Shanna Moakler first made her appearance in PLAYBOY as Miss December 2001, leading her to many great adventures with the PLAYBOY family. 24 years later, we catch up with her to see what she’s up to these days (spoiler: One part has to do with a new project from PLAYBOY!).
PLAYBOY: What’s your origin story with PLAYBOY?
Shanna: After my time on Pacific Blue, Playboy approached me for a celebrity pictorial, but I had my heart set on something even more special—I wanted to be a Playmate. That dream came true when I graced the pages as Miss December 2001. It was an experience like no other—empowering, glamorous, and truly unforgettable!
PLAYBOY: What was the theme and vibe of your shoot?
Shanna: My photoshoot was absolutely unforgettable! Marilyn envisioned a high-end luxury feel for me—think room service, a horse and carriage, pure elegance. It was everything I could have dreamed of and more!
I had the honor of working with legendary photographers Steve Wayda and Arny Freytag, and my hair and makeup were in the hands of the iconic Alexis Vogel. For three incredible weeks, I felt beautiful, respected, and truly iconic, shooting in the legendary Studio West halls. It was one of the best experiences of my life!
PLAYBOY: Did you become close friends with other Playmates?
Shanna: Absolutely! I adore my Playmate sisters and am still friends with many of them today—Kelly Monaco, Daphne Duplaix, and Summer Altice, to name a few. I was incredibly fortunate to be part of the Playboy Xtreme Team, where we took on wild adventures, racing across the country in the Gumball Rally.
We also had a blast filming TV specials for E! and competing in fun game shows like Dog Eat Dog! It was an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything!
PLAYBOY: Have you ever worn the official bunny costume? What was that like?
Shanna: I was honored to be asked to wear the iconic Playboy Bunny costume—a symbol of elegance, allure, and empowerment. Though I was only in the suit once, the experience was everything I had ever hoped for and more!
Slipping into that legendary ensemble, with its perfectly tailored corset, satin ears, and signature bow tie, felt like stepping into history. It represents decades of beauty, confidence, and sophistication, and wearing it, even for just one unforgettable moment, was an absolute dream. The Bunny costume isn’t just an outfit—it’s a legacy, and I was so proud to be a part of it!
PLAYBOY: What is your career like today?
Shanna: So many things! My career is still thriving—I get to act, model, host, and influence, doing what I love while continuing to grow in new and exciting ways. And recently, I made a big move to Texas, and I’m absolutely loving every second of it!
But above all, my greatest joy comes from my children. They’re grown now, and watching them flourish into incredible young women and a remarkable young man fills my heart with pride. Seeing them chase their dreams and accomplish so much—there’s nothing more rewarding. They are, without a doubt, my greatest success and my greatest happiness!
PLAYBOY: What is your passion and why?
Shanna: Empowering young women to chase their dreams is what truly drives me! I’ve poured my heart into this mission, recently writing six eBooks designed to help women elevate themselves in every aspect of life.
As the Executive Director for Miss Nevada USA and Miss Utah USA, I have the privilege of mentoring and guiding incredible women on their journeys to success. And now, I’m beyond thrilled to have reconnected with PLAYBOY to help revive Playboy Xtreme—a project I’m so passionate about. Showcasing my adventurous, fearless, and dynamic Playmate sisters is an absolute dream, and I can’t wait to bring this exciting vision to life!
Playboy: What does being a Playmate mean to you?
Shanna: Being a Playmate was an empowering experience for me. It represented confidence, beauty, and independence. It gave me a platform to express myself, opened doors in my career, and connected me to an iconic legacy. More than just a title, it was about celebrating femininity and embracing who I am with confidence and strength.
Shanna Moakler is on The PLAYBOY Club. Talk to her now.
