At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024, Pamela Anderson took center stage in The Last Showgirl, a heartfelt drama that made its world premiere on September 6. The film marks a significant turn for Anderson, who portrays Shelley, a 50-year-old veteran Las Vegas showgirl forced to confront her future after the closure of the floor show where she has performed for three decades. Directed by Gia Coppola, The Last Showgirl offers a poignant look at life behind the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, capturing the challenges of aging, reinvention, and resilience.
The story revolves around Shelley’s struggle as she navigates the uncertainty that follows the sudden end of her career. With the dazzling lights of the Strip fading from her life, she must find a new path in a world that has moved on. Shelley’s journey of self-discovery and reinvention forms the emotional core of the film, resonating with universal themes of identity, purpose, and the passage of time.
Pamela Anderson’s casting as the lead has drawn significant attention, especially after the success of her 2022 Netflix documentary Pamela: A Love Story, which offered an intimate glimpse into her personal life and career. In The Last Showgirl, Anderson brings depth and authenticity to the role, drawing from her own experiences in the entertainment industry. For director Gia Coppola, Anderson was the perfect fit for Shelley. “There was just a gut instinct about Pamela that I was compelled by, and then seeing her documentary really solidified that choice,” Coppola told Reuters at the premiere. She added, “I knew that no one else could play this role but her and add the same meaning.”
Coppola, known for her earlier films Palo Alto (2013) and Mainstream (2020), brings her unique directorial style to The Last Showgirl, focusing on character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. With Anderson at the helm, the film explores the complexities of Shelley’s internal and external struggles, capturing the loneliness and vulnerability that often accompany a life in the spotlight.
Anderson is supported by a stellar cast that includes Dave Bautista and Academy Award-winner Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis plays Shelley’s best friend, a sharp-tongued cocktail waitress who provides both comic relief and emotional support as Shelley grapples with the end of her career. For Curtis, working with Anderson was a key factor in accepting the role. “I did the movie because she was going to be in the movie,” Curtis revealed during her red carpet interview with Reuters. Despite a scheduling conflict, Curtis was able to commit to the project after the producers agreed to film all her scenes within the first four days of shooting.
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Curtis, who won an Oscar in 2023 for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, spoke highly of Anderson’s strength and independence, particularly in navigating the demands of the entertainment industry. “I love the way that she is walking through the BS of show business and saying, ‘I don’t need to play your game,’” Curtis said. “I respect her for it so deeply. I hope we will all have a newfound appreciation for her talents after they see the movie.”
While Anderson made a brief appearance on the red carpet, she kept a low profile, allowing the focus to remain on her performance rather than media interviews. The decision to take on such a challenging and nuanced role marks a new chapter in Anderson’s career, one that moves away from the bombshell image she became known for in her Baywatch days. At 57, Anderson is demonstrating her versatility as an actor, as well as her commitment to taking on roles that push her creatively.
The Last Showgirl stands as a reflection of Anderson’s own journey in Hollywood — one marked by reinvention, perseverance, and self-determination. Just as Shelley must learn to rebuild her life after the curtain closes, Anderson has continued to evolve both personally and professionally. The film is a testament to the enduring power of resilience, showcasing Anderson’s talent in a role that is likely to resonate with audiences.
As The Last Showgirl continues its festival circuit, it is poised to spark discussions about the role of women in the entertainment industry, aging in Hollywood, and the societal pressures placed on those in the public eye. Anderson’s powerful portrayal of Shelley adds a new dimension to her legacy, reminding audiences of her depth as an actor and her ability to command the screen.
