Pamela Anderson, the iconic star known for her role on the beloved series Baywatch, has chosen to leave behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for a quieter life rooted in spirituality and self-discovery. Now residing in her hometown of Ladysmith, British Columbia, Anderson has developed an obsession with gardening, cultivating her own vegetables as she reconnects with her identity.
During an interview for Variety's Actors on Actors on December 17, 2024, the 57-year-old actress described her new peaceful routine. "I'm home to remind who I am. I'm getting tired of playing various characters, even in my personal life. That's when I started to take off my makeup and really enjoy working with my own hands," she shared. Anderson's decision to step back from the Hollywood spotlight has not only helped her rediscover herself but also allowed her to immerse herself fully in her gardening passion.
But the entertainment world seems intent on pulling her back, as evidenced by Anderson's new role in the film The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola. The project, which marks her first film appearance since 2022, showcases the experiences of a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl whose life takes unexpected turns following the abrupt closure of her long-running show. When director Gia Coppola reached out to Anderson, it was her son, Brandon Lee, who brought the script to her midst the sprawling vegetables of her garden.
“Gia found Brandon, and Brandon brought me the script. I read it in my little vegetable garden. I immediately understood the whole story as I was reading this drama script,” Anderson recounted. With the film premiering on September 6, 2024, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Anderson expressed great anticipation, noting, "I think I've been getting ready my whole life for this role." It was during the post-screening Q&A after the premiere where she reflected on the significant emotional connections she felt with the character.
Anderson stated, "I've never felt this strongly about something. So after I read the script, I thought, ‘You know what, I have nothing to lose. I'm just gonna do it, just be it.’” This embracing of authenticity is echoed by her co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, who said, "I think she is so smart and deeply soulful and beautiful! I respect her for it so deeply." Curtis’ strong endorsement showcases the high-caliber talent Anderson will share the screen with, including names like Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd.
The emotional depth of The Last Showgirl echoes Anderson's own life experiences, where she continues to seek not only to redefine her career but her identity itself. "I want to look back at my life and really understand who I am, not what others say about me," Anderson once stated to Women's Wear Daily. Her sentiments resonate strongly through both her personal garden and her professional ventures.
Beyond her newfound role and her gardening hobby, Anderson has been busy with other projects, including her participation as the subject of the recent documentary Pamela, A Love Story, produced by Brandon Lee. This Netflix project attained remarkable recognition with two Emmy Award nominations. Anderson also made headlines for her performance on Broadway, appearing in the long-running musical Chicago this past year.
Looking forward, Pamela Anderson is slated to appear next in the reboot of the Naked Gun franchise alongside Liam Neeson, adding yet another layer to her impressive come-back narrative. Her determination to carve out her own path both personally and professionally has inspired many, as she boldly navigates the transition from Hollywood starlet to empowered creator.
With her transition back to her roots and the heartfelt nature of her latest project, Anderson's story embodies resilience, creativity, and the search for authenticity amid the pressures of fame. The Last Showgirl not only marks another chapter in her storied career but also signifies her commitment to redefining who she is on her own terms. It’s the role she was destined to play — and perhaps the most important one yet.
