Pamela Anderson reveals father has cancer, praises healthcare workers

NEW YORK — While accepting an honor from a women's film and TV association Wednesday, actress Pamela Anderson revealed her father recently underwent successful cancer surgery.

"I first need to apologize for my uncertainty these last few weeks," Anderson, 57, opened her speech before referencing her father Barry's health. "My father was undergoing cancer surgery and I couldn't have anticipated being here unless all went smoothly and my parents had all they needed. The good news is he's OK."

Anderson, who earned nominations at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards for "The Last Showgirl," received a Muse Award at the New York Women in Film and Television gala in Manhattan. The original list of honorees, which also included "Wicked" actress Marissa Bode and CNN executive vice president Amy Entelis, was announced on March 6. Anderson's participation in the ceremony was revealed almost a week later.

Anderson went on to thank the kindness of the doctors and nurses at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, adding that the healthcare workers did so, "in a blessed and generous Canadian healthcare system that make them feel safe." The actress moved back to her hometown of Vancouver Island in 2020.

"I'm the child of a low income family," she continued. "If you haven't been there, it's hard to grasp the importance of universal free and fair healthcare. It's a taxpayer's human right."

Pamela Anderson is done playing characters in her personal life. Could an Oscar be next?

Pamela Anderson calls 'vanity' a 'prison'

In her acceptance speech, Anderson said her move back home brought on "the best part of my life."

"I may have cracked the code," she continued. "Vanity is a prison. Now I'm looking forward to the next project fearlessly with plenty to draw from. My pockets are full. I'm finally capable of being a fully available collaborator and I'm grateful that I've been given this chance at redemption."

Anderson's upcoming projects include the "Naked Gun" reboot, the drama-thriller "Rosebush Pruning" and the drama "Places to Be."

Pamela Anderson confirms gifting Millie Bobby Brown clothes

Anderson recently found herself in the headlines for her own generosity.

Actress Millie Bobby Brown revealed on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast that Anderson gifted Brown "a whole rack of clothes" for a recent press tour. Anderson told USA TODAY she was never on the receiving end of such a gesture.

"I did it all on my own. I was just having a good time," the actress reflects on her fashion. "No stylist back then. No stylist now, actually!"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pamela Anderson's father has cancer, underwent successful surgery