It’s hard to think of any celebrity who has done more to advance the concept of aging gracefully than Pamela Anderson. The actress, who turns 58 today, has recently taken to going makeup-free on the red carpet, telling Glamour: “Anti-aging is a lie. We’re getting older no matter what. Things change, and if you can find a sense of humor in it, it’s better. It’s good to have a sense of self and to be able to be your own best friend.”
Anderson’s road to self-acceptance as a Hollywood star has been a long and winding one—arguably beginning with her appearance as a Playboy cover girl, which quickly led to her breakthrough role as C.J. Parker on Baywatch. Anderson also had a long and notable reality-TV era; enjoyed a stint on Broadway; and released a memoir, a cookbook, and a moving documentary—all before wowing audiences as middle-aged Las Vegas showgirl Shelly in Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl last year. (I’m still so mad that movie was shut out of the Oscars race, but that’s a rant for another day!)
These days, Anderson seems closer than ever to writing her own ticket, which makes this the perfect opportunity to look back at just how far she’s come. In honor of her 58th birthday, here are 17 vintage photos of Anderson over the years:
Photo: Getty Images1/171989
Anderson with producer Jon Peters at the premiere of Glory in Century City.
Photo: Getty Images2/171990
With Ian Ziering of Beverly Hills 90210 in Malibu.
Photo: Getty Images3/171990
Rocking a modified Canadian tuxedo as only Anderson can; she does hail from British Columbia, after all.
Photo: Getty Images4/171992
Shooting a scene for Baywatch on Santa Catalina Island.
Photo: Getty Images5/171992
In a cheeky promotional still for the sitcom Home Improvement.
Photo: Getty Images6/171993
Fresh-faced and tousled in a formal headshot.
Photo: Getty Images7/171994
Appearing as a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Photo: Getty Images8/171994
In a punky leather jacket and a backwards cap at a charity event in Glendale.
Photo: Getty Images9/171995
Enjoying a little softball on MTV’s Rock n’ Jock.
Photo: Getty Images10/171995
Posing with the Pink Panther himself at the 32nd Annual National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas.
Photo: Getty Images11/171996
Starring in the action/sci-fi film Barb Wire.
Photo: Getty Images12/171996
Sporting a graphic tee for an appearance at the Video Software Dealers Association Convention in Los Angeles.
Photo: Getty Images13/171997
With her son Brandon, then about a year old. (His younger brother, Dylan, would be born in December.)
Photo: Getty Images14/171998
With Donatella Versace at the opening of Versace’s new boutique in Beverly Hills.
Photo: Getty Images15/171999
In angelic (-ish!) white, presenting at the World Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images16/171999
In her now iconic pink fluffy hat at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York.
Photo: Getty Images17/172002
Overseeing proceedings at the UAW Daimler Chrysler 400 Pre-Race in North Las Vegas.
