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June 5, 2006
Up close and personal with Filter host Beth O.
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from Steppin' Out Magazine
January 2005
Beth Ostrosky Interview by Chauncé Hayden
When I last spoke to Beth Ostrosky in June of 2002, the stunning hard working model seemed like a deer caught between the headlights. Overwhelmed by the media circus that pounced on her newfound relationship with radio legend Howard Stern, Beth struggled with the unwanted attention. However, thousands of paparazzi flash bulbs later, Beth has stepped out from Stern's loving shadow. These days Ostrosky is shining on her own, not only as a model, but also as a television personality, columnist and spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League.
During the past three years, Beth has appeared on the cover of FHM magazine not once, but twice. The leggy blonde has also made a name for herself as co-host of Spike TV's Casino Cinema [airs Tuesdays at 9pm] with Steve Schirripa of The Sopranos. In addition to her busy schedule, this 32-year-old beauty has found the time to put out her third sexy swimsuit calendar. And if that wasn't enough, each month Beth taps into her nurturing side as a modern day Dear Abby for FHM magazine's "Ask Beth & Isaac" advice column.
Indeed, if the start of 2005 is any indication, Beth-O fans can look forward to many more months and years of swimsuit pleasure!
The following is an up close and personal chat with Howard Stern's better half...Beth Ostrosky.
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Chaunce Hayden: I heard about your recent uncomfortable situation with a New Jersey Transit train conductor. What exactly happened?
Beth Ostrosky: Yeah, I was working with another model in New Jersey and ended up having to take the train home. It wasn't like [the conductor] touched me, and I've had other weird things happen to me on the subway through the years. But this was just so creepy! The way the conductor just stood there staring at me really freaked me out. I came home very disorientated.
Were there other people on the train with you?
It was around 3 p.m. so it wasn't super crowded. The seat in front of me and a seat behind me were open. So I'm sure that made him brave.
Did you get his badge number?
I didn't even think of it at the time. That's my problem, I don't think of things until afterwards. But are you ready for this? From New Jersey I got on the subway home and there was this adorable little girl, probably around 17 years old, and she starts screaming! This guy whipped his [penis] out and started rubbing it on her! And this train was packed! It was crazy that all this was happening in one day!
What were the other passengers doing?
Everyone was just disgusted by him! Then he ran out of the train and the girl just fell over, she was shaking and crying. I felt so bad for her.
Not for nothing, but that's why I never take trains.
You don't? But I feel it's such a New York thing to do.
Well, you must admit that you don't see many high-profile models riding the subway these days.
But if I stop doing that, I'll feel like a part of me is being taken away. Although a lot of people are starting to recognize me, so I guess I have to start being more careful. But I don't think the conductor would have been so bold if he knew who my boyfriend was.
Besides your traumatic train ride, things have been going very well for you since we last spoke in 2002. Would you agree that your career has improved greatly over the past three years?
Improved? I wouldn't say improved, it's just different. I was perfectly content being a working model in the city. That's pretty much why I came to New York. So I would say my career has changed and things are amazing!
Fame has a way of creating opportunity. Obviously, your popularity has opened doors that normally wouldn't be open for the average working model.
Yeah, definitely. I've been offered opportunities that in the past I never would have dreamed of doing. So it's been a wonderful surprise.
Which opportunities have surprised you the most?
Hosting a show for Spike TV. But that was a legitimate audition. Granted, they knew my name. But I went in and kicked butt! So now I'm hosting a show called Casino Cinema.
How would you describe the show?
Basically, every Tuesday night they show a male-oriented movie like "Jaws" and my co-host, Steve Schirripa, and I come on every 15 or 20 minutes and play a card game with a celebrity guest, and they can win prizes for people. It's been really fun! Recently we've had Tommy Chong, Triple H, and Artie Lange on as guests. Maybe even you can come on! The ratings are growing and it seems people are really starting to like it! In fact, they just ordered 12 more shows! Speaking of opportunities, I was also just asked to be the national spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League. That to me is the coolest of everything! That's something I don't think I ever would have been asked to do had I just been a working model.
Do you get paid for that?
No. But I'm so willing to do it! I'll be doing a lot of promotion with puppies and kittens and bringing awareness as to what the North Shore Animal League is. I'm willing to donate all of my time to that! Someday Howard and I will have a farm with lots of animals. That's a huge thing we have in common!
You also write an advice column in FHM magazine with Isaac (Ted Lange) of Love Boat fame. How many letters asking for advice do you get a month?
All the questions go to FHM. So I'm sent just the five questions that are going to be in the magazine. I try to answer them as honestly and truly as I can. The problem is that FHM is such a sexy magazine that they always spice up my answers! My editor will call me up and discuss my answers, and he always seems to get something out of me that I didn't write. But they have my full approval by the time it goes to print.
