Carmen Electra at 40: Still red-hot in 'Baywatch' swimsuit

Carmen Electra at 40: Still red-hot in ‘Baywatch’ swimsuit

By Nardine Saad

Feb. 28, 2013 12 AM PT

Carmen Electra has slipped into her iconic “Baywatch” swimsuit a decade and a half after wearing it on the busty lifeguard drama.

How’s that for #throwbackthursday?

The actress and former Playboy model last donned the red one-piece when she was 25, but now, at 40, she’s wearing it again and showing off her gams for InTouch magazine. She admits, though, she was hesitant to put it on.

“Once I got it on, I felt amazing,” Electra told the mag. “It was a million times better than I thought it would be.”

PHOTOS: Elton John Oscars viewing party

Electra, born Tara Leigh Patrick, posed for the beach shoot wearing nude heels and toting a bright red rescue can that we so often saw on the series, which also starred David Hasselhoff, Jeremy Jackson and Electra’s pal Pamela Anderson. Electra appeared in 22 episodes from 1997 to 1998, and they helped launch the onetime dancer’s career and consequently landed her three Playboy covers.

“I feel better than I did at 25!” she added, crediting her fit body to the discipline she learned from taking ballet growing up and eating lots of protein and veggies.

“Life is too short, we have to enjoy it. So I eat healthy, but if i have a craving I go for it,” she adds in the article. “It’s all about positive body image.”

PHOTOS: Celebrity portraits by The Times

And if Hugh Hefner’s magazine ever offered her another shot at a spread, here’s what she would say:

“Yes! I love Playboy — they supported me from the beginning. I heard I’ve had the third-most covers of anyone, after Pamela [Anderson] and Anna Nicole Smith. I’m very proud of that!”

Electra, rumored to be dating “X Factor” judge Simon Cowell, clarified those rumors earlier this month.

“We’re really good friends, and that’s it,” she told “Entertainment Tonight” after the Golden Globes.

The fiery redhead was also photographed at Elton John’s Oscar viewing party on Sunday with Kourtney Kardashian and “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson.

ALSO:

Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka haven’t split, Internet!

Oscars: Lena Dunham supports Anne Hathaway, boos Seth MacFarlane

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West caught in steamy embrace on L’Officel cover

Follow Nardine on Twitter @NardineSaad and Google +. Follow Ministry of Gossip @LATcelebs.