Actress Kristina Wagner Looks Gorgeous in a Bikini at 54

Actress Kristina Wagner has been the star of General Hospital for decades, and in that time has posed for thousands of modeling photos. But she had never had the courage to do a swimsuit shoot before–that is, until now. The stunning 54-year-old (yes, 54!) decided to rock a red two-piece on the latest cover of FIRST, and it’s a total show-stopper.

Even more powerful than her beautiful photos? Her inspiring message about why she decided now was the time to be bold and authentic.

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“Never in my life have I posed in a bikini or underwear before, but I didn’t mind because it’s not about ‘how do you get fit so you can wear a bikini’—it’s about a lifestyle and having good body image,” she told us.

We couldn’t agree more!

Wagner got her first big break in 1984, when she was cast as Felicia Cummings on General Hospital. She played the role until 2003, but has come back to the show several times since then to reprise the character.

We’ll never forget how dazzling she was back then!

(Getty Images)

Looking slim and radiant as she posed recently by a swimming pool in Los Angeles for FIRST, Wagner–who was once married to Melrose Place star Jack Wagner–revealed more about her secrets for keeping a youthful figure and maintaining a positive body image. As for her key to looking her best now, in her mid-50s, the actress said she owed it all to one golden rule.

DON’T MISS: To find out Kristina’s savvy go-to’s to stay slim, happy and radiant, pick up the new issue of FIRST on stands May 4!

“I look my best if I focus on taking care of my whole self—mind, body and spirit,” she said. “For years I would easily attach to other people and what they thought. But as I’ve become older, I’ve learned to honor myself, honor my feelings, own them and feel good about who I am. I don’t need to judge myself anymore.”

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Amen to that! It reminds us of more wise words about aging gracefully that we’ve heard from other famous women: Be kind to yourself above all else.

After all, life is hard enough–why shouldn’t we all be our own best cheerleaders?

NEXT: These 20-something bikini-body women are actually all in their 50s! See their inspiring tips.