Category: Interview

Interview

Brandon Thomas Lee on Growing Up with Pamela Anderson

You might expect the son of Baywatch star Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee to be used to the spotlight, but Brandon Thomas Lee had a relatively camera-free childhood. Today, however, he’s all grown up and stepping into the public eye for the first time—on his own terms.

At 23, Lee is the youngest member of The Hills: New Beginnings, MTV’s reboot of the beloved mid-2000s reality show The Hills, which put the antics of Southern California rich kids on display and helped launch a trend that’s still dominating the airwaves today.

Much of the original cast has returned, so we get to catch up with Spencer and Heidi Pratt, Stephanie Pratt, Whitney Port, Audrina Patridge, and Justin Bobby 10 years later. (Former stars Kristin Cavallari and Lauren Conrad sat this one out.) Joining the cast are Lee and Mischa Barton, previously of the hit teen show The OC.

Here, Lee talks with T&C about growing up in a famous family, his friendship with Brody Jenner, and his most embarrassing moment on the show so far.
How did you get involved with The Hills?

I knew Brody [Jenner] growing up in Malibu and we’ve been friends for years. I got news that MTV was bringing back The Hills. Brody called and I kinda knew before I picked up the phone what he was gonna ask. The stars were just aligning. I told him, “I don’t know, I’ve never done reality TV in my life and this would be a huge step for me”—since I’m trying to be an actor. In the end I thought it would be a great opportunity for people to get to know me.
Reality TV has changed a lot since The Real World came out in 1992. Why do you think people still love watching these kinds of shows?

The entertainment industry is such a small world and there’s always gonna be stardom and interest in those individuals. It’s the mundane stuff thatI think people are really interested in—the family life, the behind the scenes. Just people doing normal, everyday people things. It’s the relatability of reality TV that keeps people watching.

What was it like growing up in a famous family?

When my brother and I were growing up no one got to know us, my mom kind of shunned the camera, no press, nothing. It was a very private life. Our family has been approached maybe over 100 times to do our own show, but that was something we never were interested in. My mom wanted us to make those decisions as adults and she was never willing to put me and Dylan into the position where we would be forced into the spotlight. Which I’m thankful for, because having that ability to make that decision for yourself means you can shape your own life

So were your parents supportive of you doing the show?

I think they were more surprised than anything! My mom knew how seriously I was taking my acting career. I grew up running from the camera, but these last couple years I’ve been seeking it out in a different way. I’m at a point in my life now where I’m more than happy to show people what I’ve been up to.

Is there any part of your life that you kept off-camera?

The relationship with my brother is really important to me. I’m the older brother and I’ve always done everything first and made sure everything was ok. As the show progresses that’s something I would love to showcase but for the first season I was skeptical about bringing my family on the show.
What do you hope people learn about you from The Hills?

I hope people realize that I’m just a normal kid working really hard, trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood. And it’s not as easy as it looks, no matter who your parents are. It honestly is harder sometimes when your parents have a big name because of the stigma that comes with that. I feel like people don’t really understand that and most celebrity kids ride on their parents coat-tails, and I never wanted to do that.

What’s been your most embarrassing on-camera moment so far?

One of the moments is in in the first episode! I was late getting up when they got to my house ready to film and I was about to get in the shower and they asked, “can we film you shower?” And I said, “As long as you film me from behind.” That was one of my first times filming and that was a big wake up call for me. There are other scenes where I cannot believe that just happened on television and millions of people are gonna see it.
The question everyone wants to know: how real is it?

I try to remain as real as I can and forget the camera is there. There’s a lot of risk that you take in real life to get the things that you want, and taking that risk on a worldwide stage is different than when it’s just one-on-one. I told myself this wasn’t gonna stop me from having any real, cathartic experiences in my life.

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source: townandcountrymag.com

Jul 2, 2019
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by Jessica
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Interview

Pamela Anderson opens up about Julian Assange & veganism

Actress Pamela Anderson, who now lives in France with her soccer player boyfriend, Adil Rami, made a trip west to California for the recent opening of the “Pamela Anderson by David Yarrow” exhibition at Maddox Gallery Los Angeles in West Hollywood. (The exhibition closes this week.)

The former “Baywatch” star also makes a cameo in son Brandon Thomas Lee’s reality series, MTV’s “The Hills: New Beginnings,” which premieres Monday night.

During a chat this month, Anderson, 51, shared her thoughts about her activist work, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and the vegan lifestyle pieces she’s producing. Here’s an excerpt from the conversation.

What’s it like to be back in Los Angeles?

I’m not a big L.A. fan. I’m more a Malibu girl. You can be in Malibu and never see L.A. I love being at the beach. Even in France, I feel the same way about Paris. I prefer Cassis. I need to have one foot in the water — or I feel claustrophobic.
Your series “Baywatch” was made in Malibu. When you’re in town, what memories from the series come to mind?

I see my tower every time I go home — Tower 14, the same one from the series!
How did you get involved with photographer David Yarrow for this exhibition?

