Heather Rae El Moussa Once Posed For Playboy

There are a number of reality TV stars and actresses who have posed nude for Playboy. One example of both is Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum-turned-OnlyFans high-earner, Denise Richards. While it remains taboo for some, former Selling Sunset star, Heather Rae El Moussa is "proud" of starting out as a Playboy centerfold.

Now married to Tarek El Moussa, Heather credits being a Playmate for her success. After her Netflix stint, the realtor joined her husband on HGTV—starring in shows like the flop Flipping El Moussas, Flipping 101, and Flip Off, a new show with Tarek's ex-wife Christina Haack. Here's what Heather has said about her career journey.

Heather Rae El Moussa Credits Her Playboy Centerfold Past For Her Reality TV Career

"Posing Nude Has Not Hurt" Heather

In 2020, Heather caught up with Playboy about going on Selling Sunset. "It was an amazing experience," she said of posing nude for the men's magazine, adding that she "would never take it back" and that she "[believes] everything happens for a reason. If I hadn't posed for Playboy, I wouldn't have met the people who led me to where I am now."

Posing nude has not hurt me.

The model then credited Playboy for preparing her for reality TV. "Meeting fans as a Playmate prepped me for the fans I have now, from the show," she shared. "I talk to everyone. I take photos with everyone. It has changed my life."

In 2021, she also told The Sun she's "proud" of posing for Playboy because it catapulted my career, it changed my life, it was the most defining moment in my life." However, the February 2010 Playmate of the Month admitted she's "still trying to figure out how I'm going to tell the kids I did Playboy."

Heather Rae El Moussa Joined Selling Sunset Wanting To Prove She's More Than Her Playboy Past

Heather Wanted Selling Sunset Fans To See Her Playboy Stint As Empowering

During her interview with Playboy, Heather also revealed that she was still underestimated when she entered real estate, which she believed "is still a man's game" despite Selling Sunset's all-female cast. "Some people judge me right away," she said. "Like, men expect me to be a little Barbie doll and be stupid."

Men will meet me and say, 'Wow, you're actually smart.' And I'm like, 'Well, what did you think? Because I'm a Playmate, or a model, or a woman, I can't be smart as well?'

Heather added that "all the Playmates I’ve ever met have so much going on" and that they're "not slutty like people think." She then explained that the drama-filled real estate show was "supposed to be about women's empowerment."

"You can be a pretty woman and still be successful and not just arm candy for a man," Heather argued. And for those questioning her Playboy image, she wished they'd see it as "empowering" like she does.

"I'm already out there; I've done it," said the HGTV star. "I'm proud of myself and what I've done. It's a celebration of our bodies and our choices, and I find it empowering." Her estimated $3 million net worth certainly speaks for her success.

Heather Rae El Moussa Opened Up About "Falling Apart" While Juggling Career And Family

Heather Has Been Open To Fans About Her Personal Life Struggles

Heather's career and personal life have been challenging behind the scenes. She was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease shortly after the birth of her son, Tristan Jay El Moussa. She's also opened up about the pressures of juggling motherhood with her business. In March 2024, she reposted a text post about feeling "overwhelmed" on her Instagram story. She wrote in the caption:

Right now, this resonates with me because I'm trying to grow my business.

"I'm trying to have things come to fruition," she continued. "Some days I'm so motivated and some days I feel like the pieces are falling apart." In November 2023, Heather expressed her gratitude for being able to "step away from the drama" when she left Selling Sunset after Season 7.

Heather's priorities changed after marrying Tarek in 2021. Since then, they have also faced some issues involving their blended family that called for some much-needed focus on their life off-camera.

"I love being able to prioritize my family and my happiness and step away from some of the drama that Selling Sunset brought into my life," Heather said in 2023, noting that despite "a lot of things happened that I choose not to speak about," she's very much at peace. "Overall I am very happy with how my life is," she said.

The Flip Off premieres on HGTV on January 29 at 8 p.m. ET.