Name: Natasha Yi
Born: Boston, Mass.
Lives: New York City
Birthday: March 25
Stats: 34C-24-34, 5'5", 110 lbs., brown hair and eyes

See her video at SavvyTV!

Where does one begin to describe how awesome Natasha Yi really is?

She's gorgeous, of course, but she's also a pioneer. She became the first Asian ever to grace the set of "The Price is Right" and appear on the cover of Lowrider magazine. The video game industry began designing characters based on her image.

She was discovered by a Playboy scout while enjoying some french fries at a McDonalds in Denver during her senior year in high school. Raised in a conservative household, she was reluctant to take her clothes off, but Playboy kept calling and she soon appeared in Playboy newsstand specials called Natural Beauties, Book of Lingerie, Asian Beauties, Sexy Celebrities and Wet & Wild. She was chosen as Playboy's 2001 "Sexy Girl Next Door" and named one of the Playboy Top Readers' Choice Models.

Natasha also worked with Savvy content partner Mystique Magazine and has graced the cover and pages of a number of major publications such as Men's Fitness, Steppin' Out, Maxim, Vanity Fair, Oye, The New York Post, People, Access, Swimsuit Spectacular, Karma, D-Sport, Performance Auto & Sound, Import Tuner, and Folks just to name a few. She has been in several commercials and major ad campaigns for popular brands such as Pepsi, Marriott Hotels, Bud Light, Toyota, Sony, McDonalds, SBC, Modell's Sporting and more.

Natasha is also huge on the automotive import scene and became the official spokes model for the "Import Revolution" touring auto show in 2002. She also toured with "Hot Import Nights".

Natasha is also a rising actress, having appeared in Rush Hour 2, The Scorpion King, VIP, The Run Down, Cradle to the Grave, and the upcoming Thunder Over Reno.

Impressed yet? We certainly were after sitting down to chat with Natasha...

Savvy: We weren't aware that you were moving up the food chain in the world of acting so fast, but you're studying with one of the most prestigious acting coaches in the business. What do you have coming out?

Natasha: I have my first lead role in a feature film called Thunder Over Reno. It's due to be released in theaters this fall. It is an action-romantic adventure billed as the "World's Fastest Love Story!" (Laughs) I also have a romantic comedy short that will be released early next month.

Savvy: That sounds terrific. Do you see yourself becoming an actor exclusively and not modeling anymore?

Natasha: Well, I love acting. It's one of the main reasons I moved to New York. I wanted to study under some of the best teachers. It's tough, because I still make my income from modeling. But it's worth it.

Savvy: Speaking of that, I understand your image and brand name sells several thousand calendars, posters and other merchandise every year.

Natasha: Oh yes. (Laughs) I expect you to buy one of my brand new t-shirts! (Laughs)

Savvy: If it will make other women look as hot as you while wearing it, I'll buy a dozen! (Laughs) I imagine your website is a great resource whether you're mostly modeling or mostly acting.

Natasha: The best thing is for my fans to check my website regularly to see what new projects I'm involved with. I know these Savvy features seem to stay up forever. (Laughs)

Savvy: We keep going and going... What is the downside to being beautiful? Do you get judged or cast unfairly based on your looks?

Natasha: I don't want to be a crybaby, but the one thing I hate about modeling is the catty girls. Why can't we just be happy for one another instead of judging each other's looks or being obsessed by another model's accomplishments? I want to make it clear that I don't think in my mind, "Wow, I'm beautiful!" I'm just me. I have found that sometimes the more beautiful a woman thinks her exterior is, the more ugly she becomes on the inside.

Savvy: Luckily, that hasn't happened to you. But aren't you a competitive person?

Natasha: Of course!! And when I lose, I throw a screaming fit. Sometimes I cry for weeks. But mostly, I just look for ways to get my f#@king revenge! (Laughs) I'm kidding. I can be competitive when it comes to sports, board games or friendly bets, but I'm not competitive when it comes to my life or my career. I think a better word would be passionate.

