Eli Swansonwho became known worldwide as the astronaut in the iconic music video “Oops!…I Did It Again” of Britney Spearshe has left behind his career in entertainment to devote himself to medicine. Swanson, 49, is now an orthopedic surgeon specialized in trauma, exercising in Arizona as part of District Medical Groupaccording to your profile of LinkedIn.
In April 2000, Swanson appeared with Britney Spears in the “Oops! … I Did It Again” music video, an issue that became a global phenomenon and currently accumulates almost 500 million views on YouTube. In the video, Swanson played an astronaut who explores Mars and discovers an old Spears photograph. Moments later, the singer appears in her iconic tight red suit, performing the choreography that would become legendary.
The video, directed by Nigel Dickwho also worked with Spears in other projects such as “…Baby One More time”concludes with the Swanson character by delivering the singer the necklace Heart of the Oceana reference to the film Titanic.
What many did not know is that, when Swanson was selected for paper, I had no idea that he would work with Spears. In a recent interview with Peoplethe ex -model recalled how he was chosen for the project. “The day after hearing, I received the schedule and details. When I arrived, I discovered what the project was about, which was exciting”, He explained.
during filming, Swanson had the opportunity to meet Britney Spears, who was only 18 years old at that time. According to her memories, the young star was “very sweet” and “humble”, always accompanied by her mother and her little dog.
However, the recording was not exempt from incidents. Swanson recalled that, at one time, a part of the camera fell and hit Spears on the head. “She took it as a champion. I think she had a little laceration, but it was nothing serious”said the now doctor, who praised the singer’s professionalism.
The impact of the video was such that Swanson became recognizable even outside the United States. Recalled an episode in which he was recognized in the meter of Parissomething that he considered “fun” due to the international fame of video.
Despite his brief incursion into the entertainment world, Swanson was always clear that his true passion was medicine. After passing through modeling, he was accepted in the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeonswhere he completed his medical training before specializing in orthopedic surgery.
“Being surgeon is my vocation. It’s what I was destined to do. I think it was the right decision”Swanson said in his interview.
Interestingly, his past as a model has not abandoned it completely. Swanson said that on some occasions, when they arrive at surgery, his colleagues reproduce the video of “Oops! … I Did It Again” or the background song as a friendly joke.
The exmodel has also had some unexpected reunions with Spears. On one occasion, the singer recognized him in a nightclub, which surprised Swanson, who continues to keep a good memory of her time working with the “Pop Princess.”
“I am definitely grateful. I am proud to have been part of that.”He commented, highlighting how the experience left a positive brand in his life.
The “Oops! … I Did It Again” video is still one of the most iconic of Britney Spears’ career, not only for his sticky melody and his unforgettable choreography, but also for having catapulted Eli Swanson as a brief but memorable passage through pop culture before following his true vocation in medicine.
