I Don't Know If People Know How Hard She Works

This coming Sunday, I’ll be making my way to the Screen Actors Guild Awards, proudly representing myself as a nominee in the category of Best Actress for “The Last Showgirl.

Anderson faces competition from Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, Cynthia Erivo and Karla Sofia Gascon.

It’s a huge moment, coming on the heels of a Golden Globe nomination.

Brandon Thomas Lee, Anderson’s son, considers this acknowledgment as a great honor and signals a change in both the general public’s and particularly his peer group’s perspective towards him.

Throughout much of her professional life, Anderson has been viewed as a “newcomer in the industry.” However, both Anderson and Lee have been actively challenging this viewpoint about her. According to Lee, Anderson is indeed an “outsider in the industry.” He expresses delight at seeing her forge connections within it, stating, “It’s wonderful to witness her expanding her network. She’s encountering so many remarkable individuals and making new friends, which brings me immense joy.” He further adds, “To observe her receiving recognition from her peers, acknowledging the effort and commitment she invested in her performance, whether it led to awards or nominations, is truly inspiring. The response from the community towards her work is simply incredible.

Here, Lee engages in a discussion with EbMaster, exploring the most common misunderstandings about Anderson, managing a family enterprise, and regaining control over the storyline.

How did it feel when the Oscars were announced and “The Last Showgirl” wasn’t nominated?

Pamela put it simply, “Victory lies within effort.” She’s not only won over her fans but also touched the hearts of her peers.

Initially, we didn’t envision such an outcome as a real possibility. It feels surreal when you’re drawn into these discussions, and all of a sudden, we find ourselves on an awards campaign, with people connecting to our message. I believe that everyone gets swept up in the Oscars – although it would have been a magnificent accolade – but Pamela is delighted with the film’s reception. In fact, it fuels our desire for future chances.

How have you found this whole experience with Hollywood as a producer and working on the business side of things?

It’s been quite fascinating for me. I prefer to work from behind the curtain, particularly alongside my mom. She’s the one who deserves the spotlight. The beauty of being backstage is I get to observe the transformation in her influence within the industry and the mark she’s left on pop culture. From a professional viewpoint, I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to my family’s ventures and be part of these amazing accomplishments. I’ve always known her as people are seeing her now, so it’s been an enjoyable journey helping to communicate that message effectively to audiences, fans, and the industry.

I’m still harboring a great deal of aspirations for improving things from the past that I believe could be executed more effectively. There are countless inspiring projects waiting for us just around the corner. I am truly excited to witness the progression of whatever this journey takes us, with Pamela and me working together as partners in this endeavor.

Can you talk about those things that you want to reclaim?

I’m unable to discuss them at the moment, but it seems everyone is already familiar with them. Pamela has an extraordinary talent for storytelling and brings so much value, particularly as a trendsetter. There are numerous opportunities within the entertainment industry waiting for us, and I can only imagine what else she could contribute, including possibly returning to acting.

You and Pamela are very close, would you ever look at producing a project that she is not a part of and branching out from that, even just in terms of clients and representing others?

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always dreamt of creating something remarkable for my family’s legacy. Glancing around, I can’t help but feel there’s potential here to make a difference and stir up excitement. My mind is brimming with ideas about what that could be. I’m constantly on the lookout for intriguing projects, and I have several promising concepts simmering right now. However, I’m equally committed to this new phase in my family’s life. After all, success doesn’t last forever; it needs to be seized when it presents itself. So, I’m eagerly planning how I can shape the next chapter of my career and life, ensuring I fulfill my responsibilities as a son, secure her future success, and ensure she’s content and able to pursue her dreams.

What’s been the biggest challenge of navigating Hollywood?

At a young age, you might not fully appreciate the importance of building connections and fostering relationships. Growing up with ties to Hollywood, I’ve found it fascinating to encounter many people from my past whom I barely knew but now have the chance to develop meaningful relationships with. It was an underestimation on my part about the significance of these connections. I believe that you can only achieve so much on your own, and expanding your social circle is crucial. Conversations within a small group are limited, but when you engage with a larger network, anything becomes possible. For me, and for other young producers, having those connections is vital. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a mentor in this industry; instead, learning comes from making mistakes. It’s rewarding to establish relationships and advance within the industry by meeting one person who then introduces you to another, creating a sort of journey.

With the SAG Award nomination, the cooking show, and later the “Naked Gun” reboot all coming up, how are you feeling about this year?

This year looks promising! We’re lucky to have completed “The Naked Gun” and some other projects, and it seems like this will be a year of significant choices. It’ll be intriguing to see where Pamela decides to head next, as the world is full of possibilities for her. The choice she makes now is crucial, as she has many options. I have faith that whatever she chooses will be excellent, and we’ll all be along for the ride. I hope we can maintain the trajectory set by “Showgirl” and keep the momentum going because she’s incredibly talented.

Pamela flourishes most when presented with obstacles, and over the past two years, I believe her actions and responsibilities demonstrate this. I hope the audience recognizes this, and should they do so, I believe it will make for an extraordinary year for her.

What can we expect from “The Naked Gun” reboot?

Many folks may not fully appreciate just how hilarious Pamela truly is; she’s got quite the knack for comedy. The movie “Showgirl” carries a lot of depth, but this role presents a whole new avenue for Pamela, offering fun and excitement, and it promises to be an extraordinary film.

Has she told you what her dream role is?

Pamela yearns to work alongside true artists, the ‘auteurs’, in her acting career. Her affection runs deep for classic Hollywood productions, such as those of Ingmar Bergman, and she aims to create films that embody the lasting elegance of this era.

What is it like running the family business on a day-to-day basis, and what are your plans to expand it?

It’s remarkable how this experience transformed Pamela from considering retirement to embracing renewed vigor. This transformation was significantly influenced by the impact of the documentary and book, which resonated deeply with people, allowing them to connect with her on a deeper level.

We’re just getting started.

I have numerous thoughts about our potential destinations, as our enterprise is thriving and has several diverse branches. Among them are Sonsie Skincare, which we’re particularly devoted to, and EarthDay 365. In addition to producing content, Pamela handles acting and scriptwriting. Essentially, we function as a multimedia company, with me overseeing all these various aspects.

My brother Dylan frequently provides me with a great deal of assistance and encouragement. Remarkably, Pamela has been presented with an exceptional chance to be not just an actress, but a significant cultural influencer. This influence can expand into various domains, such as lifestyle, writing, acting, production, and numerous other projects, all underpinned by her genuine message. At the moment, we’re predominantly concentrating on advancing Pamela’s acting career.

You’re working with your mom and brother, how do you deal with conflict when those situations arise?

Collaborating with family brings great pride, yet it can sometimes be intricate. It’s mostly about setting clear boundaries regarding responsibilities and decision-making authority. Pamela manages herself effectively. I don’t assume the role of a dictator, instructing her every move. Instead, she steers the ship, and the key is open communication. I oversee the business because that’s my forte. Pamela takes the lead because that’s her forte, and we generally stick to our roles. There’s minimal disagreement. I believe we make a harmonious team, and everyone is content, which is paramount.

What is the biggest misconception people have about Pamela?

It’s possible that not everyone realizes just how tirelessly she works. We’ve certainly debunked many misconceptions about her. Now, it seems people understand that she’s not only intelligent but also gifted in various ways. One aspect of her I deeply respect is her work ethic – it’s truly remarkable. When it comes to award circuits, where endurance and productivity are tested, as well as the number of commitments one can take on, Pamela thrives. She’s always eager and happiest when she’s busy. Her dedication to her work is unwavering.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-02-20 01:50

I Don’t Know If People Know How Hard She Works