Pamela Hanson/Trunk
Through acting and activism, modelling and motherhood, Pamela Anderson has been through many different iterations over the past three decades. But, the star tells WHO, she’s only just getting started.
“I feel like I’ve just begun,” the 58-year-old admits of her career. “I have the excitement of a young new starlet. I have no idea what’s happening, but it’s happening.”
With a slew of new projects in the pipeline, the actress is also heading Down Under in April for a couple of intimate conversations exploring reinvention, resilience and the beauty of second acts.
Read on to see our full chat with Pamela as she gives a little sneak peek into what she’s got in store for audiences…
WHO: Does the world have an accurate depiction of you throughout your whole career?
Pamela: Mystery is the best part. How could anyone truly know anyone, even those closest to us? This is why kindness is so important – we don’t know what a person has gone through. I am focused on hard work now that my kids have grown and are on their way. I have more freedom to be myself and work harder, deeper. I want to see what I’m made of. It’s scary, exciting. It’s also lonely at times, but this is good for me as an actress.
I work for months on a character before filming. I torture myself, I fall in love, I break my own heart repeatedly. It might be hard to understand. It’s a healing experience always – breaking down, building up. You need time to recover, too. It’s a roller-coaster.
I’ve grown through five films, a play and a musical these last years. I have three films and a play in pre-production, and my younger son, Dylan, is getting married in June. I’m very busy this next while – I’m so grateful.
WHO: What can people expect from your upcoming tour in Australia?
Pamela: It’s an extension of my open journal – my Substack writing – Q and A-style. My funny life experiences led me here. I have had a messy life lived well. I am in a new chapter and have stories to share. And my skincare brand, Sonsie, is an extension of my story. I believe in second chances, I believe we can rewrite our own stories. So I hope the message resonates. It’s a very positive, self-empowering practice.
WHO: Another passion of yours is gardening – any tips for budding green thumbs?
Pamela: It’s still a bit cold here [in Canada] to plant, but my garlic is coming up. Daffodils are trying to bloom. Spring is around the corner – I am plotting and planning. In early April, all seeds and starters will be planted – we are on opposite schedules.
WHO: You’re next working with Guy Pearce, who called you versatile and brave as an actress. Are you excited to work together?
Pamela: He’s a legend and known for his tremendous talent, but also a gentleness and kindness. He’s very professional and low maintenance – I’m so excited to work with him. We are jumping into a very mysterious project together. I’m so glad we are in it together.
WHO: The past few years have seen you reframe the narrative with your memoir, Love, Pamela, and Netflix documentary Pamela, a Love Story. What has that felt like?
Pamela: It does feel more on my terms, but we are always at the mercy of perception. My son Brandon produced the documentary – I had nothing to do with it but be the subject. It wasn’t really something I wanted to do, but my sons thought it was important and they were right. It helped people see beyond the caricature portrayed by media. I don’t have anyone to blame, it just was a tornado of circumstances. I’m relieved and grateful I’m able to do what I love and see where it all takes me. I feel rooted for – it’s a very nice feeling.
It’s just my age. I’ve been around long enough now in public for people to realise that I’m an actress and it’s starting to take precedence over my personal life. For a while, it wasn’t that way.
(Tickets for Pamela Anderson: Live in Conversation in Sydney on Thu., Apr. 16 and Melbourne on Fri., Apr. 17 available at wanderlust.com.au)
