Pamela Anderson opens up about hepatitis C diagnosis

Pamela Anderson has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of her life, recalling how her hepatitis C diagnosis once left her believing she had only a decade to live.

The 59-year-old actress spoke candidly about her health battle while accepting the amfAR Award of Courage at the amfAR Gala Venezia 2026 on Sunday, September 6. The emotional event was held at Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice during the Venice Film Festival.

During her speech, Anderson reflected on being diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2002 and described the news as a devastating turning point in her life.

Anderson recalled being told by her doctor that she could have approximately 10 years left to live. At the time, she viewed the diagnosis as nothing short of a “death sentence,” a revelation that dramatically changed the way she approached her future.

The actress has previously revealed that she contracted hepatitis C after sharing tattoo needles with her former husband, Tommy Lee. The diagnosis had a profound emotional effect on her, particularly because she was a mother of young children at the time.

Anderson explained that the doctor’s warning affected many of the decisions she made afterward. Rather than simply fearing death, she was deeply concerned about what could happen to her children if she were no longer there to care for them.

The actress described the experience as something that completely turned her life upside down. The uncertainty surrounding her health influenced her outlook and left her confronting fears that extended far beyond her own mortality.

Seeking treatment also came at a significant financial cost. Anderson revealed that she spent everything she had in her bank account on receiving treatment for the illness. Her determination eventually paid off, and in 2015 she announced that she had been successfully cured of hepatitis C.

Medical advances had already transformed the outlook for people living with the viral infection, with an effective cure becoming available in 2011. Anderson’s recovery became an important part of her personal journey and allowed her to move forward after years of uncertainty.

Reflecting on how far she has come, Anderson rejected the idea of seeing herself as a victim. Instead, she described herself as a survivor who emerged from the experience stronger and more confident.

“I’m not a victim, I’m a victor,” Anderson said during her acceptance speech, emphasizing the strength she discovered through the difficult chapter of her life.

She also spoke about refusing to fit into the traditional image of a woman waiting to be rescued, saying she is not a “damsel in distress,” despite how easy that role might sometimes be to play.

Anderson received the prestigious award from her Place to Be co-star Taika Waititi, adding another memorable moment to an emotional evening.

The actress continues to maintain a busy professional schedule. Her upcoming drama Place to Be, directed by Kornél Mundruczó, is set to premiere on September 9. The film features a notable ensemble cast, including Ellen Burstyn, Édgar Ramírez, Lena Waithe, Murray Bartlett and Maika Monroe.

Beyond Place to Be, Anderson has several other projects in development, including Alma, Love Is Not the Answer and Somedays. Her most recent appearance came in Rosebush Pruning, which was released in July.

The 83rd Venice Film Festival is taking place from September 2 through September 12, bringing together major stars, filmmakers and industry figures from around the world.

For Anderson, however, her appearance at the festival was about more than celebrating her career. It also gave her an opportunity to reflect on a painful chapter of her past and share a message of resilience, survival and hope with audiences.