As a small-town girl in Sawyer, Michigan, Karen McDougal was a tomboy until a late-teens growth spurt turned her into a beauty queen. Now the 26-year-old preschool teacher doubles as a Venus International Swimwear model. Karen's latest moonlighting gig is even more dazzling: Sawyer's pride is now our Miss December.
[Q] Q: How have folks back home reacted to the news that you're Playboy's latest Playmate?
[A] A: With shock. I was always wholesome little Karen. In high school my nickname was Barbie, as in Barbie doll--the nice, sweet, perfect girl. That sort of girl isn't expected to be seen in the most-looked-at men's magazine in the world. But I think it's going to work out. Now that people are getting used to the idea, they're treating me like a celebrity.
[Q] Q: What are the rewards of spending your days with people half your size?
[A] A: I teach preschool because I love kids. I want to have a few children of my own one of these days. My mother has 12 brothers and sisters, each with at least six kids of their own. I have almost 100 cousins. If I can find the right man, I want to start adding to the family total. I'm a nurturer.
[Q] Q: One with sensational biceps. Do you bench-press toddlers at work?
[A] A: No, but I do work out every day. I think strength is important to a woman. It's energizing. It gives you the self-confidence you need to succeed.
[Q] Q: What's your personal best as a weight lifter?
[A] A: I don't go for bulk. My best in the squat is 140 pounds.
[Q] Q: Do the youngsters where you work know you are also a swimwear model and a Playmate?
[A] A: No. To them I'm just Miss Karen.
[Q] Q: Your wholesome look is also a little exotic. What is your heritage?
[A] A: Irish and Native American. I suppose I got my cheekbones from my Cherokee grandfather; the Irish side of the family must be responsible for my pert little nose.
[Q] Q: Can a woman be both wholesome and sexy?
[A] A: Definitely. A woman can be whatever she wants to be. It's all in her attitude. I am truly a sweet, down-to-earth girl, soft and mild. But I can be crazy if the time is right.
[Q] Q: How does it feel to be Sawyer's premiere sex symbol?
[A] A: I'm excited. Do you know I'm one of the oldest Playmates this year? I take care of my body. I'm proud to show it off. I hope you'll look at me and say, "Hey, that's not bad for 26 years old."
[Q] Q: What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next ten years?
[A] A: By 2007 I hope I'll be running my own learning center for preschoolers. I would like to have at least three kids of my own. And I'd like to be as spunky at 36 as I am today."
To get closer to Karen McDougal, you can call the Playboy Super Hotline. See page 203 for details.
Playmate data sheet
Name: Karen McDougal
Bust: 34c
Waist: 24
Hips: 34
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 125
Birth Date: 3-23-71
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana
Ambitions: I want to Model, act and someday open a Learning Center for children
Turn-ons: Blue eyes, bubble butts (rounded glutes), strawberries & champagne at the hot tub.
Turnoffs: Negativity, bitchy people, people who think they are "players."
Sex Appeal: I respond to a Man who is sensitive to a woman's needs, a man who is creative romantically, yet who knows how to be wild at the same time.
Perfect Date: A candlelight dinner in Paris, then a walk on the beach. At dusk, a hot-air balloon ride-looking down at the city lights. Then my man tucks me into bed.
