Interview with Sazzy Lee Varga, fitness model and actress
03/25/2004
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Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: Yes, I do. It’s a big family: six sisters and one brother!
Q: Has your family been a strong source of support in your life?
A: They have been behind me, yes. Modeling is a very unconventional line of work, especially if you are from the Midwest. At times I think it was sort of unsettling to them as they worried it wasn’t a 9-5. But they see my success and know I am one of the lucky ones who is doing what she dreamed of doing so they are very happy for me.
Q: You’re obviously in great shape. Do you workout regularly and do you watch what you eat?
A: Oh boy -- big YES! I work out four days a week -- legs, gluts, arms and ads, plus treadmill. As to watching my diet, yes: high protein and low carbs. Carbs and sugar put on the fat, and carbs make you retain water. Yuk. Have a low-fat, high-protein, bit of Italian cookbook coming out the first part of next year.
Q: You’ve been featured in numerous magazines, calendars, catalogs and television shows. Is the unbelievable success you’ve had as a model like a dream come true?
A: I do feel very thankful. It took much hard work, which continues to pay off. Modeling and acting is a very difficult road to travel. Thousands move to Hollywood a month for the dream, and thousand leave Hollywood very disappointed. I wanted to be a model, acrobat or gypsy, as a kindergartner. Yes, it did raise a few eyebrows with my teachers. I think I got all three -- the travel makes you feel like a gypsy and some of the poses…seem almost like contortion!
Q: You appeared in different featured sections of Playboy, but turned down an opportunity to be a centerfold. Do you ever regret making that decision?
A: After being featured in the grapevine section, and in the Girls of the Internet issue, there was definitely a lot of fan fare, a great amount of feed back, job offers, movie offers, and more... but my decision to pass on centerfold work was made as a decision to take my career in another path. So for now I'm keeping at least a bit of my clothes on! We shall see what the future brings.
Q: Many models say that posing for Playboy is the ultimate in modeling. How was this experience for you?
A: It is a great gig. To give a peek into what it is like imagine: Tons of people …well say 10 or so, zipping around doing their things, lighting techs, makeup artists, stylist, photographer and their assistants, and you naked trying to look sexy! I think you get the idea. You need to be comfortable with yourself, as there is little to hide behind. For me, I love dramatic clothing and interesting shots that will last decades. Playboy has shot their look for 50 years, with little change. I love the ability to experiment in a shoot.
Q: The pictures on your Website are outstanding. You look like a natural in front of the camera. Did being in front of a camera take a while to get used to?
A: Well, thank you. Really, it didn’t take getting used to. I love the camera and always have.
Q: In all of the pictures I’ve seen you look very comfortable, not to mention stunning. Do you find it much more difficult to pose with less clothing?
A: I think the key is being comfortable with your situation, environment, the photographer and yourself. If you want to be there, and have no reservations, it is great. If you feel uncomfortable in any way it will show all over your face. And now matter how great your body looks, if your face doesn’t have the right attitude the picture will suffer. Attitude sells.
Q: A lot of models claim they feel very sexy, even turned on, while doing photo shoots. Do you feel sexy or turned on while posing for the camera?
A: HA! Sorry, I think this is more the viewer’s dream. For me, it is acting -- portraying a look, playing a role. I can turn it on and off. My thoughts are in posing angles, stomach looking tight, and hair in place and all of that. I used to drive to Chicago for work, and it was a six-hour drive (don’t tell the highway patrol it’s only six hours -- they think it is seven hours at 65 mph). I would practice facial looks in my mirror as I went (yes very safe, I know -- don’t try this at home!). Now, I can pretty much give a look on command, and know what it will look like to the camera. Sort of the Stanislowski for modeling.
Q: What do you like most about being a model?
A: Creating…. Getting that one outstanding shot that makes you go, “yea!” I am my worst critic. I am very picky as to what I release.
Q: What do you like the least?
A: Early call times, the down time between jobs. Politics.
Q: Did you enjoy working on "Baywatch"?
A: I loved it…but I gotta tell you it was cold out there at 5 am in November. My goose bumps had goose bumps!
Q: I understand you devote a good amount of time to charity work and non-profit organizations. What kind of programs are you involved with?
A: The one closest to my heart is The Tibetan Photo Project, www.tibetanphotoproject.com, of which I am a co-founder. The project is allowing the monks in exile to give the world a glimpse into their “world on the edge of extinction,” through photos they are taking. The images that come back are nothing short of magical. I recommend all your readers take a look. I also sponsor a little Tibetan girl named Tenchoe, who is in exile in India.
Q: What are some other hobbies you enjoy?
A: Hobbies…I guess my art and writing. I create very large Pop Art pieces in a Warhol style using my glamour images. The end product is stunning. I am hoping to do my first show later this year. You can get a sneak preview of the images on my site under art.
Q: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
A: I have a very eclectic taste indeed. I love rock and roll, older rock to be exact. Led Zeppelin, Scorpions, AC/DC, Ozzy, Sabbath. Then again, I like jazz and blues.
Q: Do you feel some men are intimidated because you are so fit and beautiful?
A: I hope not. I really am very down to earth.
Q: With your schedule, do you find it hard to have a social life?
A: I enjoy as much time as possible with family and friends. And my fiancé Eric and I try to get at least one weekend a month that is all ours, no other obligations.
Q: What kind of man turns you on the most?
A: Relaxed, ambitious, funny, kind…MUST LOVE CATS!
Q: If we were to go out, which is totally hypothetical, but if we did, what would be your ideal date?
A: Hmm…dinner, dancing to some good rock, a few drinks, Jacuzzi….
Q: What kinds of things in a man are turn offs?
A: Arrogant, selfish, big ego, lack of understanding, childishness.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you can give a man on approaching women?
A: Be sincere. The pick up lines don’t work -- we have heard them all. We do fall for kitties and puppies; bring them if you’ve got them (renting them is not an option, as we will except to see them again if we see you).
Q: What is the best way a man could approach you to ensure your interest?
A: Well, Eric did it with sincerity…. Okay, and he looked killer, too!
Q: What is the number one philosophy you live by?
A: Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to look back and say, “what if?” Take a chance, go for it.
Q: If the readers of Bullz-eye.com want to contact you through your Website, will they get an answer from you? I know you must get hundreds of letters a day. Do you answer all your e-mail?
A: I used to answer all messages, but now I have an assistant who helps me. It just got to be too much. I also have a newsletter that goes out to update everyone, which they can sign up for, and if you ask a question during sign up we include it in the new letters ASAP.
Favorite car: old ‘Vette
Favorite food: blueberries
Favorite color: black
Measurements: 35Dx25x35
If you would like to see more of Sazzy Lee Varga, visit her Website at: www.sazzyleevarga.com.
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