Pamela Anderson sets the record straight on her ‘real’ romance with Liam Neeson: ‘We will always be in each other’s lives’

While many people might’ve had their first introduction to the Ladysmith, B.C.-born actress through Baywatch, the 58-year-old Canadian star is experiencing a renaissance. Her rise in Hollywood came with a sudden splash landing in the 1990s, but this time, Anderson is in total control.

Below is everything we learned from her People cover story. Keep scrolling for all the details about what she shared.

Her romance with Liam Neeson was ‘real’

Anderson and Neeson began making headlines earlier this summer, with a “budding romance” that sparked after they worked together on The Naked Gun. During the press tour, fans were quick to notice the flirtatious energy and affection the duo shared with one another.

Anderson and Liam Neeson shared a surprise romance, which they made public during the press tour for The Naked Gun earlier this summer. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

According to Anderson, she and her 73-year-old costar were “romantically involved for a short while, but only after we finished filming” the reboot of the Leslie Nielsen comedy. She explained they spent an “intimate week” together at his home in upstate New York, but clarified that she had her own room, while people — including family and their assistants — came to visit.

During what she called their “lost week,” they had dinner at a small French restaurant where he introduced her as the “future Mrs. Neeson.” She also recalled spending time in his garden, where she pruned a rose bush overgrown with mint. But that week ended with them going their “separate ways to work on other films.”

They reconnected while promoting The Naked Gun, which she described as a moment they were “having fun.” She likened the fling to one that might be seen in a film by Nancy Meyers, who’s known for rom-coms like What Women Want and It’s Complicated.

To those who were skeptical about their romance? She said she’s always laughed about any publicity stunt rumours: “I’m like, ‘A publicity stunt? This is real. We have real feelings,'” she said about their connection, which has since ended.

“I adore Liam, but we are better friends, in full honesty,” she told People. “He is such a supporter of this new trajectory in my career and kindly tells me he is very proud of me. I’m sure we will always be in each other’s lives.”

View on Instagram: Pamela Anderson is stepping into a new era …

The Baywatch girl is ‘dead,’ but her craft sure isn’t

Anderson starred on the long-running series Baywatch as C.J. Parker, a bubbly blonde lifeguard who wore a striking red bathing suit. Now, she’s looking at that role as “the ancient past” and one she’s no longer connected to: “That girl is dead. It feels like a lifetime ago.”

However, Anderson’s career is far from any graveyard. In 2024, she starred in Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl as a middle-aged Las Vegas showgirl facing an uncertain future after her long-running revue headed to closure.

That led to several accolades, including nominations in the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards: “I never really felt a part of those rooms,” she said. “And I always felt a little insecure meeting other actors thinking … I’m capable of so much more.”

This past summer, she also starred in a Tennessee Williams play that ran in the Williamstown Theatre Festival. She’s also shooting a comedy directed by Michael Cera called Love Is Not the Answer, and preparing for her next role in Rosebush Pruning, alongside Elle Fanning and Callum Turner. That’s all while starting a production company with her sons, Brandon, 29, and Dylan, 27, whom she shares with ex Tommy Lee.

Anderson also attended the Met Gala on May 5, 2025, in New York City, rounding out a busy year for the Canadian icon. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

“Let’s just hope this is just the beginning,” she told People. “I’m ready for action and have this whole new inspiration and love of this industry — and life! It’s a rebel move to be happy.”

How going makeup-free still comes with surprises

At Paris Fashion Week in 2023, the Sonsie skin care founder made the decision to go makeup-free. It was a move she initially thought no one would notice, but it’s turned into something she’s widely celebrated for.

Now, she’s no stranger to a makeup-free look on a red carpet, but Anderson is still surprised by people’s reactions. She said parents and their daughters have shown their appreciation in the past, and that she’s grateful she could have that impact.

“I’m making the choices in my career and the way I look,” she added. “I’m in control of my own life. Even sitting here I’m thinking, has this really happened, or did I dream all of this?” — Chris Stoodley