Show & Tell: Chippendale Sami Eskelin

Meet Sami Eskelin

“Chippendales: The Show”

Hometown: Lohja, Finland

Age: 32

Loved soccer as a kid and played well enough to compete regionally. ... Did his mandatory military service in the army, in the equivalent of our special forces. ... Holds a degree in fitness and nutrition and also has studied marketing and business. ... Got his performing start in “Scandinavian Hunks,” a popular male review that played all over Europe. ... Joined Chippendales about three years ago. ... He and wife Rachelle celebrated their second wedding anniversary last month. ... Also does personal fitness and nutrition training through his own company, Next Generation Fitness.

On Las Vegas audiences

“I’ve worked all over the world, and U.S. audiences are far more open. In Vegas, it’s usually about the party, and there is usually some alcohol involved, and it seems to get a little rowdy now and then (laughs). But you get the best audiences. They show emotions. If they like it — and they usually do — they’re not afraid to show it.”