The most scandalous and traumatic period of her life is retold in the Hulu series 'Pam & Tommy.' Lily James plays Anderson in 1995 when she started her whirlwind romance with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. The series centers around the theft and release of the intimate tape Anderson and Lee made on their honeymoon. A source close to Anderson stated that the star will never watch the series as it focuses on a terribly traumatic event in her life that still haunts her to this day.

1 / 58 Fotos

Roots -

Pamela Denise Anderson was born July 1, 1967 in Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada.

2 / 58 Fotos

Centennial Baby -

She was born on the 100th anniversary of Canada's official founding, and her birth was covered by the media as a "Centennial Baby."

3 / 58 Fotos

Finnish roots - Her great-grandfather, Juho Hyytiäinen, was Finnish. He left Saarijärvi for Canada in 1908.

4 / 58 Fotos

New life -

Juho Hyytiäinen eventually changed his last name to Anderson when he started a new life on the other side of the pond.

5 / 58 Fotos

Russian roots -

Pamela Anderson also has Russian roots from her mother’s side, despite believing for a long time that she had Dutch ancestry.

6 / 58 Fotos

Teenage years -

She attended Highland Secondary School in Comox, British Columbia, where she played on the volleyball team (pictured first on the left, back row). She graduated in 1985.

7 / 58 Fotos

New life -

After graduating, Anderson moved to Vancouver in 1988 and started working as a fitness instructor.

8 / 58 Fotos

Discovery -

She was “discovered” in 1989 during a BC Lions Canadian Football League game, where she appeared on the jumbotron at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.

9 / 58 Fotos

Playboy debut -

In October of the same year, Anderson made the cover of Playboy magazine.

10 / 58 Fotos

Playboy -

Pamela Anderson was a Playmate for 22 years, and appeared in the magazine more than any other model.

11 / 58 Fotos

Breast implants -

She underwent breast implant surgery, increasing her bust size to 34D. Years later, she increased it to 34DD.

12 / 58 Fotos

Breast implants -

But in 1999, Pamela Anderson got her breast implants removed.

13 / 58 Fotos

TV debut -

After moving to LA, she landed a role in the sitcom ‘Home Improvement.’ She subsequently played minor roles on other TV series.

14 / 58 Fotos

Big break -

In 1992, Pamela Anderson started saving lives and breaking hearts on a Los Angeles beach in ‘Baywatch.’

15 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

The bombshell played lifeguard C.J. Parker.

16 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

She starred in the series for 111 episodes, from 1992 to 1997.

17 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

'Baywatch' catapulted Pamela Anderson to stardom.

18 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

She starred on the show for five seasons, and was one of the longest-serving cast members.

19 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

Here's C.J. with Matt Brody (David Charvet) and Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff).

20 / 58 Fotos

Film debut -

The actress made her big screen debut in 'Snapdragon’ in 1993.

21 / 58 Fotos

Movies -

This was then followed by ‘Raw Justice’ in 1994.

22 / 58 Fotos

'Barb Wire' -

In 1996, she played Barbara Rose Kopetski in ‘Barb Wire.’

23 / 58 Fotos

'Barb Wire' -

For the role, she won the Razzie Award for Worst New Star.

24 / 58 Fotos

Other film highlights -

Pamela Anderson also starred in 'Scary Movie 3,' 'Scooby-Doo,' and 'Superhero Movie.'

25 / 58 Fotos

Books -

In 2004, she released a book called ‘Star,’ in collaboration with Eric Shaw Quinn. The book was about a teenager trying to become famous.

26 / 58 Fotos

American citizenship -

In 2004, Pamela Anderson officially became a United States citizen, though she still retained her Canadian citizenship.

27 / 58 Fotos

Book -

In 2005, the book sequel ‘Star Struck’ was published.

28 / 58 Fotos

'Roast of Pamela Anderson' -

That same year, Comedy Central aired the 'Roast of Pamela Anderson' to honor her.

29 / 58 Fotos

Representing Canada -

In 2005, Pamela Anderson was named the most powerful Canadian in Hollywood.

30 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

In 2017, the actress made a cameo appearance in the movie.

31 / 58 Fotos

Reality TV -

Pamela Anderson has participated in a number of reality TV shows, including ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars.’

32 / 58 Fotos

Animal rights -

Pamela Anderson is an avid supporter of animal rights and has taken part in numerous campaigns to raise awareness.

