Dalene Kurtis embodies the Playboy success story. A platinum blonde from small-town Apple Valley, California, Dalene put herself through business school in nearby Bakersfield, and spent three years crunching numbers at an insurance company before she got up the courage to try out for Playboy. “I’m a Scorpio, so I’m determined,” says Dalene. “I’ve dreamed of being a Playboy model since I was 14!” After modeling with both Hawaiian Tropic and Venus Swimwear, fate finally played its hand for Dalene – after a chance meeting with Hef at a Mansion party, she had an open invitation to test for the Centerfold. “Hef told me that I reminded him of Doris Day,” says Dalene – and between the short blonde hair and shy smile, we can definitely see the resemblance. After moving into the Mansion, our Miss September 2001 took on the other, rather more spectacular title of Playmate of the Year 2002. “It was the happiest time in my life,” she admits. Apparently, Dalene never thought she’d make PMOY – in fact, no one was more surprised than the Playmate of the Year herself. “I’m critical of myself, so it was hard for me to think that I was actually going to be in Playboy,” she says. “It makes me love this even more!” From a nine-to-five to Beverly Hills, 90210, one thing is for sure – Dalene Kurtis is here to stay. Dalene celebrates ten years with Playboy – and looks forward to many more – in her Facetime interview.