American Pie & Poker

Every guy (and no doubt, many girls) of a certain age will clearly remember that scene in the classic teen movie American Pie. Of course, I’m referring to the scene where the beautiful European exchange student visits Jim’s bedroom for a ‘study’ session. Well, we all know not much studying happened, and Jim’s ‘little problem’ was broadcast live over the internet to his whole school and beyond! The scene will always be remembered for two standout things; the impossibly lovely Shannon Elizabeth, and the unrealistically good video streaming for 1999 dial-up internet.

Now, we’re not belittling the directing abilities of the Weitz brothers, or the acting talents of such a star-studded cast as Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, and Mena Suvari, but we do suspect that Shannon Elizabeth’s ‘talents’ had a large part in the success of the movie. Hang on, get your mind out of the gutter! Seriously, Shannon is a seriously talented lady! Far from being just a stunning young hottie with a bit part on an American teen sex movie, she’s also an accomplished actress who starred in Scary Movie, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Thirteen Ghosts, Cursed, and Night of the Demons, plus she’s been a successful fashion model, is a talented tennis player, has set up an animal protection charity, and she has built a lucrative career as a professional poker player!

Whilst it’s hard to believe that any one individual can be blessed with such incredible looks, acting talent, sporting talent, empathy, and gaming talent – Shannon Elizabeth has it all. Born in 1973 to an Arab Christian father, of Lebanese-Syrian origin, and a mother of German, English and Irish ancestry, this Texan girl has obviously scooped up some pretty elite genes, and should basically be an ambassador for humankind if we ever discover aliens!

Shannon has described poker as her “second career” and, considering that she’s reportedly won €235,866 in poker tournaments, we’d say it’s a pretty good side income! Elizabeth took part in the Main Event of the 2005 World Series of Poker, under the guidance of Canadian poker superstar Daniel Negreanu, and won a special tournament at Caesars Palace hotel. By 2006 she was visiting the Las Vegas strip up to three times a month, she took part in the World Series of Poker in both 2006 and 2007, and also got as far as the semi-finals in the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship.

So, next time you see Shannon Elizabeth in a dumb American comedy, just remember that there’s a seriously powerful talent behind those seriously hot looks!

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