Felker’s journey from Britney’s “Toxic” video star to director of Hulu’s Baywatch docuseries.
Matthew Felker, known for his brief but memorable appearance in Britney Spears‘ iconic “Toxic” music video, has come a long way since his days in front of the camera.
Now 44, Felker has transitioned into the role of director and executive producer for his latest project, After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, a docuseries that premiered on August 28 on Hulu.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Felker reflected on his unexpected journey in Hollywood, which began two decades ago when he was cast in the “Toxic” music video.
Felker’s steamy scene with Spears, who was then at the peak of her pop star fame, left a lasting impression on pop culture. Despite the fleeting nature of fame, Felker embraces this moment in his past.
“A lot of people fight the things they become famous for,” Felker told PEOPLE. “The Britney Spears thing is flattering. If someone remembers it or knows it, it’s great.”
Felker’s entry into the entertainment industry mirrors the experiences of many of the stars featured in After Baywatch. Like Pamela Anderson and Jason Momoa, Felker was discovered as a model before transitioning to acting and then directing.
He arrived in California with big dreams and no family ties to the media world, eventually landing on the set of Spears’ video.
Felker believes that his experience as a model and actor in such a significant cultural moment helped him relate to the stars of Baywatch, who often grapple with the legacy of their early fame.
“Life happens to a lot of these people, and we see that,” Felker said of the series, which explores the post-Baywatch lives of its stars. “Just because you’re a beautiful person doesn’t mean that life can’t happen, too.”
Though Felker has moved on to new ventures, he still occasionally encounters reminders of his time with Spears. “It’ll be on social media or someone who went to high school [with me], they’ll send it or they’ll send [the] Making the Video from MTV,” he shared.
After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun offers a fresh perspective on the lives of the stars who once graced the world’s most-watched TV show, revealing that behind the glitz and glamour, they too face life’s ups and downs. The docuseries is now available to stream on Hulu.