33 / 58 Fotos

Animal rights -

She has been a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) supporter for many years.

34 / 58 Fotos

Veganism -

She became a vegetarian in her teens, and is currently a vegan.

35 / 58 Fotos

Julian Assange -

Pamela Anderson is a supporter of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. In May 2019, she even visited him in prison.

36 / 58 Fotos

Health activism -

In 2005, she became the spokesperson for the MAC AIDS Fund and the American Liver Foundation.

37 / 58 Fotos

First rock star boyfriend -

Pamela Anderson dated Poison front man Bret Michaels in 1994.

38 / 58 Fotos

Pam and Tommy -

Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crüe's drummer, Tommy Lee, got married on February 19, 1995. They had known each other for just four days.

39 / 58 Fotos

Pamela Anderson Lee -

They were one of the most famous celebrity couples of the '90s.

40 / 58 Fotos

Sons -

They have two children together: Brandon Thomas (born in 1996) and Dylan Jagger (born in 1997).

41 / 58 Fotos

Intimate tape -

In 1995, an intimate tape of the couple shot during their honeymoon was stolen from their home and leaked on the Internet.

42 / 58 Fotos

Intimate tape -

Pamela Anderson sued the video distribution company, Internet Entertainment Group, and they settled. The tape was then commercially available.

43 / 58 Fotos

But this wasn't the only intimate tape that leaked -

Reportedly, a tape featuring Pamela Anderson and her ex-boyfriend Bret Michaels was also leaked.

44 / 58 Fotos

Domestic violence -

In February 1998, Tommy Lee was arrested for alleged "spousal abuse, child abuse, and unlawful possession of a firearm." He was sentenced to six months in jail.

45 / 58 Fotos

The end -

The couple divorced later in 1998.

46 / 58 Fotos

Hepatitis C -

In 2012, Anderson came forward and stated that she contracted the disease, reportedly by sharing a tattoo needle with Tommy Lee.

47 / 58 Fotos

Hepatitis C -

But in 2015, she stated in an interview for People Magazine that she was now cured.

48 / 58 Fotos

New fiancé -

After her divorce, Pamela Anderson got engaged to model Marcus Schenkenberg. The couple split up in 2001.

49 / 58 Fotos

Kid Rock -

Anderson then started a relationship with musician Kid Rock, with whom she tied the knot in France on July 29, 2006.

50 / 58 Fotos

Kid Rock -

But 17 days later, she filed for divorce.

51 / 58 Fotos

Back with Tommy Lee -

Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee started seeing each other again around 2007.

52 / 58 Fotos

Double trouble -

But she later married film producer Rick Salomon... twice! Their second marriage came to an end in 2015.

53 / 58 Fotos

French boyfriend -

Anderson started dating French soccer star Adil Rami in 2017, but the couple split in 2020.

54 / 58 Fotos

Old fling -

On January 20, 2020, Pamela Anderson married Hollywood producer Jon Peters. In February, they separated. The former couple had dated years ago.

55 / 58 Fotos

Netflix documentary -

In 2023, the pop culture icon was the focus of 'Pamela, A Love Story,' a Netflix documentary. The doc recounts her early life and childhood, tracing her rise to stardom after appearing in Playboy and starring on 'Baywatch.' It also delves into her tumultuous relationship with Tommy Lee, offering Pamela Anderson a platform to share her perspective. Critics and fans gave the documentary positive reviews, praising its thought-provoking nature and its ability to humanize the star.

56 / 58 Fotos

Fresh look -

More recently, at 56, the star has embraced a more natural, makeup-free look, explaining in a British Vogue interview, "I saw it as an authentic, sincere move to free myself from false expectations."

57 / 58 Fotos

Getty Images

0 / 58 Fotos

'Pam & Tommy' reaction -

Getty Images/BrunoPress

1 / 58 Fotos

Roots -

Pamela Denise Anderson was born July 1, 1967 in Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada.

Getty Images

2 / 58 Fotos

Centennial Baby -

She was born on the 100th anniversary of Canada's official founding, and her birth was covered by the media as a "Centennial Baby."

Getty Images

3 / 58 Fotos

Finnish roots - Her great-grandfather, Juho Hyytiäinen, was Finnish. He left Saarijärvi for Canada in 1908.

