found it very enjoyable!

Q - What did you most enjoy about being a Playmate?
A - Being a Playmate was a very sexy experience. Not only was in an honor to be one out of only twelve Playmates per year, it was very liberating!

Q - How did you get the part of host of “Love and Money with Lexie Karlsen" on FX's The X Show?
A - I started hosting "Love and Money with Lexie Karlsen" in my first season on FX's "The X Show." I actually just started out as a regular model, but the producers realized I also wrote advice columns -- and that I had financial experience too! So they teamed dating and finance up, and I gave tips that were applicable to both subjects.

Q - What was it like working on the show?
A - I loved working on the show, although I will say it was my first real experience at being on a series! I sometimes felt like I lived on the set. However, I worked with great girls... the models were all the sweetest, prettiest girls you could ask to work for! I also loved displaying my knowledge of dollars and dating in my segment. ;-)

Q - What's next on your plate? Any other immediate projects coming soon that you're at liberty to mention?
A - What is coming up next for me? I don't even know where to begin! Well, I am launching another website, www.LEXIE.tv - the superlative and sexy version of me! Also, my 2003 Calendar just came out - it is a 16 month calendar with 50 Images!! Lastly, my first book is being published - it's called "The Divorced Guy's Guide to Dating: How to Meet More Women"!

Q - If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, how would you do it?
A - Three words to describe me? Smart and sexual

Q - Is there anything people don't know about you that may surprise them?
A - Hmmm, something secret that people don't know about me? I am really approachable. Ok, and even though I only weight 105, I love great good! I'm also a little bit of a brianiac... okay, I'm going to stop now!

Q - Do you have a favorite quote?
A - A favorite quote? Well, one that I tell myself quite frequently is "Life is short, time is dear." I just think you can't take life for granted, it's easy to get caught up in meaningless little things, when you have to realize what is truly important.

Q - If you could take a dream vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A - I've been fortunate enough to take my dream vacation... I love Bora Bora. The water is beautiful. It feels like time stops. You definitely have to go with someone you are in love with!

Q - If you were anyone else for a day, who would you be?
A - If I was anyone else for a day, I would be a guy. There are just too many reasons to list.

Q - If I looked in your cd player now, what kind of music might I see?
A - In my CD player... wow... that is so diverse, it's kind of odd, really. Right now I am listening to Illustria, but today I have listened to Sarah McLaughlin, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, NIN, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jewel, Nelly... the list goes on and on and on. I like many different types of things!

Q - What makes you smile the widest?
A - What makes me smile the widest? Making people happy! The other thing, I don't think I should talk about publicly! ;-)

Q - What advice would you give to models/actresses just starting out?
A - For models and actresses starting out, you really need to keep your head on straight, no matter how badly you want to be successful. You are the only person looking out for your own best interest - stay true to yourself, but try not to get jaded. It is a very judgmental industry, as fun as it can be, and some girls have a rough time dealing with the attitude and criticism.

Q - This question is for all the dreamers out there...what do you look for in a man?
A - I like a manly man who cleans up nicely, but can get dirty. A sense of humor is great, and I love to exchange conversation, whether it's witty or silly. To me, that's a big turn on. I also like someone who is happy with who they are as a person, but still tries to become a better person. Values are nice, and rare!

Q - Anything else you want to say to our readers?
A - Anything else I would like to say? Just watch for my new site launching, www.lexie.tv ! My 16 Month, 2003 calendar (it has 50 hot images!) can be ordered at orders@alexandriakarlsen.net My official fan site is www.AlexandriaKarlsen.net -- I have a book coming out, and also articles in men's magazines! Keep in touch!

Official Web Sites: www.AlexandriaKarlsen.net | www.LEXIE.tv

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