It’s a common adage that if you can act, you should also be able to play poker. Presumably, the actor’s ability to emote would be useful in bluffing - it’s a misconception that poker players are quick to point out. Instead, the actor’s prerogative to emote in communication often betrays their hand. There are some notable exceptions - James Woods, Jennifer Tilly, and… Shannon Elizabeth?
Shannon Elizabeth - The Drama Queen (ABC Images)
For those who have had their eyes open to the poker world for the last couple of years, Shannon is a relative fixture, appearing in themed WPT tournaments filled with the young and sexy—but legitimately competitive—women in poker as well as the NBC National Heads-Up Championship, where she tied for 3rd.
Shannon of course gained acclaim, if not notoriety, for her risqué contribution to the American Pie movies. Her work isn’t confined to partial nudity and fake accents; she helped to found the Animal Avengers, a non-profit group that helps to rescue and find homes for needy animals. She also appeared in socially charged public service announcements after the attacks of September 11, where she said, “I’m half Arabic, but I’m 100 percent American. What is going on affects me the same as everyone else.” And then, there’s the poker thing.
In between making bank by lending her image and voice to magazines, video games, TV, and movies, Shannon has taken up a second career as a poker player, reportedly making trips to Vegas three times a month to play against the top players. She’s cashed four times in WSOP events in 2006 and 2007 and beat out three WSOP bracelet holders to place third in the aforementioned NBC National Heads-Up Championship. She isn’t afraid to use her beauty at the poker table, saying, “a lot of men get lost in their cards if you introduce a decent distraction.” As a poker player with an ego and bankroll to protect, I have to object and assert my ability to resist temptation.
But as a man, I’ll agree to pretty much anything when I have a decent distraction.
Note: The Animal Avengers is a particularly cool charity, so we give a big “awesome” factor to Shannon for helping to create something so worthwhile. Their website is being redone right now, but you can watch some video clips of their great work here:
