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Early Life and Roots in Oklahoma
Born as Candis Loving on September 4, 1956, in Oswego, Kansas, Candy Loving’s life journey is one marked by resilience, adaptability, and a search for fulfillment. At just three years old, Candy moved with her mother and four siblings to Ponca City, Oklahoma. Growing up in this small town, she experienced a typical Midwestern upbringing, surrounded by family and community.
In 1974, Candy graduated from Ponca City High School, a milestone that set the stage for her next steps in life. Shortly after her graduation, she married Ron Prather, and the young couple embarked on a new chapter together.
College Life and the Playboy Opportunity
Eager to further her education, Candy enrolled at the University of Oklahoma as a public relations major. Balancing her studies with work, she held jobs at a dress shop and as a waitress to support herself. However, a life-changing opportunity was just around the corner.
In 1978, Playboy magazine began a nationwide Great Playmate Hunt for its 25th-anniversary publication, a contest that attracted thousands of hopefuls. Candy, then a junior at the University of Oklahoma, saw the ad in a local newspaper. With the encouragement of her husband, she decided to enter the competition. Photographer Dwight Hooker shot her test photos, and after seven months, she outperformed over 3,500 other models to claim the top spot.
Rising to Fame as Playboy’s 25th Anniversary Playmate
Candy Loving’s centerfold appearance in the January 1979 issue of Playboy catapulted her to fame, earning her $25,000 and the title of the magazine’s 25th Anniversary Playmate. At just 22 years old, this achievement brought her into the spotlight and offered her opportunities far beyond what she had imagined.
Embracing her new role, Candy took a year off from college to fully immerse herself in the world of Playboy. She moved to California to pursue modeling and acting, quickly becoming a familiar face at high-profile events. As an ambassador for Playboy during its 25th-anniversary celebrations, Candy traveled the world, representing the magazine at various functions.
Her promotional duties included appearances at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and hosting a men’s fashion show. These experiences not only broadened her horizons but also solidified her status as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. In 2001, Playboy readers voted her the runner-up for “the sexiest Playmate of the 1970s,” further cementing her legacy.
A Return to Education and a Shift in Focus
Despite her success and the allure of the celebrity lifestyle, Candy Loving eventually realized that this was not the life she wanted. In 1981, at the age of 25, she made the courageous decision to step away from the spotlight and return to her academic pursuits. She re-enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, determined to complete her bachelor’s degree in journalism. Her time with Playboy had been financially rewarding, allowing her to fund her education without worry.
Not content with just a bachelor’s degree, Candy later pursued a Master of Arts degree in human relations. Throughout this period, she continued to maintain ties with Playboy, fulfilling publicity duties such as signing posters at car shows and exploring potential career options.
Personal Life and New Beginnings in Florida
Candy’s personal life also saw significant changes during this time. While judging a beauty pageant, she met Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Dave Reavis. Their relationship led Candy to relocate to Tampa, Florida, in July 1983. Although their relationship did not last, Candy chose to stay in southern Florida, where she found a new career in the healthcare industry.
In her role, Candy worked on designing benefit packages for companies, utilizing her skills in a different but equally impactful way. She built a stable and fulfilling life for herself away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.
Today, Candy Loving leads a quieter, more private life. She is no longer married but is a devoted mother to her daughter. Her journey from a small-town girl in Kansas to Playboy’s 25th Anniversary Playmate, and finally to a successful career in healthcare, is a story of resilience, adaptability, and self-discovery.
Age
Candy Loving is 67 years old and will be celebrating his 68th birthday on September 4, 2024.
Height
Candy Loving stands at 5′ 7″ (1.70 m), a height that complemented her modeling career and added to her striking presence.
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Filmography
Candy Loving, best known for her association with Playboy, has made various appearances across film and television. In 1979, she made an appearance on the TV series Dance Fever, showcasing her presence in the entertainment industry. The following year, she appeared in the TV show The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, where she played herself in the episode titled “Who’s the Sexiest Girl in the World” (aired on February 19, 1980).
Loving also had a small role in Woody Allen’s 1980 film Stardust Memories, where she played Tony’s girlfriend in a brief but memorable walk-on scene at the end of the film. Her connection with Playboy continued throughout her career, as evidenced by her involvement in several Playboy documentaries. These include Playboy Playmates: The Early Years (1982), where she reflected on the history of Playboy’s iconic Playmates, and Playboy Video Centerfold: Playmate 2000 Bernaola Twins (2000), where she appeared as herself.
She also appeared in other Playboy documentaries, including Playboy: The Party Continues (2000), Playboy: The Ultimate Playmate Search (2003), and Playboy: 50 Years of Playmates (2004). In these films, she helped highlight the lasting impact of Playboy and its iconic Playmates over the years.
Conclusion
Candy Loving’s life story is a compelling example of how one can navigate unexpected twists and turns with grace and determination. From her early days in Ponca City to the heights of fame as Playboy’s 25th Anniversary Playmate, and ultimately to a fulfilling career in healthcare, Candy has continually reinvented herself. Her journey reminds us that success comes in many forms, and true fulfillment often lies in staying true to oneself, no matter where life leads.
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