Pamela Anderson Opens Up About Decades of Depression and Her Career Revival
Pamela Anderson, the former Baywatch star, has been garnering widespread acclaim for her latest film The Last Showgirl, marking a significant milestone in her career. While attending the Zurich Film Festival to receive the prestigious Golden Eye Award, Anderson candidly reflected on her emotional struggles and the personal challenges she’s faced throughout her career.
In an interview with Variety, Anderson revealed that she may have been battling undiagnosed depression for “a couple of decades.” The star noted that the period between her globally recognized role in Baywatch and her Broadway debut in 2022 was a “big blur.” It was a time filled with emotional turmoil, where she felt lost and disconnected from her true self. “It feels like I went from Baywatch to Broadway. I don’t know what happened in between,” she said, hinting that her mental health may have played a significant role in how she experienced those years.
Despite her struggles, Anderson is now enjoying a new chapter in her career, thanks to her role in The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola. In the film, Anderson plays Shelley, a veteran Las Vegas performer who must navigate the uncertainty of her future after her long-running show suddenly closes. Anderson connected deeply with the character, revealing that it felt like the first time she ever received a “good script” and knew she was “the only one” who could play the role.
Anderson’s professional resurgence began in 2022, when she made her Broadway debut in the musical Chicago as Roxie Hart. The opportunity was presented to her by director Rob Marshall, who had worked on the film adaptation of Chicago in 2002. Although initially intimidated by the idea, Anderson eventually embraced the challenge and described her Broadway performance as “the best thing” she had ever done.
While her return to the stage reignited her passion for performance, it was the release of her 2023 memoir Love, Pamela and the Netflix documentary Pamela, a Love Story, directed by Ryan White, that allowed the world to see a more authentic and vulnerable side of Anderson. These projects offered a glimpse into her personal journey, including the emotional highs and lows that defined her life and career.
Anderson acknowledges that her past struggles with mental health played a role in shaping who she is today, and she is now using that experience to fuel her current work. “If I didn’t have the life I had, I don’t think I could’ve played this character,” she shared. Anderson now feels that every challenge and difficult period she endured was “worth it” for the opportunity to portray Shelley in The Last Showgirl.
Reflecting on her personal growth, Anderson remains hopeful about the future and excited to take on more roles that challenge her creatively and emotionally. As she put it, “You never know what you are capable of until you try.” With her career resurgence, Pamela Anderson has not only redefined herself but has also inspired others with her story of resilience and self-discovery.
Pamela’s Career Journey: From Baywatch to Broadway and Beyond
Pamela Anderson’s rise to fame began with her role as C.J. Parker in Baywatch, a role that made her a household name in the 1990s. Her iconic portrayal of the lifeguard, running in slow motion across the beach, became an enduring symbol of pop culture. However, despite her public success, Anderson struggled privately, grappling with the immense pressure of fame and the challenges it brought to her personal life.
Her unexpected transition to Broadway in Chicago showcased her versatility and talent beyond her glamorous image. With the role of Roxie Hart, Anderson proved that she was capable of taking on complex characters in live theater, earning critical acclaim and helping to change the narrative surrounding her career.
Now, with The Last Showgirl, Anderson is once again stepping into a role that allows her to tap into her personal experiences and channel them into her performance. Her portrayal of Shelley, a character facing a transitional phase in life, mirrors her own journey of overcoming challenges and reinventing herself.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Pamela Anderson
As Anderson continues to embrace her career revival, fans and critics alike are eager to see what the future holds for the actress. With The Last Showgirl earning rave reviews and her willingness to share her story of struggle and perseverance, Anderson is proving that she is more than just a pop culture icon—she is a multifaceted artist with depth and resilience.
In her own words, Anderson remains excited about the future, determined to “keep working” and to explore new opportunities in both film and theater. With her candid reflections on mental health, personal growth, and her rediscovered passion for acting, Pamela Anderson’s story is one of triumph over adversity, offering inspiration to many who may face similar struggles.
Through it all, Pamela Anderson has shown that it’s never too late to redefine yourself and that even the most challenging experiences can lead to new beginnings.