Pamela Anderson has opened up about the devastating impact of her hepatitis C diagnosis, revealing she was once given just 10 years to live and describing the diagnosis as “a death sentence.”
The 59-year-old actress delivered a powerful speech at the amfAR Gala Venezia 2026 on Sunday, September 6, opening up about contracting hepatitis C in 2002.
The event, held at Venice’s Hilton Molino Stucky during the Venice Film Festival, honoured her with amfAR’s Award of Courage.
“It was a death sentence. That’s what my doctor told me — that I probably had around 10 years to live,” the Last Showgirl star recalled onstage, per Variety.
Anderson has said she contracted hepatitis C after sharing tattoo needles with her ex-husband, Tommy Lee.
The doctor’s diagnosis “colored and corrupted my decisions,” continued Anderson.
She shared, “It was not fear of death, but fear of what might happen to my young children. It turned my life inside out.”
“It took everything I had in my bank” to pay for treatment, added Anderson, who in 2015 announced that she was free of hepatitis C. A cure for the viral infection was found in 2011.
“I’m not a victim, I’m a victor. I am strong and capable, more now than I could ever dream of,” concluded Anderson in her speech, before adding, “I’m not the damsel in distress, no matter how easy that role is to play.”
Anderson received the award from her Place to Be costar Taika Waititi.
The upcoming drama, directed by Kornél Mundruczó and featuring Ellen Burstyn, Édgar Ramírez, Lena Waithe, Murray Bartlett and Maika Monroe, premieres September 9.
Anderson has several projects in the pipeline, including Place to Be, Alma, Love Is Not the Answer and Somedays.
She most recently appeared in Rosebush Pruning, released in July.
The 83rd Venice Film Festival runs September 2–12.
