‘Pam & Tommy’: Pamela Anderson Ignored Lily James When She Reached out to Discuss Hulu Series
Lily James’ role as Pamela Anderson in the Hulu series Pam & Tommy is generating a lot of attention. The Downton Abbey star’s transformation into Anderson has fans doing a double-take at the uncanny resemblance. While some fans are excited to see James in the miniseries, there’s one person who isn’t happy.
‘Pam & Tommy’ star Lily James tried to reach out to Pamela Anderson
Anderson’s marriage and sex tape with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee is the basis for Pam & Tommy. James and co-star Sebastian Stan play the celebrity couple whose relationship made tabloid fodder. The actor underwent four hours of makeup to portray the Baywatch star.
Aside from the physical transformation, James did her research to prepare for her role as Anderson. In an interview with Net-A-Porter, James explained her preparations for the series. “I read the books [Anderson] has written, I read her poetry, I can parrot along to all her interviews.”
At one point, James reached out to Anderson, but her attempts were futile. “I was really hopeful that she would be involved. I wish it had been different,” James revealed. “My sole intention was to take care of the story and to play Pamela authentically.”
Pamela Anderson doesn’t approve of ‘Pam & Tommy’
The producers of Pam & Tommy were hopeful Anderson would be part of the project. However, the actor doesn’t want anything to do with the series and has no intention of watching it. The series delves into a scandalous time in Anderson’s life, and it’s no surprise the star doesn’t want to go down that road again.
A source close to Anderson told Entertainment Tonight that Pam & Tommy is “very painful for her.” While Anderson has a problem with the series, her ex-husband doesn’t. “Tommy feels fine about the series coming out and is excited to see it. He still doesn’t understand how this incident impacts Pamela differently from himself,” the source explained.
The series has a #MeToo message
Pam & Tommy showcases the events leading up to the thief and release of the couple’s sex tape. The incident occurred in 1995 and quickly became the topic of many late-night comics’ routines. However, the writers and director of Pam & Tommy focused on the #MeToo aspects of the story.
In the trailer, Anderson explains to Lee why the scandal is a big deal and says, “this is worse for me.” Even James thought Anderson’s treatment during that time was harsh. “Women are held to much higher standards and attacked in ways that feel so vicious. Pamela had such wit and grace in the way that she held herself. I admire that strength,” James explained.
Viewers will see James’ portrayal of Anderson when Pam & Tommy premieres on Feb. 2nd.