Has your FHM column inspired strangers to approach you and ask for advice?
Absolutely! Just yesterday some guy came up to me and said he needed some advice on what to get his new girlfriend for Valentine's Day.
Has anyone ever told you that you're a very nurturing person?
I am? I love that! That's such a compliment! I really do care about people! I like making people feel good, and if I can give them some advice that will help them, that's the greatest feeling! I'm no expert, but I really do care!
When you're offered these exciting opportunities, in the back of your mind do you ever wonder, "Was I offered this because of who my boyfriend is?"
I never think that. I think initially the curiosity is there because of whom I'm dating. But I feel that I'm not going to get offered the job if I can't measure up. Plus, I don't think I would be asked back for things if I weren't doing a good job. So, yeah, I'm lucky that I have that initial interest for them, but from there I feel that I carry it.
I recall a few years ago when Fox 5 News offered you an on-air job that unfortunately turned into nothing more than a Howard Stern promotion to boost their ratings. How did that make you feel?
They were really crappy because they approached me! But I told them I really didn't need to do it and that I didn't want it to be promoted as, "Howard's girlfriend stops by!" I think it was sweeps week for them. But they said my name on its own was enough for it to be great for all of us. So we shook on it. And lo and behold on the news that night they promoted it by saying, "Stay tuned because Howard Stern's girlfriend is stopping by!"
That must have hurt.
It was annoying and I felt betrayed, but I think I've gotten hardened since then.
So you feel more media savvy now than you did three years ago?
Yeah! Definitely! Don't you think talking to me now that I sound more confident? Remember how petrified I was the last time you interviewed me? I wasn't able to embrace all the attention. But this has been my life now for the past five years. So I'm trying to enjoy it and embrace it a lot more than I have in the past. I used to be really afraid of it.
Why?
I guess I was insecure with myself and what I might say. I didn't know if I fit into that world. I was just a girl who fell in love with a guy who was extremely high-profile. Now the media attention is just a part of our lives, and that's just the way it is.
In other words, you don't care what people say or think anymore.
That's true. That's absolutely true!
Every day we read about Hollywood divorces. Does that make you nervous regarding your own relationship and what might happen if you and Howard were to eventually get married?
No. For me, marriage is not something that I'm dying to do. It's just not something that I ever saw for myself. I see [marriage] as very sad when it doesn't work out. I've seen relationships flourish and be beautiful. But a lot of things come to an end, and that's just how it is.
Do you believe that marriage changes the positive chemistry of a relationship?
I don't know about that. I've seen some really successful marriages. Relationships just take their course and either they grow or they dissipate. I feel some people just aren't meant to be married to that particular person.
Are you meant not to be married to Howard?
I'm happily committed, but I don't feel it's necessary to have that actual agreement. Unless kids are involved!
That brings me to my next question.
I don't personally want to have kids. I never was one to want to have kids. I'm 32 years old and I still don't have that urge! My brother just had a baby and it's a beautiful thing, and it's great to visit and see and hold the baby. But it's not for me. Even when I was a little girl I knew that I wasn't going to have kids. But that can change! (Laughs) It's more of an issue with my family than it is for me!
Would you consider one day adopting a child?
I'm one hundred percent for it! I think more people should do it, especially people who are taking all those fertility drugs and trying their hardest to get pregnant. I feel the option of adoption is so beautiful. I just saw a special on Chinese girls and how they need people to adopt them. I feel that would be the way I would go if motherhood were for me. But it's not! I don't feel the maternal instinct to do that. (Laughs) I'd rather save animals! I have my bulldog and I'm happy as can be! I feel like I gave birth to her!
You said the topic of having children is more of an issue with your family than it is for you. How much pressure do they put on you to have children?
Well, they don't put pressure on me, but it comes up all the time. They keep telling me how beautiful my baby would be!
Okay, so you're not having kids. At least not anytime soon. But marriage is another story. How do you feel about pre-nups?
(Yells) It's not going to happen! It's a non-issue for us! I don't spend any time even thinking about it. But if I were in a situation where we both wanted marriage, I feel a pre-nup is definitely fair and I'm all for it.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you wearing a ring that looks suspiciously like an engagement ring?
I wear rings on that finger, but it's definitely not an engagement ring. I switch my rings around all the time. You never know what finger I'm going to have a ring on. I'm definitely not engaged, but Howard has bought me rings. In fact, he bought me another diamond ring for Christmas. It has a bunch of diamond clusters! It's gorgeous!
How many carats?
