While Pamela Anderson is predominantly recognized for her iconic role in Baywatch, her performance in The Last Showgirl is rapidly establishing itself as a pivotal highlight of her career. Directed by Gia Coppola and penned by Kate Gersten, this film has captivated audiences since its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. The intricate relationships between Anderson’s character, Shelly, an aging Vegas dancer, and her peers serve to underline profound themes such as motherhood, glamour, and the ageism women face in the entertainment industry.
In The Last Showgirl, Kiernan Shipka portrays Jodie, a young and impressionable dancer who views Shelly as a maternal figure, even when Shelly struggles to fulfill that role. Alongside them, Brenda Song plays Mary-Anne, a fellow dancer whose initial passion for Las Vegas revue performances has waned, while Shelly’s ambition remains undiminished. The film also features notable performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, Billie Lourd, and Dave Bautista.
Recently, ScreenRant had the opportunity to speak with Kiernan Shipka and Brenda Song about their experiences immersing themselves in their characters in The Last Showgirl. They shared insights into some of Shipka’s emotionally charged moments on set with Anderson, as well as Song’s perspective on her character’s resignation regarding her circumstances.
Kiernan Shipka Discusses Her Connection with Pamela Anderson During Heart-Wrenching Scenes
“Shelly can’t be absolutely everything to Jodie.”
ScreenRant: Kiernan, it seems Jodie views Shelly in a maternal light. What stands out about their dynamic both on and off the screen?
Kiernan Shipka: Absolutely, that was central to my character’s journey—a theme of found family. This film fundamentally explores that concept. I collaborated with Kate [Gersten] and Gia [Coppola] to establish a backstory where Jodie has minimal contact with her biological family, who disapprove of her life choices. In this context, she sees Shelly as a maternal figure. Their relationship is beautiful yet becomes heart-wrenching when Shelly, as a flawed human, is unable to fulfill every need Jodie has. We all reach that moment when our parental figures are imperfect, revealing their humanity, and Jodie experiences this again with her idealized mother figure.
Pam and I formed a genuine connection, especially during a pivotal scene towards the film’s conclusion. By that point, we had developed a bond, and portraying that painful moment was very challenging. Jodie’s growth hinges on learning to discover her identity independently, a process inherently fraught with heartbreak.
Brenda Song Discusses Her Character’s Loss of Passion in The Last Showgirl
“She really represented someone who just got stuck in this monotonous cycle.”
ScreenRant: Brenda, it seems Mary-Anne has a firmer grip on reality than some of her co-stars when facing the shutdown of the Razzle Dazzle. How does she relate to this change and her need to move on?
Brenda Song: The perception that Mary-Anne is more stable stems from her realization that what began as a passion transformed into mere employment, lessening the emotional toll of the show’s closure for her. For Mary-Anne, this experience serves as a crucial awakening—an opportunity to confront her lost love for dance and reassess her future.
I was particularly drawn to this script because it captures the essence of women navigating different stages of their artistic careers. Mary-Anne’s character resonates with me profoundly; she embodies someone trapped in a monotonous routine, awakening to the realization that ten years have passed and she finds herself questioning her love for her craft. This narrative reflects my own journey of feeling stagnant and not taking the necessary time for introspection about my aspirations.
Mary-Anne is also burdened by simmering anger, having concentrated solely on surviving in a demanding lifestyle. For the first time in ages, she is confronted with the need to explore the creative dimensions of her career.
Exploring More About The Last Showgirl (Originally Released In 2024)
The Last Showgirl is a poignant exploration of resilience within the glitzy realm of showbiz, featuring Pamela Anderson as Shelly, a seasoned showgirl whose 30-year-long performance abruptly ends, signaling a need for her to envision a new future. Under the direction of Gia Coppola, the film also stars Jamie Lee Curtis, a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, adding depth to the narrative, alongside Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd.
- Pamela Anderson & Jamie Lee Curtis
- Gia Coppola
The Last Showgirl is set to premiere in theaters across the nation on January 10.
Source: Screen Rant Plus
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