Pamela Anderson’s Son Brandon Thomas Lee Made It His ‘Personal Mission’ to Shatter Hollywood’s View of His Mom

I have great admiration for this young man who has taken it upon himself to protect and elevate his mother’s career, breaking down Hollywood stereotypes along the way. It takes courage and determination to navigate the treacherous waters of show business, especially when one is trying to redefine a public image that has been largely defined by the male gaze.

Pamela Anderson‘s eldest son Brandon Thomas Lee is getting emotional.

After many years, he may have played a significant role in breaking down a longstanding Hollywood stereotype that has cast a shadow on Anderson’s career for quite some time.

The actor-turned-producer is sitting on Zoom discussing her recent success in Roadside Attractions “The Last Showgirl,” which Gia Coppola directed. In the film, Anderson plays Shelly, a veteran dancer who finds herself at a crossroads when the Vegas revue she performs in abruptly closes after 30 years, just as her estranged biological daughter Hannah (Billie Lourd) re-enters her life. Aside from winning rave reviews from critics, Anderson landed herself a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a drama/motion picture. Lee says the nomination “means a lot,” but also hopes this marks a new chapter for Anderson’s career. He says, “It means the culmination of a very long road and a lot of hard work, and the crescendo of an amazing moment that really only marks the beginning for her.”

Over an extended period, Anderson has been stereotyped within the ‘blonde bombshell’ persona following her initial role as a Playboy model and later on in the show “Baywatch”. Her union with Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee frequently grabbed attention due to a leaked sex tape.

After a short period away from public life to devote herself to raising her two boys, Anderson eventually re-emerged, starring as Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of “Chicago.” Last year, she asserted her personal story by releasing her memoir titled “Love, Pamela” and featured in the Netflix documentary “Pamela, a Love Story,” which Lee was instrumental in producing.

Lee’s sense of pride resonates vividly through the computer screen. He feels a surge of emotion as he remembers when Anderson had often said, “She would constantly have to prove herself to others, and so would we.

However, a change is in the air. Has Pamela Anderson truly demonstrated her talent as an actress with her performance as Shelly? The recognition she’s received for this role has led to a transformation not only among viewers and supporters, but also within Hollywood and the roles she’s being offered. Yet, this didn’t occur overnight; it was “The Last Showgirl” that paved the way. Reflecting on their journey over the past decade, Lee remarks, “When you truly consider our progress, it’s astounding.” He further adds, “What Pamela is accomplishing and the opportunities she’s receiving today are simply amazing. It serves as a testament that we’re on the right path.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve taken it upon myself to champion the cause of an extraordinary talent I affectionately refer to as “Pamela” – that’s right, the illustrious Wes Anderson. You see, I believe in his unique storytelling abilities and the magic he weaves on the silver screen. My mission is to help shift the focus toward him and his remarkable work.

There’s a story of the script being turned down by Pamela’s former agent before even showing it to her, and you happened to come across it. Can you talk about meeting with Gia and that gut instinct that this was right for Pamela?

Upon seeing it for the first time, I must admit it wasn’t typical of projects suited for Pamela. Yet, it felt like a burst of freshness, carrying a significant impact that resonated with me. I believed it was within her capabilities to execute it successfully. Moreover, it seemed perfectly timed, and it felt as if the universe was subtly guiding it towards her current professional trajectory. I sensed numerous real-life scenarios she could draw inspiration from for this project.

In our meeting, I spoke with Gia and Robert Schwartzman about potentially entrusting them with her return performance – a significant endeavor that requires trust.

They run their business like a family, with everything being intertwined in a similar fashion. This is simply how they function, and I had faith in them. It seemed to me that arranging the appropriate elements was key. As the team began to form for this project, and identifying who would assist Pamela in carrying the film, it became an obvious choice and a remarkable opportunity. From the start, I knew it would be a unique creation.

What about getting the script to Pamela, what was her reaction when you gave her this story?

As a film enthusiast, let me tell you, my mother’s humor is genuinely contagious! She might joke about this being her first encounter with an authentic screenplay, and I suspect there’s a grain of truth in that jest.

