Having ditched her red swimsuit long ago, along with her image as an international sex symbol, the former Baywatch babe has become better known as an animal-rights activist, as well as a champion of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Now, she has reinvented herself again – this time as a serious actress who is being tipped for an Academy Award for her latest film role.
Sitting down at the recent San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain, where her new movie The Last Showgirl received a standing ovation and rave reviews, the 57-year-old actress tells hello!: “I think being a woman in your 50s is inspirational.
“I’ve got off the rollercoaster of emotions over the past few decades. I barely even remember them, but here I am, and with all this experience,” she says in a soft, girlish voice that barely rises above a whisper.
When we meet Pamela in an elegant hotel, she is still processing the ecstatic reception for her film a day earlier, when she had stood amid the crowds looking both triumphant and slightly bewildered, dressed in a floor-length pink gown.
Today, beneath severe black spectacles, her face is free of makeup – and, dressed in a crisp white blouse and long black skirt with her blonde hair scraped back, she looks every inch like a woman who now demands to be taken seriously.
“You know, I’m 57 years old,” she says. “A lot of my career was about physicality, and it’s been a journey, but it’s also been part of the reason I’ve done this experiment with myself; to peel it all back, remember who I am and not be defined by what people do to me, but defined by what I do, and to have passion for the work and not become bitter or jaded – still finding joy in the process, in life and in this business.”
Pamela’s life became a series of headlines following her ill-fated marriage to rocker Tommy Lee, father of her sons Brandon, 28, and Dylan, 26.
This story is from the October 21, 2024 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 21, 2024 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STILL GOING STRONG
Sarah Michelle Gellar reveals why she loves playing a formidable woman in new Dexter prequel - and shares her thoughts on a Buffy comeback
'WE'RE ALL HUSTLING'
Jamie Lee Curtis is back as a faded showgirl - with strong thoughts on what life in Las Vegas means for women today
A HOME FULL OF ANCESTRY AND ART
Artist and creator of elegant porcelain tableware Marie Daage shows us around her Loire Valley chateau, where she has created a comfortable and vibrant home while paying homage to its storied history
BLAZING A TRAIL
As the Duchess of Edinburgh turns 60, friends and colleagues pay tribute to Sophie's modesty, humour and generosity in both her unstinting public work and her happy family life
BACK TO THE FUTURE
His Majesty buries a time capsule as he celebrates 35 years of The King's Foundation and invites the charity's new ambassadors Sir Rod and Lady Stewart to help him out
TIMOTHEE TAKES THE LIMELIGHT
Star channels Bob Dylan's freewheelin' nature as he cycles to his new film's London premiere
HOW CLAUDIA BECAME QUEEN OF OUR SCREENS
She may argue that her success is down to luck, but her wit, skill and compassion are all part of what makes Claudia Winkleman the UK's hottest TV host
KATE'S NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
Following the happy news that she is in remission from cancer; the Princess of Wales says she has much to look forward to
STAR IS RISING
Fresh from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kerry Washington chats about inspiring her children by playing the captain of an all-female, all-black battalion
HAUTE COUTURE GOWNS UNDER THE HAMMER
Acclaimed label Ralph & Russo's archive is up for auction - with dresses worn by A-listers among the many exquisite items in the sale