After decades of being pigeonholed as merely a glamorous figure, Pamela Anderson is finally stepping out from the shadows of her past, ready to embrace her identity as an actress. The 57-year-old star, known worldwide for her role as lifeguard CJ Parker on Baywatch, has found unexpected fame again through her new role as Shelly in Gia Coppola's upcoming film, The Last Showgirl, set for release on March 12, 2025.
Anderson's character, Shelly, is emblematic of the dearth of performing opportunities for women as they age. After 38 years on stage at the famed Razzle Dazzle show in Las Vegas, Shelly's career has reached its twilight, reflecting Anderson's own struggles with societal expectations of beauty and youth. Gia Coppola, the film's director and granddaughter of acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, has beautifully encapsulated the challenges her characters face against the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
“I’ve always loved cinema. I’ve always loved theatre. I hope to do a Tennessee Williams play one day,” Anderson remarked, highlighting her aspirations beyond the confines of popular image. The New York Times hailed her performance as "dazzling," noting it as pivotal for her transformation from iconic sex symbol to credible actress, showing the stark shift of public perception.
Indeed, the film arrives at a moment when Anderson is experiencing what can only be described as revitalization—a narrative arc not unlike her co-star Demi Moore, who has also taken bold steps to reshape the industry's treatment of older women, recently succeeding with her film, The Substance.
With her candid exploration of her personal history—including the struggles and traumas she faced, from childhood abuse to marital upheavals—Anderson has grown to embrace the complexity of her life. The documentary Pamela: A Love Story, released on Netflix last year, serves as a poignant introspection—a chance to confront the mythos her public persona has created.
Anderson remarked, "I have appreciation for my wild and messy life because I have so much to draw from. And it definitely wasn’t boring. Hard at times, and silly at times, ridiculous at times.” This intrinsic connection between her life experiences and her art infuses her performance with truth and vulnerability.
Audiences are drawn to Shelly's story, especially as Anderson stands against the stereotypical narrative often ascribed to older women. The film presents not just nostalgia for the glitz of yesteryears but questions what it means to grow older gracefully within the scrutiny of the public eye. During the film, Shelly, portrayed by Anderson, boldly declares, “I have 57 years, I am beautiful and I’m not going anywhere.” This empowering statement resonates beyond mere dialogue; it is both personal and universal, echoing through all challenges women face as they confront aging.
Coppola’s approach is tender and reflective, capturing the graceful, albeit painful, transition women undergo when society sidelines them for being 'past their prime.' She focuses not just on glitz but on the emotional depth of women who have long graced the stage.
The role also marks the first genuine acting opportunity for Anderson, crafted especially for her after Coppola’s impactful viewing of the Netflix documentary. Anderson shared, “This (role) came to me as a surprise, when I thought it was the end of my career as an actress. But now I feel like an actress.”
Her earlier career built on her aesthetic appeal and the significant exposure from her Playboy covers—a record-setting number—often reduced her to being seen as merely eye candy, though her intellect became increasingly overlooked.
It wasn't until now, with this new narrative, Anderson can challenge the box she has been put in. She recalls the painful moments: from receiving constant public scrutiny to her infamous past involving the release of unauthorized footage. “I felt like I was the one being judged—objectified. It’s difficult to convince audiences you can play diverse roles when they only know you for one,” she reflected, contemplating her experiences of being both revered and reviled.
Among her many accolades, Anderson is celebrated for being outspoken about her experiences with sexism and objectification. “It’s been hard for me to shed these labels of being just the sex symbol,” she shared candidly, “but I also recognize I have the power to change the narrative.”
The film explores not only the personal but also the systemic challenges women face as they age, making it clear it is never too late to reinvent oneself or reclaim one’s narrative. Anderson is back living on Vancouver Island, savoring life's simpler pleasures like canning and recipe development, not just as the iconic actress, but as her own person. Her cooking show Pamela’s Cooking with Love aims to inspire others to embrace plant-based cooking, showcasing another side of her creativity.
With her memoir, Anderson challenges readers with her authenticity, sharing her vulnerabilities and resilience: “I wrote it myself after rejecting advice from my literary agent.” Her voice rings clear—she is more than just her past, she is determined to forge her story with power.
The anticipation surrounding The Last Showgirl not only bridges Anderson's cinematic legacy but also leaves viewers considering women’s multifaceted identities. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, the film highlights the dissonance between age and public perception with heartfelt authenticity. The narrative invites audiences to reflect on the beauty of reinvention, especially for women who bravely defy conventions.
Indeed, as Anderson appears poised to take on more theatrical endeavors, her newfound narrative forces the industry and audiences alike to reconsider what it means to grow—both personally and professionally—in the public eye.