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America's Got Talent - Online

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Pilar was raised in San Antonio, Texas. As a child, she had a wild imagination and could never decide what she wanted to be when she grew up. Every time she was asked, she had a new career in mind, from astronaut to neurosurgeon to bus driver! It was in high school that she realized the only way to have all these different careers was to move to Hollywood and pursue a career in acting. That way, she could play a lawyer in one role and then turn around and play a soldier in the next!

With limited funds and a broken-down Mustang that she repaired herself, she arrived in Los Angeles and soon booked her first gig as a waitress at T.G.I. Fridays, a gig that led to her gaining 38 pounds in just three months.

At the same time, she also managed to total her car while on her way to an audition. When she found herself selling artwork out of her cousin's car, feeling the pain of a broken heart, and literally ripping her jeans at the seams, she decided it was time to pack her bags and return home. Back home, she lost the weight and two months later returned to the city that had chewed her up and spit her out.

The dedication quickly paid off and she landed her first acting job in an independent film titled "Malibu Spring Break," in which she played the role of Gloria. The marketing of "Malibu Spring Break" caught the eye of Playboy's senior photo editor and soon Pilar found herself gracing the pages of Playboy in her birthday suit, becoming Miss August 2004! Becoming a Playboy centerfold gave her a sense of confidence and power. Knowing the typical stereotype associated with Playmates, she worked twice as hard to prove that beyond having sex appeal, she has class, intelligence and talent.

Her thirst for success soon landed several other independent films, including guest shots on soaps and "Las Vegas." Soon, she found herself on the NBC hit show "Deal or No Deal" as Case Model #8. Aside from acting and modeling, she is the host of The Playmate Hour, a one-hour slumber party talk show on Playboy Radio, Sirius channel 198.

Lastra's dating adventures, and experiences with Playboy and life in Los Angeles, inspired her to write her first book, titled "You're Onto Him... A Response to the Complete A**holes Guide to Handling Chicks." Learning to maintain and repair her own car inspired her to write her second book, "Treat Me Like Your Car... A Man's Guide to Treating a Lady." Both books are being pitched to publishing houses at the moment. She is now in the process of writing her first feature film and is also developing a cooking show.

Questionnaire

1. Are there particular qualities you like in a contestant?
I love it when people have a story. It really touches my heart to see that we are helping out people whose house burnt down, or they have overcome a tough moment in their life. I came from nothing so I can personally relate to them when they are just trying to better themselves and their families. There have been several times the shows have actually made me cry. I also LOVE the contestants that love sports because then we go the extra mile to theme the show around sports and I love the jersey dresses! And I am a huge sports junky!

2. Do you have a favorite contestant, and who was it?
Brooks Leach, need I say more! He was so great that we brought him back for round two. Talk about a guy with no luck! But he was like a big teddy bear.

3. How tough is it to stand in place for the entire taping? Is there something like martial arts training for long-term smiling?
I am glad this question is being asked, because it is not bubble gum and candy standing up there. I used to have really pretty feet but now not so much! I should change my favorite contestant to the contestant who wanted us to take off our shoes! That was the best! Oh and the guy that we wore converse for his show, that was nice too. But I am not complaining, I love my job!

4. What was your most embarrassing moment on the show?
Embarrassing moment... I don't think I have had one yet on the show. I know that I am now jinxing myself! I will be the next to tumble down the stairs on our next taping cycle. Great!

5. What would you like to be doing next in your career?
I am always working on something and I am starting to write another book right now. I really enjoy writing.

6. What would you like doing most with your free time?
Free time, what's that? I like to catch up on sleep.

7. What one person, besides, your parents, has had the most influence on your life? Why?
I love the story behind Gloria Estefan. She had a devastating accident and wasn't able to walk anymore. It could have been career-ending but she bounced back. People who don't fall victim to their situations and bounce back really inspire me to keep working hard. It is people like her that have kept me believing in determination when it was easier to just give up. I have learned in my own life that I am where I am today not because I was the prettiest girl or had the best body and I am surely not the tallest but I just had a little more heart and determination than all the other girls.

8. Where are you from originally? What brought you to LA?
I am from San Antonio, How about them SPURS! I moved to L.A. to pursue a career in acting and somehow fell into modeling. I guess you never know in which direction life is going to lead you.

9. What has been particularly memorable experience in your life?
My most memorable moment was when I was able to retire my mother. She has worked so hard her entire life to give my sisters and I a better life and she has been my greatest rock. I owe her everything that I am today, so it felt so amazing to help her out.

10. Now for the important question: What was your favorite television show when you were ten?
At ten my favorite show was football and "Transformers." "Carebears" were kinda cute too. Oh and I loved "Thundercats!" I was kinda old to be watching cartoons...

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