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| Best Directories | About Amber Smith | Hot Websites |
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Originally from
Tampa, Florida; Amber is the only child of professional football
player Russell Smith (San Diego Chargers) and mother Carol
Smith, professional model, English teacher and her current
manager.Amber followed in her mother footsteps and began to
model at age fifteen. Starting out locally, she wet her feet
appearing in lingerie shows held at the Holiday Inn, hosting
conventions and appearing in the occasional trade ad. She even
became the regular subject for the photography class at her high
school. She was paid $20 dollars a week. Though Amber was a gifted student with a 155 I.Q., in order to have a chance to model the International circuit an early start was a must. Just before her 17th birthday, Amber flew to Paris to work, compete, learn the trade, and hopefully survive the "weeding out" process. Quote "In Europe it was sink or swim. I was broke, lonely, unable to communicate; and rejected on a daily basis." For four years she traveled from country to country hoping for a breakthrough. The breakthrough came when she decided to dye her naturally blonde hair was dyed red for a job. What was previously a slight resemblance to the famed movie star Rita Hayworth became a strong likeness … and a strong selling point. Her career skyrocketed! She appeared in back to back issues of the career-making Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition, was chosen as Esquires first "Vargas Girl" of the 90’s, and launched the first "Wonderbra" campaign. She received recognition with numerous covers and appearances in Vogue, Elle, Max, and many others. The editorial coverage lead to advertising for Loreal Cosmetics, Buffalo Jeans, and Panama Jack. She strolled the "catwalks" for many designers from Chanel to Jean Paul Gaultier. After 6 years of "paying dues" she had become an "overnight success" in the fashion world. But that was not to last long; Amber had different plans… Acting on her celebrity, she accepted offers to pose for calendars, posters and trading cards. This lead to sensual lay-outs for such top men’s magazines as G.Q. Amber became known for her fearless sexy photo shoots and out-spokeness. Her image changed from High fashion model to Sex symbol, and this brought about a "Supermodel" pictorial and cover for Playboy Magazine. Her agents were perplexed, Amber was thrilled. Quote "I’ve been lambasted in the past for my actions – veering my career away from fashion. But I had my eye on the ball from day one. I wanted to become a "personality". I felt it would have more longevity, more options down the line as opposed to just being a faceless stick-thin model." She was then named one of the "Sexiest Stars" of 1995 and 1996 by Playboy, Celebrity Sleuth, High Society and Celebrity Skin. But, change was on the horizon. Amber starred in two European television specials: Inferno directed by Ellen Von Unwerth and the self titled Forever Amber. Quote "Though I was on the right track I started to feel like my career in modeling was growing less fulfilling and I became restless." After being a finalist for the lead roles in The Mask and Casino, she decided to make the move to acting (full-time). Amber packed and moved from New York to Los Angeles to begin her second career all before the age of 25. But the beginners luck was over now. Quote "My first year in Hollywood was a virtual 'comedy of errors'. I was told I was too tall, and too beautiful. I found myself being cast to play dead bodies and scantily clad bimbos. My savings dwindling, I still refuse to capitalize on my Supermodel Status and downplayed it to anyone who recognized me." Amber hired an agent and forged ahead. She knew she had talent, perseverance and desire. She landed her first role in Paul Mazursky's FAITHFUL. Now parts were forthcoming, and with some very good directors. She was cast in both THE FUNERAL directed by Abel Ferrara and Barbra Streisand's THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES. In 1997 Amber landed a high profile role in HOWARD STERN'S PRIVATE PARTS and played the memorable and integral part of a Rita Hayworth look-a-like in Curtis Hansen's L.A. CONFIDENTIAL. These became two of the most "critically acclaimed" movies of the year. Later she would take a comedic turn in HOW TO BE A PLAYER and filmed her first starring role in LAWS OF DECEPTION opposite James Russo. This was also the year Amber discovered television or vice versa. She guest starred on FRIENDS, HEAD OVER HEELS and JUST SHOOT ME. She successfully hosted an hour special of ACCESS HOLLYWOOD and filmed an unusual episode of RED SHOE DIARIES as a follow-up to her very popular first appearance. 1998 proved to be an exciting and eventful year. Starting off, she had a glamorous role in HBO's THE RAT PACK and guest starred in Pam Andersons' new show VIP. Amber didn't forget her roots and after almost a three year hiatus; modeling called. She had landed the prestigious "Wolford" campaign shot by world famous photographer Helmut Newton. The controversial ads debuted the Summer of ‘98. This same year, Amber found herself on a promotional blitz. After an exhausting spin with uhh.."spinning"; she had landed in the celebrity sections of TV Guide and People magazine. To follow, there were special segments that aired on Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition and E! Daily News, to name a few. Closing off the year, LAWS OF DECEPTION garnered a world premiere on HBO. 1999 started off with a bang with a part in AMERICAN BEAUTY with Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening. The Dreamworks production will be released later this year. On the television front; her Rita Hayworth resemblance came in handy when filming a two part episode of SILK STALKINGS loosely based on the 1946 film "Gilda". A major coup this year is the release of "The 1999 Amber Smith Calendar" available in most book and gift stores nation wide. Looking ahead, At-A-Glance will release four wall-sized posters of Amber through the year 2000. Between movies, she auditions, studies her craft, and is currently writing a screenplay about the "objectification of beauty" and it's consequences. A believer in multi-media exposure, not to mention a self proclaimed "internet addiction", she created www.AmberSmith.Net, a fan club web site. Outspoken, beautiful and talented; Amber Smith will be a force to be reckoned with… in the new millennium. |
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