Jenny Tai
Sandra “Sandy” Kane, aka the Naked Cowgirl, works in Times Square where she charges tourists $2 to take pictures with her. This gig isn’t her first that involves little or no clothing...
Sandra "Sandy" Kane said she is in New York for one purpose: to reign as the Naked Cowgirl.
The self-proclaimed "Queen of Times Square" is a seasoned entertainer. She was the host of cable television's "Sandy Kane's Blew Comedy Show" and has spent time as a stripper and a go-go dancer.
"I have been naked for years," Kane said. "This is tame for me."
A typical work day consists of posing for pictures and singing on 46th Street at Broadway in a cowboy hat, bra and underwear, and a pair of black leather boots.
Kane, 48, is not to be confused with Louisa Holmlund, 26, who started as the first Naked Cowgirl in 2005. After noticing Holmlund's frequent absence on the scene, Kane was inspired to be a Naked Cowgirl herself.
Kane said this is the most financially stable job she has had in years. She thanks Naked Cowboy Robert Burck for his inspiration; in terms of showing up for the job, she said he is the best role model.
Although the two do not work together, Burck said he respects Kane's ability to complement the Naked Cowboy brand while using it to her advantage.
"She's obviously more confident than all of us. She's very in-your-face," Burck said. "But she's also charming and personable. Everybody loves her."
But not everyone feels the love. Yorimoto Su, 24, paused to stare at Kane but declined to take a photo with her when he discovered the $2 fee.
"She's not my flavor. She's crazy," Su said.
When a teenage girl mutters that she should put some clothes on, Kane doesn't seem to notice. And when asked how she reacts to the occasional offensive comment, she said she didn't understand why people were so uptight.
"The only time it's made me really sad was when I fell in love with a pastor at Times Square Church," Kane said. "His sermon moved me so much. I went up to talk to him, but the security guards gave me a shawl to cover up first. Then when I told him I loved him, they escorted me out."
Colombian tourist Jim Guzmam, 32, paid to take a photo with Kane, and with a little hip-shaking and a song from her, was even willing to give an extra dollar.
"She gets money from being different," Guzmam said. "This is art."
