Pamela Anderson has opened up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life, recalling the moment doctors told her in the late 1990s that she had hepatitis C. Speaking at the 2026 amfAR Gala Venezia, the actress described how frightening the diagnosis was at a time when effective treatment was not yet available. She said her doctor warned that she might have only about a decade to live, but she explained that her greatest fear was not for herself—it was what the future might mean for her young children. The news changed the way she viewed her life and influenced many of the decisions she made during those years. Anderson later became open about her experience, using her public platform to encourage awareness and testing while privately dealing with feelings of fear, shame, and uncertainty.

A major turning point eventually arrived when a new treatment became available. Anderson said she was fortunate to receive the medication during its early stages, although the cost required her to use much of her savings because it was not yet covered by insurance. In 2015, she announced that she had been successfully treated and was free of hepatitis C, describing the result as an incredible blessing and saying she felt as though years of her life had been returned to her. Now, looking back, Anderson says the emotional impact of those early years has never completely disappeared. Her story reflects how dramatically medical treatment can change over time, but also how a frightening diagnosis can leave lasting memories. Despite everything she endured, Anderson has continued moving forward, turning a deeply personal experience into a message of hope, resilience, and gratitude.