In a candid interview with PEOPLE, actress Pamela Anderson, 57, shares her transformative experience playing Shelly, a Las Vegas dancer navigating the twilight of her career. Anderson's portrayal, marked by its raw authenticity and minimal makeup, has earned critical acclaim for director Gia Coppola’s poignant drama.

A Bold Performance That Redefines Legacy

The Art of Unadorned Beauty

Pamela Anderson’s choice to perform without makeup in "The Last Showgirl" underscores the film’s commitment to realism. In everyday scenes, Anderson opts for a natural look that mirrors her character’s unfiltered life. “I wanted to show how Shelly would be if she were going to the grocery store,” Anderson explains. This decision reflects a desire to present an honest, unvarnished portrayal of a woman at a crossroads.Anderson’s dedication to this approach extends beyond the screen. During filming, she deliberately avoided mirrors, focusing on the essence of her performance rather than external appearances. “I didn’t want to be distracted by how I looked unless it was in the showgirl mirrors within the movie,” she notes. This mindset allowed her to fully immerse herself in the role, capturing the raw emotions of a dancer whose life is changing.

Breaking Free from Stereotypes

For years, Anderson has been typecast as a glamorous icon, but "The Last Showgirl" offers her a chance to break free from these constraints. The former Playboy model and Baywatch star expresses her excitement about diving into a role that showcases her versatility. “This script gave me the opportunity to prove that I’m more than just a stereotype,” she says.Director Gia Coppola recognized Anderson’s potential and went to great lengths to secure her involvement. After Anderson’s agent initially passed on the project, Coppola reached out through Anderson’s son Brandon. “Once I read the script, I knew this was something special,” Anderson recalls. She changed agencies, driven by the desire to take on a challenging role that would redefine her career.

A Journey of Transformation

Anderson approached the role with the intensity of preparing for a play. She memorized the script meticulously before arriving in Las Vegas, ready to let director Gia Coppola guide her performance. “You throw everything you’ve prepared out the window and trust the director,” Anderson explains. This collaborative process resulted in a deeply moving portrayal that resonates with audiences.Anderson’s commitment to authenticity extended to every aspect of her preparation. She immersed herself in the world of Las Vegas dancers, understanding their struggles and triumphs. Her performance captures not only the physical demands of the job but also the emotional weight carried by women in this industry.

Critical Acclaim and New Beginnings

"The Last Showgirl," featuring a stellar cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Brenda Song, Billie Lourd, and Kiernan Shipka, has garnered widespread praise. Critics laud Anderson’s performance for its depth and nuance, marking a significant milestone in her career. Anderson reflects on the journey, acknowledging that this role came at a crucial time. “I felt like I had missed opportunities before, but this one felt right.” Her performance in "The Last Showgirl" has opened doors, proving that she can transcend her previous roles and deliver powerful, memorable performances.