The interaction occurred quite swiftly. Upon reading it, she declared, “I’m eager to take part.” There wasn’t a moment of hesitation or contemplation. Instead, she immediately took a liking to Shelly, finding the subject matter resonant.

This movie was produced on a budget of slightly more than one million dollars within a span of eighteen days. Given its significant influence, this is truly astonishing. It underscores the power of collaboration among all those involved in the production. Remarkably, when people are willing to set aside personal ambitions and focus on transforming it into an artistic endeavor for the love of filmmaking, exceptional writing, direction, and cinematography, incredible results can be achieved.

To that, Jamie Lee Curtis said she wanted to be in it because Pamela Anderson was going to star in it. When you hear that, what does it mean?

Hearing things like that fills me with an immense sense of pride, not only for her achievements, but also for all that we’ve accomplished together in recent years.

Through the documentary and book, Pamela seized the chance to claim her own narrative and truly reveal her story to the world. For me, one thing constantly lingered at the back of my mind during these projects – the aim wasn’t about providing opportunities, but rather to help people comprehend and familiarize themselves with Pamela because there was so much misunderstanding surrounding her identity. This misconception was impeding the opportunities she received. So, when Jamie expressed this, what more could one desire?

You were instrumental in shattering the Hollywood stereotype. How did you navigate that?

My primary motivation for getting involved stemmed from more than just business interests; it was also deeply rooted in my personal mission to repay the opportunities my mom provided me as a child. She’s always been there for me, selfless and dedicated. At some stage in life, one transforms into a guardian, and I wanted to be that for her.

From a young age, it was clear to me that I would ultimately establish a strong foundation for my family and unite everyone around it.

In a world where cashing in on familiar faces is a tempting proposition, I must confess that the idea crossed my mind. A film about the Pamela we all supposedly knew could’ve raked in the dough, leaving her less than content, yet financially secure. However, I chose to prioritize authenticity and honest portrayal over monetary gain. After all, a true critic’s duty lies in capturing the essence of artistry, not exploiting it for profit.

As a devoted cinephile, I truly yearned for her to experience the chance, regardless of the outcome, to shine and triumph in the cinematic realm that captivated her heart.

We declined numerous significant prospects as they didn’t align with making Pamela feel proud. However, we had to stand firm in our decision to prioritize the memoir and documentary, stepping back from offers that wouldn’t highlight or illuminate her story instead.

Well those projects shifted the narrative, and the support shifted from largely male to female.

It appears to me that it’s the acceptance of a new phase. Previously, she was often reduced to an object and catered primarily to the male perspective throughout her career, which is known as the ‘male gaze’. However, when all aspects were openly discussed, the transformation was surprising to me. At that moment, I realized there would be a significant change in her career trajectory because she was no longer perceived as enigmatic or threatening. Instead, she emerged as a more understood and approachable figure.

Instead of being seen primarily as a sex symbol, she transformed into a recognized individual, prompting a fresh perspective from the public. This transformation seems to have given her a second chance, making it appear as though everyone is now supporting and cheering her on.

Going back to “The Last Showgirl,” are you seeing a shift in the scripts coming her way?

Following the airing of the documentary, there was a remarkable change in public perception towards her, attracting significant interest. However, it seemed that extraordinary achievements continued to elude Pamela.

It wasn’t until “The Last Showgirl” arrived that we found something truly remarkable. Although other opportunities presented themselves, they weren’t quite what she was seeking. Yet, the chance was available for her to explore if she wished.

It wasn’t until “Showgirl” that I noticed a change in the kind of roles she was given, and wow, what opportunities she’s since had! Her journey from here is truly exciting. I believe this new phase has piqued people’s curiosity about her potential. The documentary didn’t aim to validate her as an actress; she’s already demonstrated her talent for that.

So she’s going to be acting more, right?

It’s very safe to say that you’ll be seeing her on the big screen for some time.

What did you think of Hulu’s “Pam and Tommy” series?

Discussing Pamela seems to aid us in achieving our objectives, as it broadens our reach. Regarding the series, I haven’t formed any specific opinions about it. We usually gather information and proceed accordingly, and that’s my take on it.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

2024-12-19 02:18