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Subtle Sexuality

Subtle Sexuality

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Anya is a 21-year-old Russian-born actress and model. Her upbringing taught her self-worth, determination, creativity, and a passion for life. Seeing the struggles in Russia gave her an appreciative outlook, making her the determined actress, student, and aspiring producer/director she is today. Her family is the motivating factor that keeps her momentum going to advance in the entertainment industry. and she hopes to one day be able to give back to them.

Monzikova moved to Plantation, Florida in the early '90s. Living in Florida gave her a love for the outdoors, especially the beach, where she spent countless days rollerblading and swimming. During her high school years she took dance lessons in jazz, lyrical, ballet, and modern.

She was also involved in cheerleading and theatre, which molded her into the performer she is today.

After high school, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. There, she worked on a pilot, which never made it to broadcast, but she didn't give up. Her strong belief in education brought her back to school, and while she is a working actress and model, she continues to attend college as well as take acting classes. Monzikova is also training in Wushu, a Chinese martial art, which keeps her focused and fit. She hopes to one day combine her training in Wushu and acting to make an action film.

She has graced many pages in magazines and catalogs and can be seen in commercials worldwide. She has shot for magazines such as Maxim, FHM, Cosmopolitan, People, Vogue and Femme Fatale. Monzikova made quite an impression on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys, Alma Awards, and as a presenter with Howie Mandel at the 2006 Emmys. You can see her on the cover of the Maxim calendar for 2008, in a six-page spread in Stuff (August issue) and Maxim. She also had a co-starring role as Katarina on the television show "Cane."

Questionnaire

1. Are there particular qualities you like in a contestant?
I like to see contestants get to play who are deserving. Those who have an original story or just off the wall funny.

2. Do you have a favorite contestant, and who was it?
I really liked Brooks, he was like a big teddy bear but just couldn't catch a break, even the second time he played. I also liked Pyong Kong who clogged on the show and sang karaoke. But what was so great about him was that his family came over from Korea with only $750 and the numbers that he was left with at the end of the game were $750 and $750,000. It was as if destiny was playing a part in that game.

3. How tough is it to stand in place for the entire taping? Is there something like martial arts training for long-term smiling?
It is a lot harder than it looks to stand in one place for a long time especially in heels. Smiling for a long time also took some time to get used to. In the beginning of season 1, my jaw would quiver from my muscles getting so tired. But now that it is season 3 it's a piece of cake, I'm used to it.

4. What was your most embarrassing moment on the show?
It was the time that I had a hundred thousand dollars in my case. I reacted like it was a lot of money, and it is. But Howie thought that I thought I had the million-dollar case. When he asked me about it I said "No, Howie, to some people a hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money," and walked off stage. He later asked if I was mad at him. Of course I wasn't but at the same time it was funny and a bit embarrassing.

5. What would you like to be doing next in your career?
I am focusing most of my energy on acting rather than modeling now. I am also creating my own line of body lotions, which will be in stores next year.

6. What do you like doing most with your free time?
I still train in Wushu, and continue taking weapons classes too. Most of my free time goes to me working on my business and then remodeling my new home. I also like being spontaneous, like going away for the weekend, camping or driving up the coast to Santa Barbara.

7. What one person, besides your parents, has had the most influence on your life? Why?
My boyfriend, Josh Fritts, has a major influence on my life. He is so supportive with my career and everything I do.

8. Where are you from originally? (If not from Los Angeles) What brought you to Los Angeles?
I was born in Russia, my mom and I moved over to Florida when I was eight. After I graduated from high school I packed my stuff and drove cross country to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

9. What has been a particularly memorable experience in your life, something that really stood out?
When I first came to the U.S., I was seven and a half. It was in the end of January and in Russia it was below freezing. When I arrived in Florida it was like 90 degrees outside! I was in disbelief, then my stepdad took me to the grocery store and it was packed with food. I thought it was a dream!

10. Now for the important questions: what was your favorite television show when you were ten?
When I was 10 I loved "America's Funniest Home Videos," actually I still do!