I don't even know because I don't care about that stuff! I don't even ask! I don't even know what it's worth! Granted, I'm sure it was expensive because it's gorgeous, but who cares! Trust me, if we were ever to get engaged, the world would know, that's for sure. Besides, do you really think Howard is ever going to get married again?
He claims he'll never remarry. But I also know that he loves you very much.
He does! We're happily committed.
Sometimes you can love someone so much that you can't help but take that next step.
If it were important to Howard that we get married, then I would be happily for it. But we're so committed. We don't need to be married. I live with him and we share our lives together. It's beautiful. I just don't need that marriage title. We have a perfect relationship.
"Perfect" is a very strong word. What's the secret to a perfect relationship?
It just works. We're so compatible and we have fun together. We tell each other our problems. We're there for each other. We give advice to each other. We're equals in the relationship. It just works. We're full of bliss and we connect on every single level.
In other words, Howard is your soulmate.
Soulmate is such a weird phrase. But if there is such a thing, then yes, Howard is my soul mate.
Anna Benson, the wife of New York Mets pitcher Kris Benson, said that if she caught her husband cheating she would sleep with the entire Met organization. What would you do if you caught Howard cheating?
Well, I can understand the urge to want to do that and have him feel the same pain. We've had this discussion many times and it's always fun to talk about other people. But if there were ever the urge to do that, we would first of all tell each other and then leave the other person just to have respect. Howard is such an honest and true person that I feel he would live up to that promise. But I would be very sad if Howard cheated. I would be extremely sad and devastated and I would feel our pact with each other was broken. But I don't see that happening.
Sad and devastated, but not angry?
I'm sure anger would set in at one point. But I wouldn't go out and sleep with Ralph! [Writer's note: Ralph Cirella is Howard Stern's longtime stylist.]
For the last few months, Howard has been in the news almost daily because of his controversial decision to take his show to Sirius satellite radio. We all hear how the stress and anxiety of the FCC's crackdown has affected Howard on the air. But how has his battle with censorship affected him at home?
Well, you know my boyfriend. He's always filled with stress and anxiety. I was there through all the decision-making and all the pressure, but right now it's just anticipation and excitement! It's been a blast! Other than the horrible pictures of us together in the papers! I don't know why I have to be put in the pictures whenever news hits! That's the only negative thing. But it hasn't affected our relationship at all. It's been totally fun!
Does Howard ever bring a bad day at the office home with him?
Never! We never fight!
Is that healthy?
You know Howard. He's the king of talking, and I'm a talker too. So we talk through everything. We agree on so much. We respect each other's opinions. We just don't fight.
Lets talk about when Howard gushes over women like Pam Anderson, Angie Everhart, and Jenny McCarthy. Does it ever upset you?
All men do! Come on, look at them! They're beautiful. But he's mine and I'm very secure with it. Yeah, they're beautiful, and you can always wish you had something that they have because they look physically perfect. But the bottom line is he's mine! It's not like he comes home and stares at a picture of Pam Anderson in front of me. But what he does on the radio is different.
Did you ever feel threatened by Howard's former flame, Angie Everhart?
No! No! I think she's a beautiful girl, but she's a part of his past. I've never met her or seen her. I know that they're still friends and they talk every once in a while. But she's not in my life at all.
Would it be awkward if the three of you ended up in the same room?
Not at all. There was one point in time where it came out in FHM that I said I would kick her ass! But I was joking when I said it. So I told Howard the next time he talks to Angie to tell her it was said in jest. I think that they discussed it and now it's like a little joke. Actually, I would love to meet her. I admire her. In my business, she's been at the top and I admire what she's done. She's a good actress and extremely beautiful. I'd love to meet her some day.
Both you and Howard are very close to former Hollywood couple John Stamos and Rebecca Romijn. Were you surprised they got divorced?
Not at all. They're such great people, but they're even better apart!
Did they ever fight in front of you?
Not fight. They were just very different. I think they were madly in love at one time, but it's their story to tell. It happened and it's better for both of them that they're not together.
So often when a couple you're friends with splits, you're forced to choose sides. Was that the case in this situation?
There was no choosing of sides. If John calls us it's John, and if Rebecca calls it's Rebecca. It's all good. Everyone is fine when it comes to that.
Let's talk about New Year's resolutions. Did you make any?
This is silly, but I definitely want to read more books. When Howard and I were on vacation we ended up reading books the whole time, and it was so fulfilling. I realized how much I missed doing that. I've been so caught up in these silly magazines and what I've been reading in the tabloids. So my new goal is to definitely read more books and also to eat healthier. I have the worst diet in the world.
Is it true you eat nothing but candy bars?
Ughh! I love chocolate! I eat it every single day! I'm not talking about a piece of chocolate. I'm talking about boxes of chocolate. Basically, I eat a box of chocolate every day. So I'm trying to eat healthier things, not instead of, in addition to.
