The model who made an appearance as Britney Spears’ astronaut lover in her Oops!…I Did It Again music video has had a surprising career shift.
Eli Swanson, 49, became widely known for his role in the clip which was released 25 years earlier in April 2000.
Since then, he pursued his passion for medicine and is currently an orthopedic trauma surgeon based in Arizona, as per his LinkedIn page.
At the time he stepped onto the set of the music video – which has currently racked up nearly 500 million views on YouTube – Swanson was age 24 and the songstress was only 18.
Eli played a NASA astronaut exploring the planet of Mars when he comes across an old picture of Spears. The pop star herself then suddenly appeared in an iconic red jumpsuit as she performed the upbeat track.
At the end, the astronaut presented Britney with the Heart of the Ocean necklace that was seen in the Oscar-winning film Titanic.
The model who made an appearance as Britney Spears’ astronaut lover in her 2000 Oops!…I Did It Again music video has had a surprising career shift
Eli Swanson, 49, became widely known for his role in the clip which was released 25 years earlier in April 2000; seen in Hollywood in 2001
When he initially auditioned for the part in the music video, Eli was not aware that he would be working with Spears.
Swanson told People during a recent interview, ‘The next day, I received the call time and details. When I arrived, I discovered what the project was, which was exciting.’
The doctor had nothing but positive words for Spears and the experience he had while on set.
‘When I met her for the first time, she was very sweet. She had her little dog and her mom with her.
‘It was cool to meet her. She was very, very nice…very humble,’ Swanson further gushed to the outlet.
At one point while filming a scene, he remembered that a part from one of the cameras had fallen and hit the songstress in the head.
But Eli explained the performer maintained her professionalism and ‘took it like a champion.’ He added, ‘I think she had a little laceration on her head, but it wasn’t anything crazy.’
When the music video dropped, Swanson recalled being recognized on the subway when he had been visiting Paris.
Since then, he pursued his passion for medicine and is currently an orthopedic trauma surgeon based in Arizona
‘When I met her for the first time, she was very sweet. She had her little dog and her mom with her. It was cool to meet her. She was very, very nice…very humble,’ he said of Spears
The pop song can be found on the star’s second studio album of the same name which was released in May 2000
‘It was pretty funny because it was so far away and for some reason that video with the red jumpsuit was just kind of iconic. A lot of people remember that video.’
His past career in the entertainment industry has also followed him to his current one in the medical field.
‘It’s kind of funny, ’cause there’s been a few times where I have my first surgical case, and someone will put the video on, or the song on, like when I walk into the room,’ Eli humorously revealed.
While Swanson enjoyed his time stepping in front of the camera, he always wanted to pursue his passion for medicine.
He eventually was accepted and studied at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.
‘Being a surgeon is my calling. It’s what I was supposed to do. I think it was the right decision.’
According to his official LinkedIn page, Swanson worked as a MD for District Medical Group.
On a few occasions over the years, Swanson has crossed paths with Spears – such as at nightclub where she recognized him.
In regards to the past experience of collaborating with the Princess of Pop in that time of his life, Eli expressed, ‘I’m definitely grateful. I’m proud to have been involved with that.’
In behind-the-scenes snaps from the Oops!…I Did It Again video obtained by People, he could be seen pausing for memorable photos while donning a real NASA space suit.
‘It’s kind of funny, ’cause there’s been a few times where I have my first surgical case, and someone will put the video on, or the song on, like when I walk into the room,’ Eli humorously revealed; seen in Westwood in 2001
On a few occasions over the years, Swanson has crossed paths with Spears – such as at nightclub where she recognized him
Another image showed both Eli and Britney flashing big smiles towards the camera as they stood closely together.
The music video was directed by Nigel Dick – who has previously worked with Britney on other sets such as Baby One More Time.
The pop song can be found on the star’s second studio album of the same name which was released in May 2000.
Five years earlier, Britney also celebrated the 20th anniversary since the LP’s release on Instagram.
She had penned, ‘The anticipation and the butterflies I felt before it came out were crazy… all of my expectations were exceeded.
‘And it’s all thanks to you folks…thank you for sticking with me and growing with me. I am one Lucky girl. God Bless and thank you all! PS you see even 20 years ago I still liked to twirl.’