Savvy: We can see you're passionate about acting. Are there any pros you want to work with?

Natasha: That's a long list. (Laughs) I love movies and have a respect for so many actors and directors. I think Sean Penn is amazing. Jackie Chan is my action hero. Quentin Tarrantino is so inspiring! But I would be happy to work with anyone. If you have a great script and enough money and drive to make the film, you have my interest.

Savvy: I'd like to pitch a project to you called "Natasha Yi Comes Over To My House and Spoons". (Laughs) Just kidding.

Natasha: (Laughs) You're crazy.

Savvy: What advice do you give young girls out there who want to accomplish what you have done in such a short time?

Natasha: My advice is to follow your heart. Take into consideration what others have to say, but go for what feels right to YOU. Go for your dreams! Your real friends will be there whether you win or fail. You won't get every gig that you want, but you can't get anything if you don't try. My other advice is to have no regrets!

Savvy: You have none?

Natasha: I could be a lot further if I would have concentrated on acting earlier in my career, but who can change the past?

Savvy: But then you probably wouldn't have as many admirers. Tell us what you look for in a man.

Natasha: I like a guy that's a real asshole. Someone that just thinks about himself and never really considers others.

Savvy: M'kay. He shouldn't be hard to find.

Natasha: (Laughs) Actually, I don't care about wealth or status or age. I like someone that makes me laugh. I like a guy that is honest. I like a guy that makes his woman feel special. I think that's what most girls want, yet it is so hard to find.

Savvy: Why do you think so many couples break up?

Natasha: People get into relationships too quickly. They also quit too easily. But the biggest problem is that people always want someone to be perfect. There's no such thing. We want to change so many things about the other person. Well, guess what? If you do that, they are no longer the person you met in the first place.

Savvy: What wisdom can you share on behalf of your fellow women?

Natasha: Wisdom? Let's see... I once read a quote, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience." I would agree with that. Have you ever seen the movie 21 Grams? At the end of the movie is the proof....that we not only have a spirit, but it moves on after this body expires. It is that spirit that I rely on for truth, guidance and answers. Religion has misguided and divided man for thousands of years. So, I don't put much faith in it. I do have faith in that "inner-light" that can connect us all to "The Greater Being." How do I get connect? Meditation.

Savvy: Um... I meant, what can guys do to get points with the ladies?

Natasha: (Laughs) Sorry, too deep. (Laughs) Oh... Well, guys, you should remember about the orgasm!! It most often has little to do with the way the man is "working it". If you want to get a girl there, work her mind first. Make her feel good about herself. Let her know she can trust you. Be attentive to her. Guys that are jerks NEVER give a woman a good "O"!

Savvy: And are you a fan of "O's"?

Natasha: (Laughs) Personally, I don't sleep around, but I would never judge another woman. My philosophy is to be careful with your heart and body, but if a woman just wants to have fun with a man for one night, go for it. You have one life in this body. You should do what makes you happy as long as you aren't purposely hurting anyone else.

Savvy: Do you think it is realistic for a woman to remain a virgin until her wedding night anymore?

Natasha: I'm sure it's possible. (Laughs) I wouldn't recommend it. I mean, sex is such a big part of a relationship. Before you make a life-long commitment, you want to know as much about the person as you can.

Savvy: When you aren't researching Mr. Right or modeling or acting, what do you do for fun?

Natasha: When I lived in California, I loved riding motorcycles. I have a custom-built Arlen Nass Chopper that I would be out riding right now, but I live in Manhattan. The cabbies drive a little too crazy for me to be on my bike here.

Savvy: Natasha, we're sure you would stop traffic.

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On the Web:

http://www.natashayi.com

http://www.doghousefans.com

Credits: Photos by Jean Paul Mann and Alex Ardenti ; video courtesy of Natasha Yi; interview by Steven Stiefel.