Pamela Anderson almost missed out on her career-redefining role in The Last Showgirl after her former representative dismissed the script. The film, written by Kate Gersten and directed by Gia Coppola, follows Shelly, a professional showgirl who must plan for her future after her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. Having made its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, The Last Showgirl has garnered largely positive reviews, with Anderson’s performance in particular singled out for praise.
During a recent interview with Variety, Anderson revealed how close she came to losing the role of Shelly in The Last Showgirl. She recounted that her former representative discarded the script within an hour of receiving it and never contacted her. Despite this setback, Anderson discovered the project when her son, Brandon Thomas Lee, forwarded it to her, and she immediately recognized its potential, regarding it as a rare opportunity to channel her life experiences into a complex and well-written character. Check out what Anderson and Coppola shared below:
Anderson: He threw it in the trash within the hour and never called me. This was not an agent. He was just someone who brought me work for money.
I remember coming out of my garden, getting a message from Brandon and sitting at my computer and reading it. And I thought, “This is it. This is my opportunity to pour my entire life experience into something, a woman who is so well written, well-rounded, flawed, interesting, complex.” It was just a breathtaking piece of work. I’ve never had that feeling before.
Coppola: We started searching for Shelly, and it was like kismet that Pamela’s documentary [Pamela, A Love Story] had just been released on Netflix, and she had that openness and that vulnerability and that wonder that Shelly has. These two [women] really felt aligned in so many ways. And Pamela felt so connected to Shelly the first time she read the script.
What This Means for Pamela Anderson In The Last Showgirl
The Film Could Become Her Magnum Opus
Anderson’s portrayal of Shelly in The Last Showgirl has been described as career-defining, marking a major shift in her professional trajectory. While she rose to global fame through her role as Casey Jean Parker in Baywatch (1989) and appearances on Home Improvement (1991), The Last Showgirl became Anderson’s chance to showcase her ability to tackle emotionally demanding material and deliver a standout performance, especially since Shelly’s life parallels her own life. This project is a significant step forward for Anderson, establishing her as a serious contender in drama.
Furthermore, the project has positioned Anderson as a strong contender for the 2024-2025 awards season, with many praising her riveting interpretation of Shelly. The accolades surrounding The Last Showgirl suggest that Anderson may finally gain recognition from an industry that has often underestimated her potential. Already, the film has earned Anderson her first Fresh score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Anderson’s persistence in pursuing Shelly highlights the challenges actors face in navigating the film industry, particularly when others fail to see their potential. Without her determination, and a lifeline from Brandon, the opportunity might have been lost. Her journey to The Last Showgirl illustrates how self-advocacy can play a crucial role in breaking barriers and accessing meaningful opportunities.
Our Take on Anderson’s Big Acting Resurgence In The Last Showgirl
Anderson Earned Her Role As Shelly Despite Setbacks
Pamela Anderson’s near-miss with The Last Showgirl is a stark reminder of how fragile career-defining moments can come. It’s inspiring to see how she overcame an obstacle her former agent put in front of her, and fought for a role that has become a turning point in her career. Her story serves as proof that talent and persistence often go hand in hand when it comes to reshaping public and industry perceptions. Anderson’s decision to pursue The Last Showgirl is one worth celebrating, and it’s exciting to see what comes next for the actress.
Source: Variety
The Last Showgirl follows Hannah, a seasoned performer coping with the end of her dance show career after thirty-five years. As she seeks a new purpose, she also works to strengthen the bond with her estranged daughter.
- Release Date
-
January 10, 2025
- Runtime
-
89 Minutes
- Character(s)
-
Shelly
, Mary-Anne
, Jodie
, Eddie
, Annette
, Hannah - Director
-
Gia Coppola
- Producers
-
Alex Orlovsky
, Natalie Farrey
, Robert Schwartzman
, Josh Peters
, Nick Darmstaedter
, Kara Durrett - Writers
-
Kate Gersten
