There Will Never Be Another Pamela Anderson
Revisiting Pamela Anderson's pre-Baywatch days in Playboy.
Our endless nostalgia era means there’s a new Baywatch reboot in town—with social media icons like Shay Mitchell, Brooks Nader, and now Livvy Dunne attached. But still, the question on everyone’s lips has been obvious: Who’s going to be the next Pamela Anderson?
The speculation is obviously to be expected. Anderson first joined Baywatch in 1992 as C.J. Parker, becoming one of the most iconic blondes in television history. But we at Playboy feel particularly qualified to answer that question, even if nobody asked us: There won’t be a “next” Pamela Anderson.
Long before Baywatch, Ms. Anderson began posing for Playboy. What followed was, more or less, mythic in its twists and turns. Anderson became a global celebrity, revealing acting and comedy chops that only added to her already irresistible appeal.
But then, a series of well-publicized events turned the blonde bombshell into the subject of heightened media scrutiny—not just following, but casting judgment upon her every move. Even when she was the victim of a robbery, her personal belongings and intimate moments put on display without her knowledge or consent, the media and our culture was all too keen to blame her.
In more recent memory, a television show called Pam and Tommy portrayed these moments—despite Ms. Anderson’s lack of willingness to participate in the project. Because she was a public figure, the production was still considered fair game. This was the final trespass she would be willing to tolerate. She emerged from her (relatively) quiet life in Malibu, after years of motherhood, contemplation, and a personal practice that involved reading, writing, gardening, and more. She was, finally, going to tell her story on her own terms—and this time, with her beloved sons behind her.
Ms. Anderson’s subsequent Netflix documentary and memoir are neither a revenge nor a redemption story. They are the acts of a woman who asserts, rightfully, that only she can correct the record. “I am not a victim,” she says, straight to the camera. “I put myself in crazy situations. And I survived.”
The public has warmly received Ms. Anderson since then—with a Golden Globes-nominated turn in The Last Showgirl, a celebrated refusal to wear makeup during her various red carpet or televised appearances, and with more projects to come.
Pamela Anderson is not best captured as just a Playboy model or a Baywatch star—but for the full arc of a life well lived. We’re honored to be part of many chapters of her story—she would pose for 15 of our covers. But it only felt fitting that, for now, we revisit the young woman who started it all, as Playmate of the Month in February 1990.
Even then, you could see it was clear: There will never be another.
— Phillip Picardi, Editor-in-Chief
YOWZA!!! Pre-Baywatch Playboy era Pam was a TRUE beauty! 🤤 ❤️🔥 🤌🏽 🛟 🌊 🐰
I saw her when she played Roxie in Chicago and I was truly weeping because I was so happy for her