Actress Pamela Anderson was honored with amfAR’s Award of Courage at a gala in Venice on Sunday. In her acceptance speech, Anderson reflected on her hepatitis C diagnosis in the late 1990s, when doctors warned her she had only ten years to live.
Diagnosis and early challenges
At the time, there was no cure for hepatitis C, a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and long‑term damage. Anderson said the diagnosis “turned my life inside out” and created fear not only for her own health but also for the welfare of her young children.
Personal impact and family
She publicly disclosed the infection in 2002, explaining that she contracted it after sharing a tattoo needle with her then‑husband, Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. Anderson noted that Lee has repeatedly denied having hepatitis C, despite her claims.
Emotional toll
Anderson described lingering feelings of shame and guilt, comparing the experience to the sexual abuse she endured as a child. “It stays with me; it haunts me,” she said, adding that the illness felt like a permanent scar.
Cure and financial burden
In 2011, a cure for hepatitis C was discovered, and four years later Anderson announced she was “hep C free.” She explained that the treatment was not yet covered by insurance and that she paid for it out of pocket, saying it “took everything I had in my bank.” Anderson expressed gratitude for receiving the medication early and lamented that many others lacked similar access.
Moving forward
Now 59, Anderson says she has “finally come to terms” with her diagnosis. She highlighted recent acting work, including roles in “The Last Showgirl,” “The Naked Gun,” “Rosebush Pruning,” and the upcoming film “Place to Be” premiering at the Venice Film Festival. “My truth has come through my work,” she declared. “I’m not a victim, I’m a victor. I am strong and capable, more now than I could ever dream of… I’m not the damsel in distress, no matter how easy that role is to play.”
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