How do you stay so thin?
I run. That's it. I don't do weight training. Although I need to start. Pretty much that's all I eat. I love it. Last night I had a box of chocolate and then I had a whole container of Pringles and a diet Dr. Pepper. That was my whole diet yesterday. It's horrible! So I guess I'm not living up to my resolution because Pringles are not the healthier addition to chocolate.
Yet Howard eats so healthy.
Howard is so healthy! I'll sit there with my box of chocolate and he'll sit there with his few slices of frozen banana at night when we're snacking.
So Howard's diet hasn't rubbed off on you?
No. I don't like frozen bananas. I had a sweet tooth since I was a little kid. It's definitely genetics. My mom's 5'10" and she's skinnier than I am and eats worse than me!
Let's talk about your 2005 swimsuit calendar. You've been putting them out since 2003. I'm assuming they're selling well.
They do very well! That's why I continue to do it. The people who bought it initially have been buying it every year. It's been really great!
When we last spoke, you weren't so confident that people would buy your calendar. Are you surprised by the demand?
Um ... I think initially everyone was curious about me. People hadn't seen a lot of pictures of me. So at first I think it was the curiosity factor. But now it's almost like a yearly tradition! It's just really nice. It's cool.
Do you agree sex sells?
Yes, but not in my case. My pictures are "cute" sexy. They're not "alluring, hot chick" sexy.
Do you honestly feel that guys who buy your calendar are looking at you as cute rather than sexy?
Perhaps. I don't know! I don't consider myself sexy at all. (Laughs) It's just hard for me to think about that!
I can guarantee you that if a guy buys your calendar year after year, it's not because he thinks you're cute.
(Laughs) Okay! Okay! If they think I'm sexy, that's great!
Sexy, but never nude?
I'm not naked! The closest I get is that shot of my hand covering my boob with my bikini top off.
How do you feel about nudity?
I'm not really uptight about nudity. If it's gratuitous, that's one thing. But when I see a naked women in a European magazine I think it's one of the most beautiful things in the world.
Have you ever been photographed nude?
No! Thank God I didn't! Thank God!
So many up-and-coming models do nude layouts early in their career. What stopped you?
My mother! At this point I'm older now. But when I was younger there were opportunities that had come up. My agency asked if I would be interested in doing Playboy. But I said no because of my mother. She's very moral and that would be upsetting. But at this point I'm an adult, and if I did a nude layout it would be in a very classy way. I'm not naive anymore. I'm not young.
So if it weren't for your mother you would have done Playboy?
No, no! I'm not saying that. That's not my thing and it's not my image. I don't think I would have been successful as an All-American catalog girl had I gone that route. For the most part, the girls who do Playboy have it come back to haunt them. They really don't get anything but short-lived fame. I don't even know if I would call if fame, for that matter. When I came to New York I had a purpose. I came to model, and I think it helped that I didn't have that background. (Laughs) I'm just glad there are no naked pictures from my past resurfacing right now, because that would really suck!
Tomorrow Hugh Hefner shows up at your door with a briefcase containing a million dollars in cash. Would you do Playboy?
(Laughs) I would do it if the money was going to the North Shore Animal League, and throw in a million dollars for me while you're at it! But it hasn't been offered to me and I don't see that happening. I never say never. But if it does happen, I want photo approval!
When you're modeling for your calendar, do you actually make love to the camera?
(Yells) That term just skeeves me out! I'm just laughing and being me. I'm with a crew that I love and a photographer that I adore! It's just me and my friends spending two days on a beach having a blast.
Is it tacky for a guy in a relationship to buy a swimsuit calendar? Would you be insulted if Howard purchased a Brooke Burke calendar?
No, not at all! I'm trying to promote my swimsuit calendar, why would I ever admit to that?Ê (Laughs) I'm sure Brooke Burke already sent my boyfriend her calendar!Ê They all do!Ê I love when other girls send my boyfriend their calendar because I get ideas and enjoy looking!
Did you watch the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit reality television series?
No!
What about America's Next Top Model?
No! I haven't seen that either. I can't believe it! You know why? Howard doesn't watch it and he's pretty much in control of what I watch. He has his shows that we have to watch.
Judging by your calendar photos, it seems obvious you have what it takes to be a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.
Oh stop! You're just flattering me! But thank you!
What's your opinion of the Sports Illustrated models?
Those are supermodels! I love the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue! I look forward to it every year. I think it's done so well and the girls are absolutely perfect!
Do you have any interest in appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue?
