Pamela Anderson, known for her iconic "Baywatch" role and numerous Playboy covers, recently opened up about the complexities of being a sex symbol and the impact it had on her sons, Brandon and Dylan Lee. In a candid conversation on Variety's "Actors on Actors," Anderson discussed how her sons, now adults, grappled with their mother's sexualized image during their upbringing.

Anderson acknowledged seeking forgiveness from her sons for the challenges they faced due to her public persona. While she previously shielded them from the spotlight during their childhood in Canada, the ubiquity of her image made it unavoidable as they grew older. She recounted instances of "fistfights at school" stemming from their peers' exposure to her explicit photos.

Despite the difficulties, Anderson expressed no regret about her past choices. She believes life experiences, even those viewed differently in hindsight, shape personal growth. She now embraces living in the present and enjoying her current stage of life.

Anderson's past experiences have informed her acting, particularly in her Golden Globe-nominated role in "The Last Showgirl." She drew upon her personal journey with beauty, glamour, and aging to enrich her portrayal of a seasoned performer. She described the role as a cathartic experience, allowing her to express herself authentically.

In the past, Anderson actively avoided tabloids and media coverage to protect herself from hurtful narratives. However, the pervasive nature of her public image made it difficult to ignore. She eventually embraced the "cartoon character" persona that the media crafted.

More recently, Anderson has embraced a more natural look, opting to forgo makeup on red carpets. She views aging as a natural process and feels liberated by shedding the pressure to conform to societal expectations of beauty. She now prioritizes dressing for herself and expressing her authentic self.