Modern Marilyn: Golden Globe-nominated Pamela Anderson continues to impress with her remarkable return to acting.
After her appearance in Playboy and her role in "Baywatch" during the 90s, Pamela Anderson has gradually stepped back from the forefront of pop culture in the following decades.
However, now, following her Golden Globe nomination for her role in Gia Coppola's "The Last Showgirl" and a SAG award, the model, author, and fitness trainer has also found a path to her acting recognition.
Reported by UNN with references to NME and Variety.
Though Pamela Anderson did not make it to the Oscar nominees, she is experiencing a unique moment in her career that perhaps was not even anticipated.
She was an icon in the 90s after her time in Playboy and her role in "Baywatch," but she stepped away from the limelight after a series of personal scandals and some career setbacks. Nevertheless, Anderson has managed to return to an active artistic career at the age of 57, and she now appears stronger than ever.
For her role in "The Last Showgirl," directed by Gia Coppola, Pamela Anderson received the prestigious "Art of Light" award at the GEMS ceremony during the Miami Film Festival in 2024. In early 2025, Anderson was nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG award for Best Actress.
1She was showered with compliments after appearing at the 2025 Bafta Awards, where Anderson walked the red carpet and presented the award for Best Actor.
Embracing a Makeup-Free Look
The former "Baywatch" star continues her signature makeup-free appearance.
Pamela Anderson stopped wearing makeup in recent years. This decision was influenced by the loss of her beloved makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, who passed away from breast cancer in 2019. Anderson had collaborated and maintained a friendship with her for many years. This loss was a significant pain for Anderson. She stated that without Alexis, it’s simply better for her not to wear makeup, opting to "go against the rules and do everything differently."
Today, Anderson is receiving invitations from fashion brands. Recently, she attended the Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show in Paris, dressed in a monochrome gray outfit, carrying a Lady Dior bag, and wearing a tiara with a veil that partially covered her face, adding an air of sophistication. She once again appeared without makeup, reaffirming her commitment to a natural look.
2Returning to Active Creative Projects
In early January 2025, Pamela Anderson attended the Screen Actors Guild Awards as a nominee for Best Actress in "The Last Showgirl." Among her competitors were recognized actors: Demi Moore, Mike Madison, and Carla Sofia Gascon.
Anderson's son, Brandon Thomas Lee, states that this recognition is an honor and symbolizes a shift in her perception.
3It’s also worth mentioning that in early 2023, along with the Netflix documentary "Pamela, A Love Story" (produced by her son Brandon Thomas Lee), Anderson released her book "Love, Pamela: A Memoir," which encompasses her entire life in over 230 pages, recalling both traumatic childhood events and details of her move to Los Angeles, ultimately leading to her appearance in Playboy.
Creative Collaboration with Francis Ford Coppola’s Granddaughter
It was "Love, Pamela: A Memoir," which Gia Coppola first read before making the film, that convinced her that Anderson was perfect for the role of the character named Shelly.
4The shoot was stunning, lasting only 18 days, and Anderson poured her heart and soul into the role of Shelly.
After "The Last Showgirl," in 2024, Anderson also starred alongside Liam Neeson in the reboot of "The Naked Gun," a 1990s detective parody featuring comedy legend Leslie Nielsen.
She has long made peace with her past—Pamela Anderson is even unbothered by the theft of the sex tape featuring her and her ex-husband, musician Tommy Lee (the drummer of Mötley Crüe).
5Her talent has already been recognized. Yes, she may not be vying for an Oscar just yet, but she is building a new artistic career that once seemed unlikely.
"Everything is unexpected and exciting. I always say that victory is in the work. I was able to do what I truly love, and I needed to do it for my soul," Anderson shared in a conversation with ELLE.