Of course I would do it. But it's not my ultimate goal in life, and I've never been asked, but it's definitely a huge deal. Those girls are exquisite and God bless them. It's just not something I've had the opportunity to do. But of course I would do it in a second.
Do you think you're good enough for Sports Illustrated?
(Long pause) You know what? No. I'm really insecure with myself. I always see problems, so the answer would be no! But if I have a shot, I don't want to ruin it! But I definitely don't think I'm on that level.
What kind of insecurities do you have?
Oh, we all have our insecurities. But none that I want to say because then they'll be noticed by onlookers, Chaunce! I still haven't gotten over the fact that you once said I have a blue vein by my eye! You are so mean!
It's really not that bad.
No, you're so right! I totally see it. It's just something I never fixated on. I look at it now and think, "Oh, what a cute vein." Now when I see it I say, "Hello, vein!"
You're making me feel bad.
That's my flaw. I have a blue vein on the side of my eye. It's not a big deal until somebody points it out and you get a complex. (Laughs) I'm just giving you a hard time! I'm not mad at you.
It's ironic that models, of all people, are the most insecure when it comes to their physical appearance.
Oh please, we're the worst. That's because we're always being evaluated and rejected.
Speaking of being rejected, you were the target of terrible criticism on the HowardStern.com message boards. In fact, the hate on the boards was so terrible that Howard eventually eliminated it.
It really made me sad. I'm insecure as it is, but reading some of those things really sucked. But I don't think it ruined my self-image. I still get paid a lot of money every single day to model. I feel I've been a really positive thing in Howard's life, and what we have is so real and beautiful that is just makes me think that people aren't accepting of me. That really makes me sad that they can't be happy for him and his happiness. That's how I viewed it, and I admit it right now that when Howard's message board went up I went on it and read those things, and it was really tough. I decided to never read it again. It was brutal!
Were you surprised by all the animosity directed toward you?
Yeah, because Howard put up the message board to try to unify everyone and try to create positive energy and it kind of backfired. But yeah, it did affect me. Of course. I'm human.
When the time comes, would you consider Botox or any other form of plastic surgery?
Like I said before, I never say never. I see girls who are doing it and I see how amazing they look. But I'm so lucky that my genetics keep me looking so much younger than I am. I hear every day that I look like I'm in my twenties, and that makes me feel great. So I haven't been faced with that. But in time perhaps. I'm not opposed to it.
Not to change the subject, but was there a moment in 2004 when you cried?
I cried when my brother called me from the hospital to tell me my niece was born because I was so happy for him. That was the one moment that sticks out in my mind where I can recall crying.
Was there a moment in 2004 when you laughed so hard you couldn't breathe?
Howard makes me laugh like that literally every day. He is just so funny! My stomach hurts from laughing so hard! Sometimes Howard will come home and talk about the show and some of the funny things that happened. I'll ask him how the show was today, and he'll have to take a moment to think about who was even on the show. They all seem to run into each other! I find it fascinating that he really doesn't remember who was on the show!
Do you listen to the show?
I'll listen if I'm in a cab and I'm going to a shoot and the driver asks if I want to listen. But I don't wake up every morning and turn it on. But I'm not opposed to listening to it like I was when we first started dating. I don't get confused anymore. I know who Howard is off the air.
Would you ever consider writing a book?
If I were to ever write a book it would be about something very personal that happened to me, and it's a specific incident in my mind that I've only talked to friends about. But it has nothing to do with my boyfriend.
A traumatic incident?
Yeah.
Hmmm.
Hmmm. Maybe I'll take a stand and talk about it publicly because I feel it's something that happens to a lot of people. We'll just leave it at that for now.
Finally, did you ever watch the movie "Private Parts"?
Yes! When Howard and I first started dating I said I wanted to see it, so we started to watch it together. I think it was really hard for him and it was a little bit weird for me too. It was a love story and it was really beautiful, so I was rooting for them! It was definitely a little bit weird. So he turned it off and said, "Let's get something to eat." And we never got back to it. But I ended up renting it and watching the rest by myself. I just remember thinking what a great movie it was, and why we didn't finish watching it together?
Think there will ever be a sequel?
Perhaps someday.
Starring you?
Me or my character? I am the worst actress! I am not pursuing acting! I'm very uncomfortable doing it! But I don't ever see it happening!
from Steppin' Out Magazine
June 2002
Two years ago few would have recognized the name Beth Ostrosky. Although stunningly beautiful, 29-year-old Ostrosky (a working model since the age of nine) had managed to keep her glamorous life private. However, thanks to a chance meeting with one Howard Stern, privacy has become somewhat of a rare delicacy for the shy model.
