Pamela Anderson is the sort of celebrity everyone thinks they know inside and out — or at least has an opinion about. From Baywatch to her relationship with Tommy Lee to the infamous sex tape theft that forever changed her life and career, her life has largely played out on the public stage, with all the praise, scrutiny and exploitation that comes with it. But Pamela, a love story, a new documentary film from director Ryan White, is much more than a story about Anderson; it’s one told by Anderson herself. 

Now in her 50s, Anderson reclaims her story in the new documentary and divulges intimate, previously unshared details about her early life in Ladysmith, British Columbia, and her rise to fame as a model and actor. She also discusses her lifelong pursuit of love, which led to her highly publicized and often turbulent romances.

“When you’re not looking for love, it finds you,” Anderson tells Tudum. “And I guess I’m easy to find.”

Anderson says that taking control of her story was an intimidating but necessary step toward sharing her truest, most unfiltered self with the world. “I was very hesitant, but looking back, I feel empowered,” she says. “And I hope that [my story] inspires people to have a great fucking time and not worry so much.”

With never-before-seen personal photos, journal entries and thoughtful introspection, the film is a first-person account of what it really means to be an icon, a sex symbol, an actor and a mother of two — all while everyone is watching. 

Is Barb Wire on Netflix?

In Pamela, a love story, Anderson talks about the career fallout she experienced after Barb Wire, a 1996 superhero film based on a comic book in which she played the lead role. At the time, the David Hogan-directed film fell flat, but today it's widely considered a cult classic. You can watch Barb Wire on Netflix here.

When does Pamela, a love story premiere?

Pamela, a love story is available on Netflix now.