Nicole Eggert is looking back at her time in Howard Stern’s studio, and the memories are far from fond. More than three decades after the “Baywatch” actress appeared on his show, she says watching the interview makes her want to reach through the screen and comfort her younger self. Eggert recalls feeling pressure to play along with the radio host’s questions and comments about her appearance. But there is one part of the encounter she remains proud of, refusing his demand to wear a bikini.
Nicole Eggert Recalls Pressure To Play Along With Howard Stern
According to Page Six, Eggert discussed her 1995 appearance with author Greg Prato for his book, “The Great American Nightmare,” an oral history of “The Howard Stern Show.” At the time, she said, brushing off uncomfortable moments felt like part of the job. “I was very programmed to just go in and just let it slide off your back.”
Eggert recalled feeling that declining an appearance on Stern’s No. 1 show could upset the people managing her career. That left her navigating an interview she did not entirely feel comfortable doing, with the expectation that she would take whatever came her way.
During the appearance, Stern criticized her outfit and told her, “I want you in a bikini.” For an actress known for “Baywatch,” the swimsuit demand brought her television image directly into the interview. Eggert, however, did not give in.
The ‘Baywatch’ Actress Says The Studio Did Not Feel Safe
Eggert also recalled being uncomfortable with some of Stern’s questions, describing the studio as lacking a “safe environment.”
Looking back, her concerns extend beyond her own appearance. Watching other women on the show has changed how she sees the encounters that helped build Stern’s shock-jock reputation. “Watching old clips of the show and seeing how many women were treated, or more fittingly, mistreated, is also shocking,” Eggert wrote in the book.
Nicole Eggert Wishes She Could Comfort Her Younger Self
Revisiting her own interview left Eggert cringing, according to Page Six. “I wish I could just like, reach out and hug that girl,” she said.
Although she described herself as having thick skin, she also questioned how other women might have handled similar treatment. Being able to withstand an uncomfortable interview herself did not mean every guest would walk away feeling the same. Still, Eggert is not describing the appearance as something she wishes she had never done.
She said she does not regret going on the show and remains proud that she refused to change into a bikini. She can look back on that refusal with satisfaction, even as the rest of the footage leaves her wishing she could offer her younger self some support.
Former Stern Personality Also Expresses Regret In New Book
Eggert is not the only person revisiting an uncomfortable chapter in the show’s history. Former show personality Chaunce Hayden also spoke to Prato about his role in an on-air memorial for Debbie Tay, a fan favorite who died of a drug overdose in 1995.
According to Hayden’s account, he brought her ashes into the studio. He said Stern then removed bone fragments from the box and joked about them on camera. “It was terrible,” Hayden said. “I do regret it.”
Debbie’s family subsequently filed an $8 million lawsuit against Hayden, Stern, and Infinity Broadcasting. The case settled before trial, but the final settlement amount was never publicly confirmed.
The Book Arrives Amid Fresh Scrutiny Of Stern’s Show
The accounts come as Stern faces separate criticism over reported changes behind the scenes. As The Blast previously reported, employees had been laid off, and the show’s schedule was being scaled back.
However, Stern’s weekly live show is getting a shorter streaming edit, with HBO Max striking a deal to package the material into a condensed series.
