Pamela Anderson is looking back at a harrowing medical diagnosis.

The actress took the stage at the amfAR Gala Venezia 2026 on Sunday, Sept. 6 and gave a powerful speech reflecting on contracting hepatitis C in 2002. The amfAR event, held at Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice, Italy during the Venice Film Festival, honored Anderson, 59, with the non-profit’s Award of Courage.

“It was a death sentence. That’s what my doctor told me — that I probably had around 10 years to live,” the Last Showgirl star recalled onstage, per Variety. Anderson has said she contracted the hepatitis C virus by sharing tattoo needles with ex-husband Tommy Lee.

Pamela Anderson at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 7.Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty
The doctor’s diagnosis “colored and corrupted my decisions,” continued Anderson. “It was not fear of death, but fear of what might happen to my young children. It turned my life inside out.” The Baywatch alum and Lee, 63, share adult sons Brandon Thomas and Dylan Jagger.

“It took everything I had in my bank” to pay for treatment, added Anderson, who in 2015 announced that she was free of hepatitis C. A cure for the viral infection was found in 2011.

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“I’m not a victim, I’m a victor. I am strong and capable, more now than I could ever dream of,” concluded Anderson in her speech. “I’m not the damsel in distress, no matter how easy that role is to play.”

Taika Waititi and Pamela Anderson at the amfAR Gala Venezia 2026 presented by World Gold Council on Sept. 6.Ryan Emberley/amfAR via Getty
Presenting Anderson with the award was Taika Waititi, her costar in the upcoming drama Place to Be. The drama from director Kornél Mundruczó, costarring Ellen Burstyn, Édgar Ramírez, Lena Waithe, Murray Bartlett and Maika Monroe, premieres at the fest on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

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Dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic, amfAR has also advanced research and advocacy on hepatitis C, a common co-infection for people living with HIV. The Venice gala also celebrated performance artist Marina Abramović with the Award of Inspiration, introduced by Orlando Bloom. The event included an auction and live performances from Mimi Webb and Bebe Rexha.

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Among Anderson’s upcoming screen projects are Place to Be, Alma, Love Is Not the Answer and Somedays. The Canadian star appeared in this year’s Rosebush Pruning, released in July.

The 83rd Venice Film Festival runs Sept. 2–12.