Sandra Taylor Reflects on Her Journey from Playboy to Wine Expertise

Sandra Taylor, a former Playboy cover model renowned in the ’90s, has taken on a new chapter as the head sommelier at Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders. Her path, however, took a significant turn thanks to her friendship with Anna Nicole Smith, the Playmate of the Year in 1993, who unexpectedly influenced her life.

Recently, Taylor opened up during an episode of the podcast “Unexpired,” hosted by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Kim Alexis, sharing insights about her career and personal experiences.

Reflecting on her friendship with Smith, Taylor stated, “I was friends with Anna Nicole Smith, and she was such a darling. We were introduced through our makeup artists quite early on when she moved from Texas.” Taylor recounted how, upon Smith’s arrival in LA, she needed a place to stay, which solidified their bond.

A pivotal moment for Taylor came when she visited Smith on the set of “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.” It was there that Smith’s makeup artist encouraged her to audition for Playboy, coinciding with the magazine’s 40th anniversary search. “It was my friendship with Anna Nicole Smith… it led me right there,” Taylor recalled, emphasizing how that connection opened doors to new opportunities.

Interestingly, Taylor had not envisioned a career in modeling; she initially aspired to become a mathematician, following in her father’s footsteps. “I was full speed ahead to be a mathematician,” she admitted, reflecting on her education in macroeconomics and statistics. Yet, tragedy struck when her father passed away unexpectedly. “I was only 19 when he died, and after that, I just lost my passion for math. I never went back to that campus,” she added. It was a turning point—the math, she felt, unaccountably died with him.

In hindsight, Taylor cherishes her memories of Smith, describing her as “a really sweet girl” with a sincere love for her son. Taylor reminisced about how Smith truly aimed to be a wonderful mother and was lovely in every way. Despite Smith’s struggles later in life, Taylor fondly recalls the impact she had on her journey.

After her stint in Playboy, which led to a lengthy friendship with Hugh Hefner, Taylor noted how that experience with Hefner changed her trajectory. “Even when you do the magazine, it doesn’t end there,” she explained. Her connection to Hefner opened up further avenues, including flying on the Playboy jet due to her friendship with Hefner’s wife. “I loved his laugh; it was infectious. I think he really changed things for me,” she reflected, acknowledging the complexities this connection brought to her life.

Over the years, Taylor had the opportunity to work with notable figures in Hollywood, including Steven Seagal and Robert De Niro. Her interactions were often filled with respect and kindness, which she appreciated greatly. “I wore my lucky pink Chanel suit for auditions, and they were always gracious,” she shared, recalling specific memorable moments with these stars.

Now, in a different phase of her life, Taylor was affected by the 2025 Palisades Fire, losing her home of 24 years. Despite the challenges, she has adapted, embracing her role as a sommelier and even co-creating Raider Rosé. “Life’s a bit different now, but I look forward to what’s next,” she said. “I’m proud of the life I’ve led. It’s had its ups and downs, sure, but I’ve been blessed.” Ultimately, Taylor’s journey is a testament to resilience and open-mindedness in the face of change.