4 / 58 Fotos

New life -

Juho Hyytiäinen eventually changed his last name to Anderson when he started a new life on the other side of the pond.

Getty Images

5 / 58 Fotos

Russian roots -

Pamela Anderson also has Russian roots from her mother’s side, despite believing for a long time that she had Dutch ancestry.

Getty Images

6 / 58 Fotos

Teenage years -

She attended Highland Secondary School in Comox, British Columbia, where she played on the volleyball team (pictured first on the left, back row). She graduated in 1985.

Getty Images

7 / 58 Fotos

New life -

After graduating, Anderson moved to Vancouver in 1988 and started working as a fitness instructor.

Getty Images

8 / 58 Fotos

Discovery -

She was “discovered” in 1989 during a BC Lions Canadian Football League game, where she appeared on the jumbotron at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.

Getty Images

9 / 58 Fotos

Playboy debut -

In October of the same year, Anderson made the cover of Playboy magazine.

Getty Images

10 / 58 Fotos

Playboy -

Pamela Anderson was a Playmate for 22 years, and appeared in the magazine more than any other model.

11 / 58 Fotos

Breast implants -

She underwent breast implant surgery, increasing her bust size to 34D. Years later, she increased it to 34DD.

Getty Images

12 / 58 Fotos

Breast implants -

But in 1999, Pamela Anderson got her breast implants removed.

Getty Images

13 / 58 Fotos

TV debut -

After moving to LA, she landed a role in the sitcom ‘Home Improvement.’ She subsequently played minor roles on other TV series.

Getty Images

14 / 58 Fotos

Big break -

In 1992, Pamela Anderson started saving lives and breaking hearts on a Los Angeles beach in ‘Baywatch.’

NL Beeld

15 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

The bombshell played lifeguard C.J. Parker.

NL Beeld

16 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

She starred in the series for 111 episodes, from 1992 to 1997.

Getty Images

17 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

'Baywatch' catapulted Pamela Anderson to stardom.

Getty Images

18 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

She starred on the show for five seasons, and was one of the longest-serving cast members.

Getty Images

19 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

Here's C.J. with Matt Brody (David Charvet) and Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff).

Getty Images

20 / 58 Fotos

Film debut -

The actress made her big screen debut in 'Snapdragon’ in 1993.

Getty Images

21 / 58 Fotos

Movies -

This was then followed by ‘Raw Justice’ in 1994.

Getty Images

22 / 58 Fotos

'Barb Wire' -

In 1996, she played Barbara Rose Kopetski in ‘Barb Wire.’

23 / 58 Fotos

'Barb Wire' -

For the role, she won the Razzie Award for Worst New Star.

Getty Images

24 / 58 Fotos

Other film highlights -

Pamela Anderson also starred in 'Scary Movie 3,' 'Scooby-Doo,' and 'Superhero Movie.'

Getty Images

25 / 58 Fotos

Books -

In 2004, she released a book called ‘Star,’ in collaboration with Eric Shaw Quinn. The book was about a teenager trying to become famous.

Getty Images

26 / 58 Fotos

American citizenship -

In 2004, Pamela Anderson officially became a United States citizen, though she still retained her Canadian citizenship.

Getty Images

27 / 58 Fotos

Book -

In 2005, the book sequel ‘Star Struck’ was published.

Getty Images

28 / 58 Fotos

'Roast of Pamela Anderson' -

That same year, Comedy Central aired the 'Roast of Pamela Anderson' to honor her.

Getty Images

29 / 58 Fotos

Representing Canada -

In 2005, Pamela Anderson was named the most powerful Canadian in Hollywood.

Getty Images

30 / 58 Fotos

'Baywatch' -

In 2017, the actress made a cameo appearance in the movie.

Getty Images

31 / 58 Fotos

Reality TV -

Pamela Anderson has participated in a number of reality TV shows, including ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars.’

32 / 58 Fotos

Animal rights -

Pamela Anderson is an avid supporter of animal rights and has taken part in numerous campaigns to raise awareness.

Getty Images

33 / 58 Fotos

Animal rights -

She has been a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) supporter for many years.

Getty Images

34 / 58 Fotos

Veganism -

She became a vegetarian in her teens, and is currently a vegan.

Getty Images

35 / 58 Fotos

Julian Assange -

Pamela Anderson is a supporter of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. In May 2019, she even visited him in prison.

