Pamela Anderson Sparkles and Slays in The Last Showgirl
An intimate, unapologetic look at life behind the rhinestones, feathers, and fading lights…
When you hear the name Pamela Anderson, most people’s minds instantly flash to slow-motion beach runs in Baywatch or that infamous sex tape with ex-husband Tommy Lee. But behind the blonde bombshell persona is a surprisingly layered performer—and The Last Showgirl proves she’s still got the chops, the charm, and the courage to take center stage.
Directed by Gia Coppola, this female-driven drama places Anderson in her most emotionally resonant role to date. She stars as Shelly Gardner, a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl coming to terms with the end of an era—hers and the show’s. At 57, Shelly’s body is still dazzling, but the world around her is changing fast. Her beloved revue Le Razzle Dazzle, a fictional stand-in for iconic shows like Jubilee!, is being shut down in favor of a modern, edgier burlesque-style production. Sound familiar? That’s because Zumanity, a similar Cirque du Soleil show, was also retired in 2020.
Anderson plays Shelly with an unexpected mix of vulnerability, nostalgia, and steel. She’s not some cartoonish cougar or tragic has-been. She’s a woman grappling with change, ageism, and her sense of identity after decades of performing in a world that worships youth and discards experience. And yes, she sparkles—literally and emotionally.
Supporting her are a cast of bright stars and Hollywood veterans. Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and Brenda Song (Dollface, New Girl) portray Shelly’s younger co-stars—new-school dancers trying to figure out how much they owe their foremothers of the Vegas stage. Billie Lourd brings heat as Shelly’s estranged daughter, Hannah, whose complicated relationship with her mother adds emotional weight to the story. With her real-life lineage (she’s Carrie Fisher’s daughter), there’s an eerie realism to her performance.
Then there’s Jamie Lee Curtis, playing Annette, a retired dancer turned cocktail waitress who still carries her glittering past with grace. Curtis brings gravitas and cheeky wisdom, serving as both Shelly’s confidant and a reminder of what life looks like after the curtain closes.
Dave Bautista (of Guardians of the Galaxy fame) rounds out the cast as Eddie, the show’s former producer—and Shelly’s ex. Their chemistry is understated but poignant, capturing the melancholy of what might have been if time, careers, and egos hadn’t gotten in the way.
Critics have praised The Last Showgirl for its sharp commentary on how the entertainment industry treats aging women. And yes, the film still delivers plenty of razzle-dazzle. But beneath the rhinestones is a real story about womanhood, identity, and the courage to take your final bow on your own terms. In fact, Anderson’s performance earned her the Razzies “Redeemer” Award in 2024—an ironic full-circle moment considering her infamous Worst New Star win back in 1996 for Barb Wire.
But let’s be real—Anderson isn’t just making a comeback. She’s making a statement. She’s aging on her terms. Her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala in a minimalist Tory Burch gown and a sharp bob haircut had fans and critics alike buzzing. It was clear: Pamela Anderson isn’t hiding behind her past. She’s rewriting it.
The Last Showgirl is now available for rental and purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV+, Google Play, and DVD. It’s a must-watch—not just for Pamela Anderson fans, but for anyone who’s ever wondered what happens after the lights go down and the feathers come off.
Because some showgirls never really leave the stage—they just find new ways to shine.