Sandra Taylor Reflects on Her Journey from Modeling to Being a Sommelier

Sandra Taylor, once recognized as a Playboy cover model in the 1990s, now serves as the head sommelier at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders. Her life took a transformative turn through her friendship with Anna Nicole Smith, the 1993 Playmate of the Year.

From Friendship to Opportunity

Appearing on the podcast “Unexpired” with Kim Alexis, Taylor recounted how her bond with Smith shaped her career. They met through shared makeup artists during Smith’s early days from Texas. Taylor related how a visit to Smith’s film set led to her introduction to Playboy. Smith’s makeup artist encouraged Taylor to try out for Playboy’s 40th anniversary edition, a suggestion Smith supported. This opportunity propelled Taylor’s entry into modeling.

“It was my friendship with Anna Nicole Smith … it led me right there,” Taylor mentioned to Fox News Digital.

A New Path After Loss

Taylor originally aspired to follow her father into mathematics, studying macroeconomics and statistics. However, her father’s sudden death when she was 19 led her to abandon these plans and explore modeling. Reflecting on the past, Taylor treasured her friendship with Smith, who passed in 2007 at age 39.

“She was a sweetheart, a really nice girl… she loved her son deeply,” Taylor fondly remembered Smith.

Connections and Career Growth

Posing for Playboy was merely the beginning. It fostered a long-standing friendship with Hugh Hefner, lasting until his death in 2017. This connection opened doors, providing Taylor experiences typical of Hefner’s family-like friendships, including luxurious travel opportunities.

Taylor later learned from Traci Bingham that Hefner greatly admired her Playboy photos. This revelation was unexpected yet gratifying for Taylor, aligning with Hefner’s diverse representation preferences in the magazine.

Life Beyond Modeling

Modeling brought various experiences, including romance novel covers with Fabio. Taylor recalled how meeting Fabio at a gym led to their collaborations on numerous covers. Such opportunities expanded her career scope, enhancing her visibility and experience.

Also an actress, Taylor worked with noted director Garry Marshall and other stars like Steven Seagal and Dan Aykroyd. Aykroyd’s gesture of buying her SAG card showcased the kindness she encountered in her career.

Embracing the Present

Today, Taylor’s journey reflects both triumphs and trials, including losing her home in the 2025 Palisades Fire. As a sommelier, she contributed to the creation of Raider Rosé, continuing her legacy of embracing new challenges.

“I’m proud of the life I’ve led,” she reflects. “I’ve faced ups and downs but feel truly blessed. I’m always ready for what life throws at me.”