Kendra Wilkinson is an American model and television personality. She is both an entrepreneur and a novelist. She first rose to prominence as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on the reality television series ‘The Girls Next Door.’ The performance was an instant success and introduced her to the American entertainment scene. After graduating from high school, she began her career as a glamour model. She was born in San Diego, California. Soon, she had the opportunity to meet ‘Playboy’ creator Hugh Hefner at his 78th birthday party. Shortly after meeting Wilkinson, he asked her to be one of his girlfriends and to move into his Playboy Mansion. She gladly consented and rose to popularity following her involvement in the reality show ‘The Girls Next Door,’ which chronicled the lives of Hugh Hefner’s companions at the Playboy mansion. Later, she appeared in the reality television series Kendra, which chronicled her life after leaving the Playboy mansion. Wilkinson made a cameo appearance in ‘Scary Movie 4’, a horror comedy film. In addition, she appeared on the popular television dancing competition show “Dancing with the Stars.”
Youth and Early Life
Kendra Leigh Wilkinson was born in San Diego, California, on June 12, 1985, to parents Patti and Eric Wilkinson. Her mother was a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, while her father was a biochemist.
Her father abandoned the family when she was a small child. Her mother and grandma then raised her. Wilkinson has another sibling named Colin.
She attended Clairemont High School, where she gained an appreciation for many sports. She played softball with the Clairemont Bobby Sox for six years.
After graduating from high school in 2003, she began a career as a glamour model. She also spent time working in a dentist’s office.
Kendra Leigh’s Career
Kendra Leigh Wilkinson was invited to Hugh Hefner’s 78th birthday celebration. She was hired as a “painted lady,” a woman who wore just body paint and wandered around naked. During the party where she was requested to become one of Hefner’s girlfriends, she met Hefner. She consented and then moved into the Playboy Mansion.
Along with Hefner’s two girlfriends, Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, Kendra acquired prominence after appearing on the reality television show ‘The Girls Next Door’ The focus of the show was on the lives of the three women as well as the parties conducted in the Playboy Mansion. It was an instant success.
Initially intended to consist of only eight episodes, the show was stretched to fifteen due to its enormous success. Due to the show’s success, she landed tiny appearances in several other television series, including ‘Las Vegas,’ ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ and ‘Entourage.’
She appeared in the 2006 horror-comedy “Scary Movie 4” as well. The film, directed by David Zucker, was a commercial success and received middling reviews. She also appears in the music video for Akon’s single “SmackDown.” In addition, renowned American rapper Eminem made an appearance.
Wilkinson decided to break up with Hefner in late 2008. In addition, she revealed her engagement to American football player Hank Baskett. The venue for the wedding was the Playboy Mansion.
After leaving Hefner, she starred in the reality television series Kendra, which centered on her life outside the Hefner mansion and her engagement and marriage to Hank Baskett. It aired between 2009 and 2011. She released a memoir titled “Sliding into Home” in 2010.
In 2011, she competed in the renowned television dance competition series “Dancing with the Stars.” She was eliminated during week seven. In the same year, she starred with her family in the television program Kendra on Top.
Kendra’s Major Opera
Kendra Wilkinson’s debut on ‘The Girls Next Door’ is without a doubt the most significant achievement of her career. It aired between 2005 and 2010. Hugh Hefner, the creator of Playboy Magazine, and Kevin Burns conceived the show. At the Playboy Mansion, the show centered on the lives of Hefner’s three girlfriends. The series was a huge success.
After her separation from Hefner, Wilkinson starred in the reality television series ‘Kendra.’ It focused on her life following her departure from the mansion, as well as her marriage to football player Hank Baskett. The show aired between 2009 and 2011. It attracted a big audience and garnered outstanding ratings.
She then starred in the reality television series “Kendra on Top,” which has aired since 2012. It focuses on her life and demonstrates how she balances motherhood and business responsibilities. It also depicts her husband, Hank Baskett, and his transition from football player to the businessman.
Kendra’s Personal Life
The connection between Kendra Wilkinson and Hugh Hefner began in 2004 and lasted until 2008.
In 2008, she announced her engagement to famous American football player Hank Baskett. Hugh Hefner desired to give the bride away, but Wilkinson replied that she would rather have her brother execute this duty. On June 27, 2009, the marriage took place at the Playboy Mansion.
Kendra Wilkinson gave birth to a baby called Hank Baskett IV in December 2009. She gave birth to a baby daughter called Alijah Mary Baskett in May 2014.
Estimated Net Worth
American television personality, businesswoman, model, and author Kendra Wilkinson has a net worth of $6 million. She is well-known for her affiliation with Hugh Hefner and her numerous appearances on reality television programs.
When she appeared naked in a photo shoot with her Girls Next Door co-stars, she also garnered tremendous media attention.