Pamela Anderson Reveals She 'Had Depression for a Couple of Decades' but Says Past 'Struggles' Were 'Worth It'

Mar. 15, 2025

Pamela Anderson poses at the “The Last Show Girl” Portrait Session.Photo:Andreas Rentz/Getty

Andreas Rentz/Getty

Pamela Andersonis grateful for where is now after experiencing “‘depression for a couple of decades.”TheBaywatchalum, 57, reflected on the highs and lows of her personal and professional journey while accepting the Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5.“I never thought I would be on stage, receiving an award like that," she shared, perVariety. “I just want to keep working. I am excited to do more.“The actress then opened up about the mental health struggles she faced following the NBC series, which ran for 11 seasons from 1989 to 2001.“I look at it now and it feels like I went fromBaywatchto Broadway,” she explained. “I don’t know what happened in between, it’s all a big blur. I am just happy to be here, in this moment, because I think I have had depression for a couple of decades.”Pamela Anderson attends the ZFF Master with Pamela Anderson during the 20th Zurich Film Festival.Andreas Rentz/GettyAnderson was also at the film festival for the premiere ofher film,The Last Showgirl, which chronicles a seasoned showgirl in her fifties whose show abruptly closes after a 30-year run.  The role comes after the release of Anderson’s 2023 documentary,Pamela, a Love Story, and memoir,Love, Pamela.“Ryan [White] made that doc and that’s how [director] Gia [Coppola] saw me,” she shared on stage. “I always knew I was capable of more. It’s great to be a part of pop culture, but it’s a blessing and a curse. People fall in love with you because of a bathing suit. It has taken a long time, but I am here.”After reflecting on her part in Baywatch and being a Playboy model, Anderson said, “I don’t think I could have played this character [inThe Last Showgirl] if I wouldn’t have the life that I had, so it was worth it. If I can continue working and using these struggles and challenges… I’ll feel blessed.”Pamela Anderson attends the ZFF Master with Pamela Anderson during the 20th Zurich Film Festival.Andreas Rentz/GettyNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.In July, Anderson shareda series of photosof herself enjoying time gardening as she celebrated her 57th birthday.Also among the sunny slideshow was a seemingly handwritten note from Anderson, which read, “I’m going to make life beautiful no matter what it takes.““Happier than ever. Thank you for all the love and birthday wishes. Love, P,” she added.If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

Pamela Andersonis grateful for where is now after experiencing “‘depression for a couple of decades.”

TheBaywatchalum, 57, reflected on the highs and lows of her personal and professional journey while accepting the Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5.

“I never thought I would be on stage, receiving an award like that,” she shared, perVariety. “I just want to keep working. I am excited to do more.”

The actress then opened up about the mental health struggles she faced following the NBC series, which ran for 11 seasons from 1989 to 2001.

“I look at it now and it feels like I went fromBaywatchto Broadway,” she explained. “I don’t know what happened in between, it’s all a big blur. I am just happy to be here, in this moment, because I think I have had depression for a couple of decades.”

Pamela Anderson attends the ZFF Master with Pamela Anderson during the 20th Zurich Film Festival.Andreas Rentz/Getty

Anderson was also at the film festival for the premiere ofher film,The Last Showgirl, which chronicles a seasoned showgirl in her fifties whose show abruptly closes after a 30-year run.  The role comes after the release of Anderson’s 2023 documentary,Pamela, a Love Story, and memoir,Love, Pamela.

“Ryan [White] made that doc and that’s how [director] Gia [Coppola] saw me,” she shared on stage. “I always knew I was capable of more. It’s great to be a part of pop culture, but it’s a blessing and a curse. People fall in love with you because of a bathing suit. It has taken a long time, but I am here.”

After reflecting on her part in Baywatch and being a Playboy model, Anderson said, “I don’t think I could have played this character [inThe Last Showgirl] if I wouldn’t have the life that I had, so it was worth it. If I can continue working and using these struggles and challenges… I’ll feel blessed.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

In July, Anderson shareda series of photosof herself enjoying time gardening as she celebrated her 57th birthday.

Also among the sunny slideshow was a seemingly handwritten note from Anderson, which read, “I’m going to make life beautiful no matter what it takes.”

“Happier than ever. Thank you for all the love and birthday wishes. Love, P,” she added.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

source: people.com