Pamela Anderson Explains Why She Has No Plans to Return to 'Baywatch'

September 19, 2026

Pamela Anderson is leaving C.J. Parker in the past as Fox prepares a new Baywatch series. The actress says she has not been approached about returning, although producers previously discussed involving her sons Brandon and Dylan. Anderson remains grateful for the original show and the worldwide exposure it provided, but after renewed acclaim for The Last Showgirl, she is focused on challenging herself with different roles.

Pamela Anderson is moving forward without Baywatch. She has no plans to return as C.J. Parker.
Pamela Anderson is moving forward without Baywatch. She has no plans to return as C.J. Parker.

Anderson says she has not been approached about appearing in Fox’s new Baywatch series and is focused instead on exploring different roles.

C.J. Parker transformed Anderson’s career. She joined the original series in 1992.
C.J. Parker transformed Anderson’s career. She joined the original series in 1992.

Anderson played the lifeguard for five seasons through 1997, becoming one of the most recognizable performers associated with Baywatch.

She still remembers the experience positively. Baywatch gave her worldwide exposure.
She still remembers the experience positively. Baywatch gave her worldwide exposure.

Anderson has credited the series with teaching her valuable lessons and helping turn her into an internationally recognized performer.

Her sons were considered for the new production. Those discussions did not lead to a deal.
Her sons were considered for the new production. Those discussions did not lead to a deal.

Anderson says producers previously spoke with Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee about becoming involved behind the scenes.

Their involvement might have changed her thinking. Family participation could have opened the door.
Their involvement might have changed her thinking. Family participation could have opened the door.

Anderson indicated that she might have listened to her sons about the reboot had they ultimately become part of the production.

The new Baywatch is taking a different approach. A fresh ensemble will lead the series.
The new Baywatch is taking a different approach. A fresh ensemble will lead the series.

Fox’s version features Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Noah Beck, and Brooks Nader among its principal cast.

Anderson is more interested in unfamiliar characters. She wants her next roles to feel different.
Anderson is more interested in unfamiliar characters. She wants her next roles to feel different.

After decades in entertainment, the actress says she is pursuing choices that challenge her and allow her to explore new territory.

The Last Showgirl helped reshape her screen career. Its dramatic role brought major awards recognition.
The Last Showgirl helped reshape her screen career. Its dramatic role brought major awards recognition.

Anderson earned a Golden Globe nomination for playing veteran Las Vegas performer Shelly Gardner in Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl.

Her recent momentum has created new possibilities. Anderson wants to keep testing her range.
Her recent momentum has created new possibilities. Anderson wants to keep testing her range.

Rather than returning to the role that first made her globally famous, she is prioritizing projects that offer different characters and creative challenges.

Baywatch remains an important part of her story. Anderson simply does not need to repeat it.
Baywatch remains an important part of her story. Anderson simply does not need to repeat it.

She continues to speak warmly about her years on the series while making clear that her current ambitions are focused on what she has not done before.