The Truth About Carmen Electra

(CBS)  The first 'Scary Movie' struck box office gold back in 2000 by poking fun at popular horror films and the next two films in the series followed suit. All told, the first three installments have raked in more than $600 million worldwide.

Carmen Electra, who appeared in the first movie, is back in "Scary Movie 4," and she visited The Early Show to talk about her return to this comedy franchise.

"It was awesome just being a part of, you know, the very first one," she told co-anchor Julie Chen. "No one really knew that it was going to be such a huge success. And so we were all just so excited when it did so well. And now to come back and be a part of the fourth one is awesome. And get to play a different character."

This latest spoof takes aim at a whole variety of movie genres, not just horror films, and Electra said that was part of the fun.

"Leslie Nielsen is back. And he spoofs the president," she said. "To me, that was one of the funniest parts of the movie. And then, of course, you have the Oprah-Tom Cruise thing. And we spoof everything from pop culture to scary movies to romantic comedies like 'Brokeback Mountain.' "

Among the many cameos are Charlie Sheen, Dr. Phil and Shaq. "It's all in good fun," said Electra. "A lot of surprises, and a lot of really cool stuff happens in the movie."

Being back on the big screen, as well as the new face of cosmetics giant Max Factor, means more real estate in the tabloids. So Chen asked Electra to set the record straight on a few of the rumors.

First, the gossip about Electra and her rocker husband Dave Navarro. Are they expecting a baby? Electra says that's false. "I'm definitely not pregnant. I've been hearing that a lot. I can't wait to be a mom someday. Maybe in a few years. I think I have a little time."

But other gossip turns out to be true:

Electra's real name is Tara Leigh Patrick.

She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

She attended high school with Nick Lachey, singer from 98 Degrees.

She was discovered by Prince at the age of 18, a time of life she described to Chen. "I was 18 and broke ... trying to make it," she said. "My first job was dancing on Soul Train, which is really funny."

"Scary Movie 4" opens nationwide April 14.