I love that he shoots animals in their natural habitats. I was a fan of his for years when he worked with Cindy Crawford and raised a lot of money for charity. He asked me to shoot a photo for him, and all the proceeds will go to my foundation. How could I say no?

Your foundation has been around for 20 years. What are some of your achievements as an activist? What have you been working on recently?

We’ve created animal welfare laws where there were none in many countries. I’ve noticed that when I speak with world leaders, things get done. Even [Russian President Vladimir] Putin stopped importing seal products, so that pretty much stopped the Canadian seal hunt. And so many things that I’ve done with PETA.

Lately, I have been working with my friends in Germany [on] DiEM25, which is a green political movement. We’re trying to get some seats in the European Parliament. I have been speaking at universities. I love to see the emerging of young, really forward-thinking people that are trying to change the E.U. and create democracy in Europe.

Everything is incredibly crazy right now. It’s a very strange world we’re living in. This is why I’ve created a new offshoot of my foundation called Tenure, [based on the principles of an academic tenure,] where I take 10 activists and pay their salaries for a year. Because people that are activists … will care about everything. They don’t just care about one little thing. Animal activists like Paul Watson, for instance — even if the sea dried up, he would fight for something else. So I want to encourage people to be career activists.

Even though activists are getting a bad name and certain governments are afraid of them and investigative journalism, we have to really support the people that are sticking their necks out.

The money that I raise will go to activists risking their lives — anywhere from freedom of speech to people on a boat saving the whales, like Sea Shepherd. I love people that are in the mix. They are not just talking about it, they are warriors. I’m really good at giving money to people who can make an entire initiative out of 5,000 euros/dollars. I also sponsor a lot of first responders.

There are so many things in France I’m doing against animals and circuses. … I have a campaign coming out about anti-Marineland and anti-Sea World, so people [won’t] go to these places.
Do you find it difficult to be taken seriously in your activist efforts because people associate you with your background as an actress?

Even other activists tell me to ‘Be careful. Don’t wear that. Don’t do this because they need it to be taken seriously, and people need to listen to what you’re saying.’ And I say, ‘No, I am who I am.’ Sorry. I don’t want to apologize every day or have to explain to people that I can form a full sentence or give my track record.

But I also get into places where it’s unexpected. I reach an audience that’s important. I have a lot of friends who are intellectuals, but they are preaching to the choir. Whereas, I feel like I need to simplify things and can share the same message but in more of a fun way. Because sometimes activists can be annoying! It’s sexy being an activist and it’s a romantic struggle. I like to encourage people to be engaged in the world.

You have been working to get WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange out of jail. What will that take?

A lot of public support. We really have to get him out of jail. He can’t be extradited to America. They are doing everything they can to destroy his reputation, so people don’t support him. If you see people throughout history, that’s what they do.

Keeping him in the public eye is really important, so he doesn’t get killed. But being alive and in prison — Belmarsh prison is not an easy life — he’s never committed a violent act in his life. He’s very calm, very centered. I really encourage people to look at some of his speeches and the things he talks about. He’s very, very smart and very passionate about justice.

And he’s going to keep doing what he’s doing. He knew he was going to be in danger. Julian told me everything that happened and what was going to happen. It was just a matter of time. So now he needs public outcry — and especially from journalists. It’s crazy the brainwashing that’s gone on and the egos involved. We have to get him out of there for sure.

What are your thoughts on the #MeToo movement and how it has evolved?

There’s good things about it, but as I always say, ‘Action is stronger than a hashtag.” Feminism, for 50 years, gave us a voice. … We’re allowed to be able to talk about the abuse in our lives and we have to take action in the moment. We also have to be careful about destroying lives, like Julian, for instance. I have two boys, so I’m always worried about paralyzing them too.

We still want them to be men, to be chivalrous. We don’t want to be too crazy. This third-wave feminism, I’m not really a fan of that, but I am a feminist. I believe in all the good things that feminism has. But I am going to write a fourth book called ‘Saving Feminism From Feminists.’ I’m working on it.

You’re vegan, right?

Yes, we all have to evolve our habits. You just have to. I think it’s best for the environment. I was vegan for compassionate reasons and then I realized the health benefits. Obviously, it’s all connected to the environment and water and poverty and world hunger. There are so many good things about it. You’re really making a statement if you’re vegan.
Are you going to produce more vegan shoewear?

I’m doing another line. I’m actually opening in Galerie Lafayette doing vegan bags, vegan shoes, vegan Champagne and all sorts of vegan products — mostly with small groups because I want to encourage them as artists as well.

The artists are the freedom fighters of the world. That’s why I love to do it. If I have to do a fundraiser, I’d rather be with artists. They are more courageous when they are supporting an activist like me because I have a lot of friends who are, maybe, a little bit controversial.

source: LA Times

Read more: http://pamanderson.proboards.com/thread/9204/julian-assange-veganism#ixzz5rrgUEr00

Jun 25, 2019
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by Jessica
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Interview

Pamela Anderson answers your DMs about sex and love

Love is complicated, right? As if it wasn’t confusing enough, in the information era it’s become more and more complex – we might be just one swipe away from the lover of our dreams, but maybe we’re overloaded by options. While hooking up is undoubtedly easier than ever, the acceleration of technology has left some people confused about what they really want, and who with.

