Pamela Anderson & Jamie Lee Curtis get real & have each others backs

Summary

In this heartfelt interview, the speaker reflects on their journey in the entertainment industry, focusing on moments of rejection, perseverance, and personal growth. They share how their life changed after starring in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, a project that redefined their career. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of female friendship, using the characters Shelly and Annette to explore themes of loyalty, tough love, and the complexities of personal relationships. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of both personal and professional experiences, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself despite challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has experienced years of rejection in their acting career, but persevered despite facing challenges.
• 😀 They felt typecast early in their career and always believed they had more to offer as an actor.
• 😀 The actor found inspiration in watching other established performers, like Meryl Streep, and it encouraged them to keep going.
• 😀 Their career started in a space where they felt limited, but they sought more meaningful opportunities, such as studying Tennessee Williams plays.
• 😀 A key turning point in their career was working on the film *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, which was a life-changing experience.
• 😀 The actor initially took on the role in *Everything Everywhere All at Once* because of the opportunity to work with Michelle Yeoh and Pamela Anderson.
• 😀 The emotional toll of being rejected in the entertainment industry was significant, but the right opportunity helped change their life.
• 😀 The theme of female friendship is central to the script, with a particular focus on the loyalty and complexity of these bonds.
• 😀 The characters Annette and Shelly, in the film or context being discussed, embody the 'ride or die' mentality, where tough love and support go hand in hand.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the importance of being there for friends, even when it involves setting tough boundaries, like not letting someone stay on your couch.
• 😀 Despite the struggles, the speaker expresses gratitude for the chance to do meaningful work and be a part of projects they are proud of.

Q & A

What emotional toll does the speaker mention in relation to their career?

The speaker reflects on the emotional toll of being defined by others and the feeling of being pigeonholed, particularly when their creative potential wasn't recognized. Over time, this sense of limitation and rejection took a significant emotional toll, affecting their self-worth and personal growth.

How did the speaker handle the constant rejection in their career?

The speaker used rejection as motivation to continue pursuing their passion. They drew strength from the work of others, particularly Meryl Streep, whose dedication to disappearing into characters inspired them to persist, despite feeling that the opportunities they were given were not creatively satisfying.

What specific role or project marked a turning point for the speaker’s career?

The speaker mentions *Everything Everywhere All at Once* as the project that changed their life. This film, made under unique conditions, gave the speaker the chance to work with talented actors like Michelle Yeoh and Pamela Anderson, which ultimately transformed their career and sense of fulfillment.

Why did the speaker initially choose to participate in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*?

The speaker chose to be part of *Everything Everywhere All at Once* because of the opportunity to work alongside Michelle Yeoh and Pamela Anderson. They were drawn to the project primarily due to the chance to share the screen with these renowned actresses, which they saw as a valuable experience.

What does the speaker say about the role of female friendships in the film?

The speaker emphasizes the complexity and depth of female friendships as portrayed in the film. They describe these relationships as a balance of unconditional loyalty ('ride or die') and tough love, where you support your friends but also help them face the consequences of their actions for their personal growth.

What does 'ride or die' mean in the context of the characters Shelly and Annette?

In the context of Shelly and Annette, 'ride or die' refers to a deep, unwavering loyalty between the two characters. It represents their willingness to stand by each other through thick and thin, even when tough decisions need to be made, such as confronting harmful behaviors or making sacrifices for one another's well-being.

What does the speaker imply about the personal challenges of being an actor?

The speaker implies that being an actor is a profession deeply rooted in rejection. The industry often involves facing constant disappointment, but perseverance and the internal drive to continue pursuing one's craft are essential. The emotional strain of rejection is a recurring theme in the speaker’s narrative.

How does the speaker describe the experience of working on *Everything Everywhere All at Once*?

The speaker describes working on *Everything Everywhere All at Once* as a 'life-saving' and 'life-changing' experience. Despite being filmed under unconventional circumstances, including in an abandoned office building, the opportunity to participate in this project had a profound impact on the speaker’s career and emotional state.

What does the speaker’s mention of Samuel French and Tennessee Williams signify?

The speaker’s reference to Samuel French and Tennessee Williams suggests a yearning for a deeper, more meaningful artistic experience. While working on commercial projects, they were simultaneously exploring classic literature and drama, reflecting their desire for more substantial and emotionally rich roles.

What does the speaker say about the impact of the opportunities they were given?

The speaker acknowledges that many of the opportunities presented to them over the years were not particularly satisfying or creatively fulfilling. Despite this, they maintained hope and a belief that there was more for them to give, waiting for the right opportunity to come along.