Pamela Anderson has recalled being told she had about 10 years to live after being diagnosed with hepatitis C, during an emotional speech at an amfAR gala in Venice.
The 59-year-old Baywatch star spoke about the liver disease while accepting the charity’s Award of Courage at the event on Sunday, September 6, 2026. She first made her diagnosis public in 2002.
Anderson has said she believed she contracted hepatitis C after sharing a tattoo needle with her then-husband, Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. Lee denied having the virus.
Recalling the diagnosis, Anderson said her doctor had warned that she “probably had around 10 years to live”, describing the news as a death sentence.
She later underwent treatment and announced in 2015 that she had been cured of hepatitis C after completing a course of antiviral medication.
Her award at the Hilton Molino Stucky recognised her philanthropic work and support for health-related causes. The amfAR gala, held during the Venice Film Festival, raised funds for HIV and AIDS research.
