Stephanie Larimore

Does Stephanie Larimore really want to follow in the legendary Hollywood footsteps of centerfolds Pamela Anderson and Anna Nicole Smith?

The 25-year-old Fort Wayne native is a very determined woman, who quit her job as an aesthetician in a plastic surgeon's office to focus on a good spot in the Playmate stable.

Larimore's parents are supportive. "At first my dad was a little skeptical, but he's really happy for me. He knows it's something I've wanted to do for so long," she said in a phone interview set up by a publicist promoting the issue that appears on newsstands today.

Playboy Enterprises keeps the 2003 Ravenscroft Beauty College grad busy these days, setting up personal appearances at parties, autograph sessions and sporting events.

She plans to be at the Indianapolis 500 later this month.

Any concern that Hugh Hefner's magazine treats women as objects?

"No. When they write the article, they tell a lot about your personality as well," she said.

"I think they obviously found something very special about me, because they interview you and get to know you before they pick you as a Playmate. I mean, thousands of girls turn in their pictures every day, and only 12 are chosen each year. It's such an honor and privilege to be affiliated with the magazine."