We invited Pamela Anderson – iconic actress and beacon of sensuality, sensitivity, and sexuality – to come onboard as our guest sex and relationships editor, answering Dazed readers’ questions about self-esteem, threesomes, and what to do if your partner is overly dependent. We had a lot to get through (thanks to everyone who submitted!). We’ve taken out the Instagram handles and email address to protect the askers’ privacy and personal relationships, but each question published below comes from a different Dazed reader.

I’m with a boy who is going through an ‘asexual’ period, and I would like to know how to help him feel sexual again.

Pamela Anderson: I heard that this is an epidemic. Or maybe it’s an evolution in the age of technology and germ phobias. Does he watch a lot of explicit pornographers or video games? Does he feel numb? Is he sure of his sexuality? Too much masturbation or fantasies about cyber film stars or video games like Fortnite seem to be an addiction. Wasting time. Is YouTube taking up his time? It’s a confusing time with so much access to so much visually. I guess you must be brave – experiment with getting his attention. But don’t blame yourself. Does he share what he fantasises about? What gender? What are his fears?

Being a lover is vulnerable, especially to a sensitive person. An empath dives deep and can get depressed, and some are just afraid of love. We share our souls forever with someone we share our bodies with, and that can be scary. A computer has no attachment. And multiple bodies to look at to get excited about. It’s a dangerous time for good sex. We must do all we can to keep human connections – we are stronger in pairs. Maybe have this conversation with him as a caring friend. And look for love and a great lover who isn’t afraid somewhere else.

What was the process like, to build self-esteem and security for yourself, being conscious of all those faux stereotypes and ideas about you? I’m interested in the atmosphere that gets created around women who carry a beauty that often gets criticised somehow, as though people can’t feel, love, or have their own convictions.

Pamela Anderson: Well, I am a woman first. I was raised by fun-loving women who enjoyed all aspects of love and loving, romance and good sex. It was modelled for me on their voracious behaviors. They were beautiful and bubbly and enjoyed life. I don’t think about my image or my past. When men try to put me on a pedestal, it’s the worst. It’s isolating and lonely to be so protected. It’s also someone that will cheat eventually. Thinking you are too perfect makes men insecure and have to seek attention from others. I just want to walk hand in hand through the streets and kiss and laugh and love. But some men have a fear of treating me as a normal girl. This is what I want more than anything.

What’s your opinion on doing threesomes, groups, or ‘sex clubs’ with your partner?

Pamela Anderson: I have never had a threesome or group sex in a positive way. But to each their own. All my lovers were too jealous. Except for maybe one that fantasised about me being with a woman and watching us. It sounds tempting sometimes. But I’m too romantic. I don’t enjoy sex without love and commitment. It’s not mechanical or to show off. It’s about intimacy and sharing secrets.

Dear Pam, my boyfriend is the nicest person I know and I love him a lot. However, he’s 41, and although he eats relatively healthy, he’s not active and hasn’t taken care of his body since we started dating six years ago. Context: we’re both guys, I’m 27, and I’ve had the body of Britney Spears circa Y2K since puberty, so I don’t know what he’s going through. I want a hunky dude and I want it to be him! How can this be managed?

Pamela Anderson: You must be honest. Like you’d want your best friend to be with you. Go to the gym together. Take long walks. Go vegan. It’s better for his health. And I’m sure things will get better. Being vegan is an aphrodisiac diet. It’s a win-win. Meat makes you impotent and unhealthy. Hopefully he’s not on the computer or video games all day. That will change your body. A man with a flabby butt from sitting all day is not attractive. This creates an unattractive body. I’m not a fan of this lifestyle – it’s boring.

I’m in an overly dependent relationship, my partner is really needy. How do I break up with them?

Pamela Anderson: You must… or seek therapy. Unhealthy attachments and jealousy destroy all. And it’s crazy-making.

Someone in the bedroom says, ‘do something kinky’. What do you do?

Pamela Anderson: It’s up to them to be more specific. Sex toys can be fun.

How do you tell if someone wants you for your brains, and not just your body?

Pamela Anderson: Well, you need someone to love both. The mind is the most erotic part of the body. Stimulate my mind and the body follows.

What is your opinion on having a boyfriend and sugar daddy at the same time? Morally wrong or financially smooth for a young, broke millennial?

Pamela Anderson: I’m not an advocate of this. One man at a time is all I can handle. Plenty of sugar daddies out there. I can’t make love to someone I’m not attracted to. Not any amount of money or presents are worth it.

How can I start a polyamorous relationship successfully?

Pamela Anderson: Move to Utah? I recently met a woman who has a husband and a lover in the house. They all raised the kids together. It’s never been different, it’s a personal choice. They are happy but there is no way I could do it.

Like you, I like to show how sexy I am, but I’m tired of receiving unsolicited dick pics from men in my DMs. How do I make idiots understand that I ain’t looking for their attention?

Pamela Anderson: Block and delete.

source: DazedDigital.com

Jul 26, 2018
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by Jessica
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