For the past two years, Ostrosky and Stern have become one of America's most talked about couples. Stern a household name for nearly two decades for his success as a shock jock, author, actor and television producer had the media doing back-flips after rebounding from a divorce by dating the tall and remarkably beautiful Ostrosky. Not surprisingly, the enormous attention from both the fans and the media hasn't always been easy for Beth.
Still, Ostrosky has somehow managed to avoid the media's probing eye. Rather then bask in Stern's limelight, Ostrosky seems to prefer a quiet evening with her very high profile boyfriend and Stern's not complaining. His on air comments regarding his love for Beth have become almost a daily occurrence.
This past April, Ostrosky finally agreed to talk publicly in FHM magazine. The popular men's glossy was the publics first peek at Ostrosky. Unfortunately Ostrosky, though honored to make the cover, wasn't completely pleased by the hard, edgy image FHM portrayed of her.
According to Ostrosky, her real persona is that of a down to earth, happy-go-lucky girl next door. So when the opportunity to put out a swimsuit calendar came along with the bikini clad photos more in keeping with the fun spirit of her true personality, Ostrosky couldn't resist. Of course, considering the millions who tune into Stern each morning, a swimsuit calendar featuring his model girlfriend isn't the worst business decision ever made either (see BethO.com for details).
The following is an up close and very personal chat with model, actress and now calendar girl, Beth Ostrosky.
Chaunce Hayden: Are you ready for me?
Beth Ostrosky: (Laughs) I don't like the sound of that!
You're nervous already and I haven't even started.
This is just weird. I'm not used to being interviewed.
The price of fame.
(Yells) Fame! Please! I think you mean the girlfriend of fame.
Are you uncomfortable talking about yourself?
Not really, because I love to talk. I guess I am a little nervous.
I promise this will be painless.
The problem is that I feel like I'm under such scrutiny. I feel like if I say something wrong, any one of Howard's people or listeners will blow it out of proportion and I'll end up looking like an idiot. You know what I'm saying? I just don't want that happening. So I think that's what I'm nervous about.
Well don't be nervous, take a deep breath and we'll get started.
Okay!
Since you started dating Howard Stern two years ago, life must have seemed like a roller coaster ride at times. Would that be a fair description?
It's definitely been overwhelming at times. But all in all, it's been the most blissful time of my life. I'm extremely happy.
I get the impression that you're a very private person. Yet, like it or not, your relationship with Howard has made you famous and very public.
I really don't see that. I do not agree with that.
Really?
Really.
But over 20 million of Howard's listeners know you just by your first name, and you've been featured on the cover of FHM magazine.
I don't think that merits being a household name.
Despite all the attention, you seem to be handling it very well.
Thank you.
Let's just get this question out of the way. What is it like being Howard Stern's girlfriend?
It's amazing! He's the most wonderful part of my life. He's absolutely amazing and I'm the happiest girl in the world. He's perfect. He's absolutely perfect.
Life is perfect despite the attention?
Well, I don't really see it as the attention's on me. I think it's more that people are just fascinated with my boyfriend. I just happen to be a part of his life. At least that's how I like to look at it. I think life will always be overwhelming as long as we're together. It's just the fact of the matter, and I'm trying to deal with it the best I can.
You remind me of Carolyn Bissette Kennedy. Here was this beautiful woman who wanted a private life, yet was forced to be in the public eye because of who she fell in love with.
I remember thinking at the time all that was going on, "What a shy girl she is." But she was just uncomfortable with all the attention, and I guess I can understand that.
People seem to be in awe of your physical beauty.
Oh, please. You're making that up. That's just so silly.
When did you first realize you were beautiful enough to be a model?
I don't even know if it was a matter of me wanting to be a model. My mother was a model and she entered me in my first fashion show when I was nine years old. From there, that led to a print ad for a department store, and the photographer who shot that print introduced me to a modeling agency. That's how it started. I've been modeling since I was nine. That's been it. I don't know life any differently.
So all you've ever done is model?
Yeah, and I'm going to be 30 in July.
You never had any other kind of job?
No! Actually, I worked in my dad's office for one summer. But that was it.
That's amazing.
Yeah, I know. I've been very lucky.
That said, you must have no real perception of what it's like to work 9 to 5.
I suppose. But it's been great. It's just been my way of life.
I've interviewed many models over the years, and more often than not they don't seem to have enjoyed the modeling experience. But I don't get that with you.
I've enjoyed every minute of it. I've traveled the world and I've been to so many exotic locations. I've lived in Germany for almost two years and I've met tons of interesting people along the way. I just think that every day I'm booked [Writer's note: That's model talk for "employed"] I'm so incredibly thankful and lucky. I've just enjoyed it. I really, really have.
Since you've made a living based on your beauty your whole life, are you at all concerned about getting older and eventually losing your looks?
