Pamela Anderson Reflects on Career Milestones in New People Magazine Cover Story

Pamela Anderson graces the cover of People magazine’s December 9 issue, sharing insights into a year marked by professional triumphs and personal revelations. The actress and activist discussed her return to acting with the Netflix film ‘The Last Showgirl’, where she portrays a veteran Las Vegas performer facing obsolescence. This role earned her widespread acclaim, including a Gotham Awards TV Breakthrough Performance nomination for her work in ‘The Morning Show’.

Anderson’s journey back to Hollywood followed a deliberate hiatus from the spotlight. After decades defined by Baywatch’s red swimsuit and Playboy covers, she chose no-makeup looks at high-profile events like the 2024 Oscars, challenging beauty norms. ‘The Last Showgirl’, directed by Gia Coppola, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, securing distribution deals after a competitive bidding war. The film co-stars Oscar nominee Kiernan Shipka and comedian Jim Gaffigan, blending dramedy with tributes to showbiz’s underbelly.

In the interview, Anderson described 2025 as filled with “happy surprises,” including her directorial debut on the short film ‘Catterbox’, which explores themes of resilience through feline metaphors. She helmed the project under her newly launched production company, Baywatch Productions, aimed at amplifying female voices in entertainment. The short screened at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025, earning praise for its raw intimacy and Anderson’s assured visual style.

Romantic developments also featured prominently. Anderson confirmed a relationship with actor Ryan McPartlin, known for ‘Chuck’, after they met on the ‘The Last Showgirl’ set. The couple bonded over shared experiences in long-running TV series, with McPartlin guest-starring as a supportive colleague in her storyline. She emphasized the grounding influence of this partnership amid her career resurgence, noting it allows space for her philanthropy work with animal rights organizations.

Anderson revisited her iconic hair evolution, from the bleach-blonde extensions of the 1990s to her current natural waves. A dedicated spread in the magazine chronicles this transformation, tying it to her memoir ‘Love, Pamela’, published in 2023. The book, adapted into the 2024 Netflix documentary ‘Pamela, a Love Story’, revealed previously unseen home videos and letters, grossing over 50 million viewing hours in its first month.

Her activism remains a cornerstone. Anderson launched a cruelty-free cosmetics line in March 2025, partnering with vegan brand The Body Shop for a capsule collection that donated 10 percent of proceeds to PETA. This initiative stems from her lifelong advocacy, including campaigns against fur farming that influenced legislation in California by 2024. She credited these efforts with restoring her sense of purpose post-Hollywood burnout.

Looking ahead, Anderson teased involvement in a ‘Baywatch’ reboot pitched to Hulu, focusing on modern lifeguard dynamics with diverse casting. Producers approached her in October 2025 to executive produce and cameo, aiming for a 2027 premiere. This project would mark her first return to the franchise since the 2003 film, potentially reuniting her with original co-stars like David Charvet.

The cover story coincides with holiday merchandise drops, including a limited-edition Barbie doll modeled after her ‘Barb Wire’ character, released December 1. Mattel collaborated on the figure to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, featuring Anderson’s signature leather ensemble and interactive accessories. Sales projections estimate 500,000 units by year-end, boosting her net worth past $200 million.

Anderson’s narrative underscores a broader trend of ’90s icons reclaiming legacies on their terms. Peers like Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox have similarly pivoted to producing, with Anderson’s output rivaling theirs in volume. Her People feature, photographed by Norman Jean Roy, captures this reinvention through candid portraits in Malibu settings.

As awards season intensifies, ‘The Last Showgirl’ positions for Golden Globe contention in the musical or comedy category. Anderson expressed gratitude for the validation, stating in the interview, “It’s not about the spotlight anymore; it’s about the stories we tell next.” This ethos guides her selective projects, prioritizing authenticity over volume in an industry she once navigated as its most photographed woman.