Pamela Anderson Teases ‘The Naked Gun,’ ‘Rosebud Pruning,’ Talks ‘The Last Showgirl’ Co-Star Jamie Lee Curtis

As a cinephile who’s had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Hollywood, I can’t help but feel inspired by the resilience and renaissance of Pamela Anderson. Growing up in a small town, I never imagined that one day a mischievous child like me would find herself on Broadway, let alone starring alongside Liam Neeson in “The Naked Gun” and sharing the screen with the legendary Jamie Lee Curtis in “The Last Showgirl.


It might seem that police officers and women don’t have much of a connection, but it appears they can work together effectively, as demonstrated by Pamela Anderson teaming up with Liam Neeson for ‘The Naked Gun’, with Seth MacFarlane producing the project.

“Liam is hysterical in it,” she said at Zurich Film Festival.

I’ve recently completed that task. Currently, I’m collaborating with Karim Aïnouz on ‘Rosebud Pruning’ in Barcelona. We’ve gone through each scene during rehearsals and have done extensive improvisation as our characters – even having family meals in character. Karim is simply amazing, she expressed about the highly anticipated next project, a drama with an ensemble cast including Elle Fanning, Callum Turner, Riley Keough, and Jamie Bell.

Ainouz is responsible for directing “Firebrand,” and Efthimis Filippou, known for writing “Kinds of Kindness,” penned the screenplay.

Anderson, who was in town to present Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl” and receive Zurich’s Golden Eye Award, along with discussing his upcoming cookbook “I Love You: Recipes From the Heart,” shared insights on the delightful past couple of years.

She confessed that she never imagined herself accepting such an award on stage. Yet, she’s eager to continue her work and looks forward to taking on more challenges.

Looking at where I am now, it seems like I transitioned from being on ‘Baywatch’ to performing on Broadway. I can’t quite recall the steps in between, it’s all so hazy. Yet, I’m grateful to be here, right now, because I believe I’ve been dealing with depression for a couple of decades.

After the launch of the 2023 documentary titled “Pamela, A Love Story” and her memoir named “Love, Pamela,” Anderson is currently experiencing a resurgence in her career.

Ryan White created that film, which is how Gia recognized me. I’ve always known I was capable of achieving more. It’s wonderful to be part of popular culture, but it’s both a gift and a challenge. People often fall for you because of your swimwear. After much time, I am here.

Growing up a “mischievous child,” she started dreaming big because of her Finnish grandfather.

He truly ignited my creative thinking. He helped me understand that I’m not merely a reflection of my parents or the place where I was raised.

Modeling for Playboy granted her the opportunity to depart from her small town, and shortly afterward, the entertainment industry recognized her. However, she humorously remarked that she wouldn’t necessarily label it as ‘modeling’.

Growing up on an island, people rarely venture out, and when someone does, the townsfolk can’t help but gossip. With my unique background, there was more than enough fodder for them to joke about me. It came at no extra cost,” she reminisced. “My debut scene involved David Hasselhoff, where I played the saxophone while he scrutinized my forehead. I had absolutely no clue what to do in that situation.

But as of now, she has no regrets.

I believe my experiences from my past life were crucial to portraying this character in ‘The Last Showgirl’, which makes it all worthwhile. If I’m given the opportunity to apply these hardships and lessons in future roles, I will consider myself truly fortunate.

Playing Roxie Hart in “Chicago” on Broadway in 2022 was an important step.  

I was at a surf competition with my sons, when a man approached me: ‘Pamela, I’m a big admirer. I’m Rob Marshall – remember, he directed the 2002 film ‘Chicago.’ There isn’t much authentic emotion left in Hollywood these days, and I appreciate your work. Have you ever pondered the idea of performing on Broadway?’

Over time, fear overcame me. Later on, a miniseries titled ‘Pam & Tommy’ was produced, which I haven’t watched and know nothing about, as I had no involvement in it. However, producer Barry Weissler reached out to me once more, stating: ‘Pamela, you have so much potential within you. You are not going to let this define your journey,'” she explained.

“It was the best thing I ever did. You never know what you are capable of until you try.”

As Anderson moved back home, she started to make peace with her complicated past.

She shared that she reminisced about her past, particularly events from her childhood. The scent of her old home, mixed with cigarettes and alcohol, was vividly present to her, which she felt was significant to examine. Her aim was to regain control over her life. She subsequently purchased her grandmother’s house, renovated it, and rewrote her personal narrative.

Upon reading the script for “The Last Showgirl,” it became a matter of survival for her. She found herself in her overalls, under her straw hat, thinking: ‘I need to get out of here and make this happen!’ However, she was filled with fear at the prospect of meeting her co-star, Jamie Lee Curtis.

Upon arriving at the table, she was noticeably tanned from a spray session. As we conversed, her tan seemed to deepen more and more. Now, it feels like I’ve known her for years. She gripped my shoulders firmly, met my gaze, and declared confidently, ‘We can handle this, girl!’

Anderson didn’t recognize herself on the screen.

I carried out the intended change, and at one point, I recall thinking: ‘This could be my only opportunity. I may not make another film again.’ There’s a scene where I have a breakdown, and I tear off my costume. I went to Gia and declared: ‘I am prepared. I am ready NOW.’ It was all done in one take.

Now famous for her bare-faced look, Anderson didn’t mind going makeup free for the film either.

The girls were keen on adopting the ‘natural makeup’ style too. They questioned, ‘No foundation, no lip gloss, nothing at all?!’ Gia replied casually, ‘Pam isn’t wearing any either.’ I yearned for people to see me genuinely, and this was a wonderful chance to strip everything off. Stepping out without makeup feels incredibly exposed,” she continued.

“I just want to know what I am made of. There is never enough time, so why not just go for it?”
 

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2024-10-06 00:17