Pamela Anderson Shines in Her New Film The Last Showgirl



Pamela Anderson has made a major comeback with her new film *The Last Showgirl*, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). During the post-screening Q&A session, Anderson revealed how personal this role felt to her, even joking, "I think I’ve been getting ready my whole life for this role." Anderson stars as Shelley, a Las Vegas showgirl whose career is nearing its end, and it’s clear that this role holds special meaning for the 57-year-old actress.

The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola, is being hailed as Anderson’s most significant film work to date. The BBC even called her performance a "revelation." This marks an important moment in Anderson’s career, as she’s often been more associated with her physical appearance and tabloid headlines than her acting talent. Shelley’s story, and Anderson’s own life, share a common theme: fighting to be taken seriously.

A Role Perfect for Anderson

While Anderson has had a long and varied career, The Last Showgirl has given her the chance to show a different side of herself. In the film, Shelley is passionate about her work as a showgirl, even though her revue, Le Razzle Dazzle, is closing down after 30 years. She’s also a mentor to younger dancers, but struggles with moving on from a career she loves so much. Shelley’s journey mirrors Anderson’s own fight to be seen as more than just a “Baywatch babe” and to be appreciated for her talents and passions.

Pamela Anderson’s biggest movie before this was the 1996 thriller Barb Wire, which didn’t fare well. She has often expressed disappointment with the film, even admitting she never really knew what it was about. Anderson’s rise to fame came with Baywatch, where her image as a bombshell became a double-edged sword for her career.

A Shift in Perception

In recent years, there has been a cultural shift in how Pamela Anderson is viewed. The 2022 Hulu series Pam & Tommy explored her marriage to Tommy Lee and the infamous leaked sex tape, but Anderson wasn’t a fan of the series, calling it "salt on the wound." However, in 2023, Anderson had her chance to tell her own story in the Netflix documentary *Pamela, a love story. In the documentary, she openly shared details about her life, including her experiences with abuse and her time preparing for her Broadway debut in 'Chicago'.

Anderson’s performance as Roxie Hart in 'Chicago' received mixed reviews, but it gave her a chance to return to the spotlight and show that she had much more to offer than her past roles suggested.

The Last Showgirl:A New Chapter

The Last Showgirl is different from the campier roles Anderson has played in the past. It’s a heartfelt look at Shelley’s life in the closing days of the show that has defined her for decades. Shelley refuses to be seen as a has-been and demands that her dedication to her craft be recognized, much like Anderson has done in her own life. In one scene, Shelley proudly declares, "I'm 57 and I'm beautiful, you son of a bitch," which earned applause from the audience at TIFF.

The supporting cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Billie Lourd, praised Anderson’s performance, with Curtis visibly moved during the Q&A session. Lourd, who plays Shelley’s estranged daughter, shared how the role allowed her to connect with her own family history, making the experience even more special.

Full Circle for Anderson

The Last Showgirl is not only a tender story of a woman’s love for her craft but also a reflection of Pamela Anderson’s own career journey. From being dismissed as a tabloid fixture to now being celebrated for her acting, Anderson has come full circle. Her performance in The Last Showgirl proves that she has always been much more than her image, and the film allows her to showcase her talent in a role that feels deeply personal. Watching her on screen, it’s clear why Anderson said, "I'm the only one who can do this."