CULTURE
Pamela Anderson: Aging in the Public Eye
By: Sophie DeCristofaro Edited By: Rezi Ubogu
Pamela Anderson, iconic actor and model, became the embodiment of 90’s beauty standards when she rose to fame. In 2023, she made the bold decision to go make-up free. Since then, her no-makeup red carpet looks and regular public appearances have faced extreme criticism, indicative of a larger issue in the entertainment industry. Female actors, models, and celebrities are scrutinized on the basis of their looks, and as they age in the public eye, the criticism worsens. In the last few years, many women have started to fight back against the unrealistic double standard of aging, and Pamela Anderson is at the forefront of this fight.
Pamela Anderson’s decision to go makeup-free marked the start of a new chapter for her lifeboat personally and publicly. InStyle Magazine pointed out the drastic change, describing her as, “until recently, Hollywood's resident femme fatale.” This perfectly captures the manner in which Hollywood places value on women based only on physical appeal. But, in an interview with Elle Magazine, she explains that her choice was deeply personal. After Anderson’s long-time makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, passed away from breast cancer, she reflected, “without Alexis, it’s just better for me not to wear makeup.” However, Anderson credits this decision with becoming more comfortable in her own skin, transitioning away from the expectations carried by her image when she first became famous.
To be a woman in Hollywood is to live under the expectation to look perfect in every moment. The public often clings to nostalgia, wanting to pause time for their favorite celebrities – particularly those from shows like Baywatch – which often manifests in harsh criticism when their beloved celebrities grow out of their iconic role. In a world that pressures women to maintain a youthful appearance, some stars, like Jennifer Aniston, reject the rules of aging. As she told Allure, “I try not to think about age. The world will always be there telling us what your age is and what women should do in society when you're this or that.” Aniston does what is best for her body and her mind, without consideration of the feedback she is receiving from the public.
The narrative is slowly changing to one of accepting the process of again. Stars like Pamela and Aniston, who are ignoring society’s double standards, are showing the beauty of time's effect on us. And as they spread this message within Hollywood, it’s beginning to resonate with everyday women as well.
To understand the deeper impact of this issue, I spoke with my mother, Sheri DeCristofaro, and Michelle Williams, the mother of a close friend, to get the perspective of strong, successful women, who have to deal with society’s expectations surrounding aging. Sheri told me that the media did affect her actions, saying, “the message was that putting on makeup would be a way to show people that you cared and took the time.” But overall, she has prioritized “being healthy, strong, and smart” over following societal expectations about her age. Michelle, although not feeling over pressure, says she has still picked up on “subtle messages,” like dyeing her hair grey, treating wrinkles, or dressing “young-looking.” The expectation to do anything within your power to avoid the physical realities of aging is almost inescapable. However, with women like Pamela Anderson fighting back against pressures to wear makeup, perceptions of aging are starting to change. Both Sheri and Michelle expressed admiration for the stars at the forefront of the budding makeup-free trend. Sheri says, “I love that they are wearing less or no makeup.” Michelle agrees; “I think it’s great when older actresses go makeup free, especially if they are doing it for themselves. They may even look better, healthier.” It’s clear that Pamela Anderson’s message is spreading, as Michelle added, it “might inspire others to do the same.”
Finally, I asked both Sheri and Michelle what they do for themselves to feel good in spite of all the noise surrounding appearance. Sheri emphasized that makeup should be fun and that she uses it “only because I want to,” and not to fulfill the expectations of others. Michelle echoed Jennifer Aniston’s self-care practices, saying she likes to “read, walk, kayak with friends,” prioritizing the things she enjoys. For Sheri, the older she gets, the more confident she is in herself, taking pride in being intelligent, active, and strong. “I believe in taking care of myself as a whole person rather than superficially.”
This is an empowering message, especially for the younger generations, who are beginning to learn to reject the unrealistic societal standards placed on women. With Pamela Anderson inspiring this change, the narrative surrounding aging is transitioning to one of self-love, strength, and appreciation.