Getty Images

36 / 58 Fotos

Health activism -

In 2005, she became the spokesperson for the MAC AIDS Fund and the American Liver Foundation.

Getty Images

37 / 58 Fotos

First rock star boyfriend -

Pamela Anderson dated Poison front man Bret Michaels in 1994.

Getty Images

38 / 58 Fotos

Pam and Tommy -

Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crüe's drummer, Tommy Lee, got married on February 19, 1995. They had known each other for just four days.

Getty Images

39 / 58 Fotos

Pamela Anderson Lee -

They were one of the most famous celebrity couples of the '90s.

Getty Images

40 / 58 Fotos

Sons -

They have two children together: Brandon Thomas (born in 1996) and Dylan Jagger (born in 1997).

Getty Images

41 / 58 Fotos

Intimate tape -

In 1995, an intimate tape of the couple shot during their honeymoon was stolen from their home and leaked on the Internet.

Getty Images

42 / 58 Fotos

Intimate tape -

Pamela Anderson sued the video distribution company, Internet Entertainment Group, and they settled. The tape was then commercially available.

Getty Images

43 / 58 Fotos

But this wasn't the only intimate tape that leaked -

Reportedly, a tape featuring Pamela Anderson and her ex-boyfriend Bret Michaels was also leaked.

Getty Images

44 / 58 Fotos

Domestic violence -

In February 1998, Tommy Lee was arrested for alleged "spousal abuse, child abuse, and unlawful possession of a firearm." He was sentenced to six months in jail.

Getty Images

45 / 58 Fotos

The end -

The couple divorced later in 1998.

Getty Images

46 / 58 Fotos

Hepatitis C -

In 2012, Anderson came forward and stated that she contracted the disease, reportedly by sharing a tattoo needle with Tommy Lee.

Getty Images

47 / 58 Fotos

Hepatitis C -

But in 2015, she stated in an interview for People Magazine that she was now cured.

Getty Images

48 / 58 Fotos

New fiancé -

After her divorce, Pamela Anderson got engaged to model Marcus Schenkenberg. The couple split up in 2001.

Getty Images

49 / 58 Fotos

Kid Rock -

Anderson then started a relationship with musician Kid Rock, with whom she tied the knot in France on July 29, 2006.

NL Beeld

50 / 58 Fotos

Kid Rock -

But 17 days later, she filed for divorce.

Getty Images

51 / 58 Fotos

Back with Tommy Lee -

Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee started seeing each other again around 2007.

Getty Images

52 / 58 Fotos

Double trouble -

But she later married film producer Rick Salomon... twice! Their second marriage came to an end in 2015.

Getty Images

53 / 58 Fotos

French boyfriend -

Anderson started dating French soccer star Adil Rami in 2017, but the couple split in 2020.

Getty Images

54 / 58 Fotos

Old fling -

On January 20, 2020, Pamela Anderson married Hollywood producer Jon Peters. In February, they separated. The former couple had dated years ago.

Getty Images

55 / 58 Fotos

Netflix documentary -

Getty Images

56 / 58 Fotos

Fresh look -

More recently, at 56, the star has embraced a more natural, makeup-free look, explaining in a British Vogue interview, "I saw it as an authentic, sincere move to free myself from false expectations."

Getty Images

57 / 58 Fotos

The highs and lows of Pamela Anderson

The 'Baywatch' star is 57 years old

08/05/25 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Retrospective

She's probably the world's most popular 'lifeguard.' Well, at least she was in the '90s when teenage boys had posters of her covering their bedroom walls. Pamela Anderson is undoubtedly one of the sexiest female icons of the '90s. A model, actress, and activist, she found success in the TV show 'Baywatch,' and the rest is history. But the former Playmate also has a history of troubled relationships as well as her fair share of scandals.

And she's still making big moves! The then 55-year-old actress made her Broadway debut on April 12 2022 in the role of Roxie Hart in the long-running musical 'Chicago.' An audience member at the show told People magazine that "the audience went insane" for Anderson and that she looked "flawless" in the role of Hart, pictured in a black leotard and fishnets with a cropped blonde look at curtain call. "She just looked like she was having a great time at the end of the show," the audience member added.

In this gallery, we look back at Pamela Anderson's life, from her career to her personal life. Click on!