A former Saved by the Bell sweetheart shocked fans of the American kids’ sitcom by stripping off to star in a racy adult role, only for the reaction to stop her career in its tracks.
Elizabeth Berkley went from starring as Jessie Spano, the lifelong friend of Zack, Screech, Lisa and Kelly, to carrying out one of the wildest sex scenes captured on the silver screen. Berkley quickly shed her innocent girl image when she left the series to pursue a Hollywood career which saw her landing the lead role in the controversial Paul Verhoeven film, Showgirls.
Berkley played Nomi, an aspiring Las Vegas showgirl who bared it all to make it to the top. Before it even reached the cinemas, the film had gained a significant amount of controversy and hype due to its abundance of sex and nudity.
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Leading the charge in the raunchy content was Berkley’s Nomi, who gyrated and thrust her way through the 131 minutes, mostly wearing very little.
(Image: WWD via Getty Images)
Berkley even managed to take the time to perform a jaw-dropping, spine-snapping, swimming pool sex scene with co-star Kyle MacLachlan, which has to be seen to be believed.
Despite stunned fans’ reaction to the actress’ saucy new role, Berkley didn’t think it was such a big deal.
“It’s a little weird but it’s a role, it’s a part. I was transported to a different person so the nudity factor wasn’t something I concentrated on. It was just an essential part of telling the story,” she told NY Daily News.
(Image: Chris Brandes)
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She explained that she had to practice her choreography topless because it had a different feel than performing when clothed.
Berkley also helped her fellow chorus girls gain the courage to rehearse topless together. Unfortunately for Berkley, however, her Hollywood dream was nearly over as soon as it had begun.
The film was a massive flop, collecting a record 13 Golden Raspberry nominations, of which Berkley personally scooped two.
(Image: Chris Brandes)
“Of course it was disappointing that it didn’t do well, but there was so much cruelty around it,” she told People.
“I was bullied. And I didn’t understand why I was being blamed. The job as an actor is to fulfil the vision of the director. And I did everything I was supposed to do.”
However, the harsh reviews the film received on its release have since softened, and the movie has gained a cult following.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
