Pamela Anderson Then and Now: 'Baywatch' icon's transformation through the years
Pamela Anderson: Transformation of a girl with big dreams into a sex symbol
Known for her iconic portrayal of CJ Parker on 'Baywatch' and her trailblazing fashion sense, the Canadian actress Pamela Anderson has undeniably made a lasting impact on Hollywood. Hailing from British Columbia, Canada, Anderson's journey began when she was discovered at the age of 22 in 1989. Her breakthrough moment occurred when she appeared on a Jumbotron at a British Columbia Lions football game, sporting a Labatt's Beer T-shirt.
The 1990s: Big dreams to Playboy bombshell
Pamela Anderson's first acting credit dates back to 1990 when she appeared in an episode of 'Charles in Charge' titled 'Teacher's Pet'. Interestingly, the year also marked another milestone for Anderson, as she was honored as the February Playmate of the Month for Playboy magazine. Pam's star continued to ascend, and in 1991, she secured a role on ABC's 'Home Improvement', which starred Tim Allen, for an impressive 23 episodes.
'Baywatch' babe in 1992
Pamela Anderson made a grand entrance into the television scene in 1992, captivating audiences as CJ Parker on 'Baywatch'. Her debut came in the first episode of season 3, marking a significant moment in her career when she was just 25 years old.
Sex, drugs, and rock & roll
From 1995 to 1998, Pamela Anderson and her first husband, Motley Crue member Tommy Lee, embraced a lifestyle characterized by sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Pam and Tommy married in 1995, and they remained married for three years. Despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship during this period, they also brought two beautiful children into the world. However, their journey together concluded with an official divorce in 1998. Subsequently, Tommy Lee went on to marry social media influencer Brittany Furlan. In 1999, Pamela Anderson received the Linda McCartney Memorial Award for her dedication to animal rights, and continued to do considerable amount of activist work as late as 2013.
The 2000s: Pamela's pop culture icon era
By the year 2000, Pamela Anderson had already solidified her status as a veritable pop culture icon. In 2001, she crossed paths with Kid Rock, marking the beginning of a relationship that would eventually lead to a brief marriage from 2006 to 2007. The year 2003 proved to be particularly eventful for Pam as she showcased her versatility in 'Scary Movie 3', 'Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding', and 'Pauly Shore Is Dead'. In 2005, Pam took to the dance floor with Damian Whitewood as a participant in 'Dancing with the Stars'. Throughout this period, she maintained her signature style, often seen donning short, tight clothing paired with high heels and flaunting voluminous hair.
The mid-2000s: Some bold moves and a good cause
In March 2005, Pamela Anderson took on the role of spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics' MAC AIDS Fund, providing support to individuals affected by AIDS and HIV. Her personal life took a turn when she married poker player Rick Salomon in October 2007, but their union was short-lived, ending in December of the same year. Pamela then sought an annulment in February 2008. Surprisingly, they announced their remarriage in January 2014, only to part ways again in July of that year. The finalization of their divorce came in April 2015. Amidst these personal developments, she also appeared on the TV series 'I Get That a Lot' in 2009.
The end of the Playboy era
Pamela Anderson made history as the final model to pose nude on the cover of Playboy for the magazine's January/February 2016 issue. This iconic issue, breaking a longstanding tradition, was released in December 2015 and marked the end of an era for Playboy covers featuring nude models.
The late 2010s: Pam's comeback to the silver screen
The year 2017 marked a significant comeback for Pamela as the 'Baywatch' move was relesed. In 2019, the 'VIP' alum made a guest appearance on the MTV reality series 'The Hills: New Beginnings', sharing the screen with her son Brandon. Following these ventures, Pamela and Jon Peters, whom she had originally met in the 1980s, rekindled their connection in 2019 and secretly tied the knot in Malibu in January 2020.
The present: Her side of the story
The years 2021 and 2022 were all about making stunning appearances, be it with her son, Brandon Thomas Lee, appearing on 'Good Morning America', or playing Roxie Hart in 'Chicago' in April 2022. In 2023, Pamela Anderson made a striking appearance in the trailer for her Netflix documentary, 'Pamela, a Love Story', choosing to go makeup-free. In her new memoir and documentary, she reflects on the challenges she has faced and overcome throughout the years.