Pamela Anderson’s career revival: From ‘Baywatch’ to award-winning actress in ‘The Last Showgirl’

Anderson’s resurgence comes after a period of introspection, prompted in part by renewed media attention to her past.

Pamela Anderson, long known for her iconic roles in Baywatch and Playboy, is undergoing a remarkable career revival, culminating in her award-winning performance in The Last Showgirl directed by Gia Coppola. In a recent interview with Variety, Anderson reflected on her personal journey, describing the past two decades as a time of deep emotional struggle.

“It feels like I went from Baywatch to Broadway,” Anderson said, citing her critically acclaimed run as Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago as a major turning point in her life. She revealed that much of her career between these roles felt like a blur, largely due to what she now recognizes as “decades-long depression.”

Anderson’s resurgence comes after a long period of introspection, prompted in part by renewed media attention to her past, including the Hulu series Pam & Tommy, which revisited her relationship with Tommy Lee. Anderson has publicly distanced herself from the series, telling Variety that she never watched it and had no involvement in its production. However, it was during this time that Rob Marshall, director of the film adaptation of Chicago, approached her for the role of Roxie, encouraging her to take control of her own narrative.

Her journey was further documented in the Netflix film Pamela, a Love Story, which received two nominations at the 75th Creative Arts Emmys. The documentary caught the attention of Gia Coppola, who cast Anderson as the lead in The Last Showgirl, a drama set in Las Vegas. Anderson’s performance has been praised by critics, and she recently won the prestigious Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival.

“I transformed, and that was my intention,” Anderson said, reflecting on her intense preparation for the role. In one scene, which required her to tear off her costume in a moment of vulnerability, Anderson completed the performance in a single take. “I went to Gia and said, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready now,’” she recalled.

For Anderson, this career revival is more than just picking up where she left off—it's about continuing a journey of self-discovery. “I just want to know what I’m made of,” she said. “There is never enough time, so why not just go for it?”

The Last Showgirl was acquired by Roadside Attractions following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and while no official release date has been set, there is already significant awards buzz surrounding Anderson’s performance.