Pamela Anderson Reflects on Missing the Oscars, Ditching Makeup, and the 'Innocence' of Baywatch

Pamela Anderson Reflects on Missing the Oscars, Ditching Makeup, and the 'Innocence' of Baywatch

Pamela Anderson, the Canadian actress known for her iconic role in Baywatch, has had her share of highs and lows throughout her career, and she remains surprisingly grounded despite missing out on an Oscar nomination for her role in The Last Showgirl.

“I consider the win to be the work itself,” Anderson, 57, told BBC News. “You couldn’t have told me 10 years ago that I’d be here today, so just being part of the conversation is thrilling for me.”

While Anderson earned nominations at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards for her portrayal of a fading Las Vegas dancer in Gia Coppola’s film, she’s not in the running for an Academy Award this Sunday. Despite that, she remains gracious. “I wish everyone the best,” she said. “At the end of the day, it's about having another chance to perform and share your talent with the world.”

Anderson’s rise to fame began in the 1990s when she starred as lifeguard CJ Parker on Baywatch, the most-watched TV show globally at the time. Although she’s best known for this role, Anderson’s life story—marked by Playboy covers, a controversial sex tape, and multiple marriages—has been scrutinized for decades. In 2022, the Hulu series Pam & Tommy portrayed the theft and illegal distribution of her sex tape with then-husband Tommy Lee, a story that Anderson later criticized as "shocking" and demanded an apology from the show's creators.

Now, she’s starring in The Last Showgirl, a film that explores second chances. Anderson plays Shelly, an aging showgirl who must adjust after her show closes abruptly. Many have drawn parallels between the film and Anderson’s own career, something she doesn’t deny. “It’s something that resonated with me on so many levels,” Anderson explained. “This is a story about struggling to continue a career as a woman in later middle age, which is something many generations of women have faced.”

The film also touches on motherhood, with Shelly's character experiencing a strained relationship with her daughter Hannah, as her late-night work schedule interferes with family time. Anderson, who shares two sons—Brandon, 28, and Dylan, 27—with Tommy Lee, says she understands that struggle. "There’s no perfect way to balance being a parent and chasing your dreams," she said. "This role, with all of its imperfections, selfishness, and selflessness, really resonated with me."

Though The Last Showgirl has garnered mixed reviews, many have praised Anderson’s performance. The New York Times described her as “dazzling,” while The Guardian initially gave the film one star before later raising it to three. Critics have referred to her role as a “comeback,” but Anderson prefers to think of it as "a new chapter." "I've always been fascinated by acting, but my personal life led me down a different path, and I devoted myself to raising two beautiful boys," she shared.

Anderson also expressed admiration for fellow actress Demi Moore, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in The Substance. "I’m so happy for Demi. She’s earned her place, and you really have to fight for it," Anderson said.

As for Baywatch, the show has long been criticized for its portrayal of female characters, often seen as overly sexualized and lacking depth. Anderson, however, doesn’t share that view. "I never saw it that way. I thought it was innocent, wholesome, and fun," she reflected. "I always felt empowered surrounded by such incredible people, like lifeguards who were also firefighters. It was empowering."

Ditching the Makeup

Over the years, Anderson has become known for her glamorous 90s look, with her blonde locks and carefully curated image. But recently, she’s embraced a more natural appearance, opting for a “no-makeup” look. “My beauty routine now is all about rest,” Anderson explained. “That’s my priority these days.”

She clarified that it’s not that she’s against makeup, but that she believes it has its time and place. “This chapter is about self-acceptance and rediscovering who I am. I’m figuring out what I have to offer,” Anderson said. “I know I still have a lot to give, both in this industry and in the world. To start, I have to remember who I am before I can play characters on screen—not in my personal life.”