Ms. October 2003 Playboy Playmate
Southern Minnesota Playmate
by Naomi Tukua, Staff Writer
|
A small-town woman made a big name for herself by being chosen as Playboy's October 2003 Playmate of the Month.
Audra Lynn, 23, was born and raised on a farm in the Southern Minnesota community of Hartland.
Lynn knew from the age of five that she wanted to pursue modeling.
"I would stand inside of Herberger's and pretend I was a mannequin," Lynn said.
Parents Sylvia and Dana Christiansen were supportive, but held her back from the business until she was older.
Lynn spent much of her childhood riding horses, figure skating and taking piano lessons. As a figure skater she attended competitions all over the Midwest. She showed horses in 4-H and on the professional circuit.
Growing up in the country was a little lonely for Lynn, but being from a small community did have its perks.
"It was nice to know everybody in my class," Lynn said. She also credits her upbringing with keeping her grounded.
Lynn's modeling career started at a runway show for Macy's. She was 15 years old. After that she modeled for Dennis Kirk and Wearables and also participated in many bridal shows.
After graduating from Alden-Conger High School, Lynn considered attending college, but it never worked out.
"Every time I thought about college somebody would call about a modeling job," Lynn said. "It just took up too much of my time."
Lynn guessed she was rejected 90 percent of the time.
"I had to approach a lot of closed doors before one opened," Lynn said.
Lynn always considered Playboy a really "beautiful and classy" magazine. It has also started many careers, so her modeling agent got her an audition.
In most cases, models must do several auditions before being considered for Playboy. Lynn was liked immediately upon walking in. Jenny McCarthy was the only other woman to do this.
Originally, Playboy wanted her to be the Millennium Girl. At her parents' suggestion, she declined. At 20 years old, she didn't want to do something that could "make or break her career."
A few years later Lynn said she was ready. The waiting also gave her parents time to warm up to the idea of their daughter being a centerfold.
Lynn wasn't nervous about being nude in front of the camera because she was confident about her body. She has never had plastic surgery, eats whatever she wants and works out by shopping.
"I thank God I was blessed," Lynn said.
The photographers were professional, which also made the shoot comfortable.
The finished product hit stands last week. Lynn and her family were happy with the results.
So were hundreds of community members who showed up on Aug. 27 at Sam Goody in Albert Lea for an autograph session.
Lynn has heard nothing but positive reactions from the community. She has even received an offer to be the spokesperson for Any Time Fitness and have her own display in the Albert Lea Historical Museum.
"I haven't really had time to get used to the attention," Lynn said.
Lynn still considers herself a small town girl even though she lived in Hugh Hefner's guesthouse for three months, is friends with Paris Hilton, Pauly Shore and Vern Troyer (Mini Me) and dated Aaron Buerge (The Bachelor).
Lynn describes the Playmates as "family" and Hugh Hefner as the "most genuine and down-to-earth person" she knows. She is especially close to playmates Julie McCullough, Ava Fabian and Playmate of the Year Christina Santiago.
Lynn has attended Hollywood events and her debut film called "Jinxed" was shown at the Sundance Film Festival. A hunting show for ESPN is also in the works.
She resides in L.A. where she competes in Grand Prix horse jumping and is somehow able to make time for her boyfriend of three months, Michael Keaton. They met at a Spike TV event when he overheard her talking about horses.
In the future, Lynn would like to get a contract with Victoria's Secret and live on a horse ranch in the Rockies.
Until that time she promises to return to Minnesota.
"I come back here to stay grounded," Lynn said. "L.A. is a fantasy world."
Lynn will celebrate her Playmate status at the end of September with a bash featuring Kiss and Aerosmith. She also encourages people to check out her Web site, Audralynn.com.
"I read all my e-mails," Lynn said.
Lynn will appear again in the January 2004 issue of Playboy for the Playmate review. This is when the Playmate of the Year is selected.
Throughout all the publicity, Lynn's sweet disposition and impeccable manners haven't wavered. She also hasn't been able to get used to saying soda instead of pop. Minnesota has trained her well.