From her early days as a Playboy model to becoming a devoted mother of two, Kendra Wilkinson's journey in the public eye spans nearly two decades of transformation and growth.
Wilkinson's path to fame began unexpectedly in 2004 when she attended Hugh Hefner's 78th birthday party as a body paint model. That fateful night led to her moving into the Playboy Mansion as one of Hefner's girlfriends alongside Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt.
The trio's life at the mansion became the focus of E!'s hit reality show "The Girls Next Door" in 2005. The series ran for five successful seasons, offering viewers an inside look at their unique dynamic. As Wilkinson later reflected, "It's not like we're The Spice Girls - we dated an 80-year-old man at the same time."
By 2008, Wilkinson had moved on from the Playboy lifestyle. She found love with NFL player Hank Baskett, whom she married in 2009 at the Playboy Mansion with Hefner in attendance. The couple welcomed their first child, Hank Baskett IV, later that year.
Between 2010 and 2011, Wilkinson published two books - "Sliding Into Home" and "Being Kendra" - chronicling her evolution from Playboy model to motherhood. She also competed on "Dancing With the Stars" in 2011, making it to week seven of the competition.
Her reality TV career continued with "Kendra on Top" (2012-2017), which documented her family life. In 2014, Wilkinson and Baskett welcomed their daughter, Alijah Mary. However, their marriage faced challenges and ended in divorce in 2018.
In 2025, Wilkinson made headlines by embracing her changing appearance. "Yes, I've gained weight. Yes, I'm aging," she posted on Instagram. "Yes, I'm not that girl I was before (playboy girl) but for once in a long time I feel good and mentally healthy."
From rhinestone-covered model to reality star to mother, Wilkinson's journey represents a story of personal growth and self-acceptance. Today, at 39, she continues to evolve while prioritizing her role as a mother to her two children.