I don't worry about it. I think I'll be able to face it when it comes and I'll just move on to the next thing. I don't know what I'll do when all this is over, but I'm definitely smart enough that I'll be okay. I have a lot of little things in the works that could possibly take over once my days as a model are finished.
Is your goal to one day be considered a supermodel?
Honestly, I can say that I never, ever see myself reaching that level. I'm just so thankful and lucky to be a working model in this competitive line of work.
Is supermodel status something you want for yourself?
Absolutely! It's every girl's fantasy to have that happen. But I never have seen myself as that.
What do you think kept you from being considered a supermodel?
It's just the way that it went. I guess I'm not in that caliber. It wasn't up to me for that to happen.
But you're one of the most beautiful women in the world. Why did it happen for someone like Christy Turlington and not you?
(Laughs) Because she's incredibly perfect and beautiful!
But so are you. Maybe you need a heroin addiction or a bad temper?
(Laughs) I've just always been happy working and doing my thing. I never even thought about why I'm not a supermodel. I've never gone there with my thoughts.
Just so the rest of us can feel like you're human, do you have any bad habits or angst in your life you care to share?
None! I have no pressure. Of course, there's always that worry in the back of my mind if I'm going to get another job. Today's job could have been the last modeling job I'll ever have in my life. Hopefully not, but that's the reality of my business.
Are people more likely to hire you because of your relationship with Howard?
It really hasn't had an effect on my working. Although I think people are definitely more fascinated by me once they find out. But as far as work goes, no. I've kept the same clients that I've always worked for, and the clients that I've accumulated since then I truly believe has nothing to do with who I'm dating.
On the other side of the coin, have you ever lost a job because of who you're dating?
I don't think so. Of course, I hear people's comments on a daily basis. No matter what situation I'm in, whether it be work or personal. But I choose not to believe that that has led to my demise in my business.
You've also done some acting.
Yes, I have.
Does being a tall, beautiful model make finding acting work harder than one might think?
I don't think so. I think there will always be parts for tall, beautiful women. I really do. I've never not gotten a part because someone told me I was too tall. Realistically that could be a factor why I didn't get a part, but I don't believe that. If you're a mind-blowing actress then it shouldn't matter.
How serious are you about acting?
Not that serious. I enjoy doing it when the opportunity comes my way, but it's not something that I'm actively pursuing. However, it's definitely interesting to me and I love doing it. I just haven't put my whole heart and soul into it.
Is acting part of your plan after you're finished modeling?
Maybe. I recently did a guest role on a soap opera and I enjoyed it tremendously. It would be nice to have more things like that come my way. But if not, that's fine too.
You've announced on your Web site [BethO.com] that you're coming out with your own swimsuit calendar. How does Howard feel about that?
Everyone, including Howard, has been so excited and thrilled for me. Everybody thinks it's such a fun idea.
What motivated you to do this?
A photographer who I was working with brought up the idea a while ago. At first I laughed it off. But then another photographer brought up the same exact idea and I started to think, well, maybe there's something to this. I do a lot of swimsuit modeling to begin with, so it seemed like a really cool, fun thing to do.
Did you ever envision one day having your photo on someone's wall as they enthusiastically mark off the days?
Never! Absolutely never!
There will be those who say that since you're dating Howard Stern that there's no way to lose. It will be a collector's item for millions of his fans.
Not necessarily, but I hope!
Does it put Howard in the awkward position of promoting the calendar on his show?
I've never asked him to do that. (Long pause) That was never a motivation for me doing it, thinking that he would promote it.
How many calendars do you expect to sell?
I have absolutely no expectations. But as of now, it's been running on my Web site and I've already sold a bunch! So I don't expect to be disappointed.
My guess is that it will sell in the millions.
We'll see. But thank you!
For men to buy the calendar, you obviously have to be extremely appealing. What do you feel is your greatest appeal?
My boyfriend.
Really?
Are you kidding? Of course!
Are you saying if you weren't dating Howard Stern that men wouldn't want to buy your calendar?
Yes. I think there are a million, maybe even a trillion girls who are better looking! I don't mean to put myself down, but the most attractive thing about me is definitely my boyfriend! It's so true! I'm being so truthful!
I thought you said you didn't do drugs.
(Laughs) I'm being honest!
I'll agree that Howard will spark people's interest, but once people see your photos, no offense to Howard, I think he'll be the last thing on most men's minds.
That's what I'm hoping! Praying.
Some women feel that swimsuit calendars like the one you're putting out is demeaning to other women. How do you feel about that?
Of course people are entitled to their own opinions. I'm not trying to market it to women who are offended by such a thing. I don't think the pictures that I took are anything offensive at all. I mean, people who have a problem with it don't have to buy it.
