Brande Roderick, a name that resonates with glamour and grit, first captured the spotlight as a quintessential all-American blonde Playmate. Born on June 13, 1974, in Novato, CA, Brande Nicole Roderick quickly rose through the ranks at Playboy, becoming a household name after being named Playmate of the Month in 2000 and then earning the prestigious title of Playmate of the Year in 2001. Over time, Brande Roderick expanded her reach beyond the magazine world, appearing in numerous Playboy videos and documentaries—each appearance solidifying her status as a pop culture icon.
While many might remember Brande Roderick for her early roles in edgier fare like “Club Wild Side 2” (1998), it was her transition to mainstream television that truly broadened her appeal. She landed a series regular role as lifeguard Leigh Dyer on the global phenomenon “Baywatch,” which aired from the late ‘80s into the 2000s across NBC and in syndication. Her presence on the show—and later in the TV movie “Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding” (Fox, 2003)—showcased not just her beauty but her growing acting range.
But Brande Roderick wasn’t content with just acting. She ventured into film with roles in notable projects such as “Starsky & Hutch” (2004) and “The Nanny Diaries” (2007). However, it was her stint on the celebrity edition of Donald Trump’s hit reality series “The Apprentice” (NBC, 2004– ) that really highlighted her strategic mind and resilience. Competing against high-profile personalities, Brande Roderick impressively tied for third place alongside Jesse James, while comedian Joan Rivers ultimately took home the title.
Off-screen, Brande Roderick has proven herself a savvy entrepreneur. She launched her own company, FinanciallyHung.com, blending financial advice with lifestyle branding—a move that reflected her business acumen. Personal life milestones include her marriage to former NFL linebacker Glenn Cadrez, adding another layer to her multifaceted identity.
And because Brande Roderick clearly thrives under pressure, she returned for the 2012 “all-star” season of “Celebrity Apprentice,” which aired in 2013, further cementing her reputation as a determined, versatile, and enduring public figure. Whether on screen, in business, or on the reality stage, Brande Roderick continues to make her mark—proving that her talents go far beyond the cover of a magazine.
So, when it comes to Brande Roderick’s career highlights in film, one standout moment definitely comes to mind—her highest rated movie is The Nanny Diaries from 2007. That performance really seemed to resonate with both audiences and critics alike. On the flip side, if we look at the lower end of the spectrum, Brande Roderick’s lowest rated project would be Dracula II: Ascension, which came out back in 2003. While it didn’t get the best reviews, it’s still part of her diverse body of work. Overall, Brande Roderick has taken on a range of roles, but The Nanny Diaries remains a clear favorite among her films.