The name Pamela Anderson means different things to different people. If you're a straight man you think of that red Baywatch bathing suit and how hot she looked in the porn tape she made with ex-husband Tommy Lee. If you're a gay man you think of those red swim trunks worn by Pamela's male co-stars on Baywatch and how hot Tommy Lee (or at least how impressive his junk) looked in the porn tape.
If you're an animal rights activist you revere her for her work with PETA and various charities for animals. If you're a fan of fur, you may find her annoying. It's exactly that beauty, compassion, and controversy that has kept Pamela Anderson a household name for over two decades.
Now the actress is adding stand-up comedian to her resume. On July 22, Anderson performed at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. In her opening monologue she told the audience: "I know gay pride was here in Montreal last week. Woo-hoo! It's so nice that Canadian gays can get married. In California, it's not allowed, which is a bummer. Although I've got to say that after my last husband, my mom is begging me to be gay."
Out caught up with the Anderson to find out what kind of gay guy she'd look for. We were also curious to get her thoughts on Janet Jackson's recent ad with Blackglama, a luxury fur firm, that has PETA in a tizzy.
Out: If you were to marry gay (like so many have in this business), what kind of gay man would you look for?
Pamela Anderson: I like people who are unafraid to be themselves, no matter what they are, that's the most attractive trait. I've always gravitated to the edgier gays like David LaChapelle, Dan Mathews of PETA, and I love hanging with the drag queens like Lady Bunny, Elaine Lancaster and Amanda [Lepore] -- though I guess Amanda is in a category of her own!
You fulfill a lot of fantasies, so fulfill our fantasies here: the men on Baywatch were hot. However, they were all straight -- or at least that's what we've been told. What is the gayest thing you witnessed with the guys on the show?
The chest shaving for sure!
You are a big animal rights advocate. Where does that stem from? What are your thoughts on your ad being banned in Montreal?
I'm just against cruelty -- it's simple, and it's great to work with PETA because they are creative in reaching the masses, and let's face it, most people would rather ignore upsetting issues. So PETA uses sex and humor, which results in ads getting banned sometimes, but everybody talks about them and that's the objective. PETA calls me their "Weapon of Mass Distraction!"
What are your thoughts on Janet Jackson's Blackglama ad?
It's disappointing. She has spoken out against fur before. I don't know why some people stop listening to their heart. I guess some people get greedy, but it's sad.
Pamela Anderson has just been signed on to roast former Baywatch co-star David Hasselhoff in a Comedy Central special that will air on Aug. 15. To keep up with Pamela, visit her official website.
-- DUSTIN FITZHARRIS
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