How much work goes into putting together a swimsuit calendar? Is it just a matter of standing on a beach, having your picture taken, and putting dates underneath you?
Actually, it really is that easy. I'm lucky that all I was really responsible for was the photo shoot. It was so cool for me to have all of the creative decisions for it. I was able to wear the bathing suits and accessories given to me by my friends who are designers. They all pretty much willingly and excitingly gave me stuff to wear. All I had to do was have my picture taken on a beach in South Beach. Now I just have to select the pictures I like best. So it's been so easy for me.
Have you ever taken a bad picture?
Oh, please! Hopefully you won't see any of them in the calendar! I'm my own worst critic, so I'm sure the pictures will be okay.
Will Howard help you pick the photos that will eventually end up in the calendar?
I can't wait to show him the pictures, only because I feel really good about them. I also love hearing his opinions, so possibly.
Sports Illustrated is famous for their annual swimsuit issue. How will your photos compare to theirs? Will they be as sexy?
I would say on par with Sports Illustrated. There's nothing raunchy at all about these pictures. They're beautiful and sexy.
During the shoot in South Beach, did the photographer encourage you to be more risque, knowing that more skin would mean more dollars?
Actually, it was me who was trying to get sexier. There's one shot where I'm topless but I'm covering myself. But I was the one who chose to take off the bikini top. I just thought that would be sexy and cute. But it's done tastefully, I don't want people to get the wrong idea.
I would think a video of the making of the calendar would sell just as well as the calendar itself. Will a video follow?
It's so funny, everyone has asked me that! But I have no plans to do that and I never even thought of videotaping it.
Why?
(Laughs) Because the video camera doesn't know my angles!
Recently you appeared in FHM magazine. What was it like to see yourself plastered on the cover?
Ughhh. Honestly, I have mixed emotions about the whole FHM experience. Don't get me wrong, I was so thrilled to do the magazine and so honored that they put me on the cover of such a cool magazine. But unfortunately, because of all the hype surrounding it, people had really high expectations. I personally loved the cover and the layout. But friends all agreed that the pictures looked nothing like me. It was fun for me to pose in the spirit of a men's magazine, but I have to admit that the makeup and the photo spread were so opposite of how I usually look when I work, and also how I look in person.
I noticed you never smile in FHM magazine.
That was a huge reason why I decided to do the calendar. I believe the pictures in the calendar will give a much more accurate portrayal of what I really look like.
How do you perceive yourself?
As fresh-faced and smiling! That's more me. FHM was just so different from how I really look.
Was it difficult for you to walk by newsstands and see your unsmiling self everywhere you looked?
It was very uncomfortable for me! There was no excitement in it at all for me. It was very uncomfortable and there was nooo escaping it! Ughhhhh! I was so glad when the next issue came out! Thank God for the Hilton sisters!
Hypothetically speaking, if Playboy magazine offered you one million dollars to pose nude, would you accept?
I can't even think about that right now. It's all about my calendar. I can't even go there with my thoughts.
Have you ever posed totally nude?
No.
Are you opposed to it?
Under the right circumstances, no.
Okay, this is a tough one, but I have to ask. What the hell went on in Howard's apartment with you, Howard, John Stamos, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos?
No comment. (Laughs) No comment, period!
Are you still friends with John and Rebecca?
Absolutely! Rebecca has been traveling, but when they're both in town we love to hang out with them. They are the nicest people. They're like the most beautiful people in the world and they're cool.
Do blondes really have more fun?
Well, I've been blonde since the day I was born, so I don't know anything else but being blonde. But I will say that I hope everyone has as much fun as I do. I'm blonde and I'm definitely having fun.
What is the key to maintaining a successful relationship with Howard Stern?
I will never tell.
There's nothing I can say or do to get you to share that information?
Nope.
Okay, finally, who is better looking, me or Howard?
Howard Stern.
Ughhh.
August 8, 2002
I used to have the FHM article and some of the pictures of BethO posted here until I received my first copyright violation notice from Jonathan Hurwitz, the online director of FHM.
He requested I remove the article and pictures and his letter. I don't know why, and maybe I buckled in. Maybe I was cutting into their back issue orders.
from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
March 9, 2002
Lifestyle section
If you get past the suggestive photos of Ostrosky in sexy lingerie, you'll find out she doesn't listen to Stern's radio show because "I don't want to get confused. I know him as how he was when I met him, and from what I hear, he's just so, so different on his show. His shtick on the air is very different from the way he really is."
Ostrosky, who met the King of All Media at a friend's dinner party, says her mom was "appalled" when she heard who was dating her daughter. But now that she's gotten to know him, Ostrosky says her mom loves him.
--snips--
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