Pamela Anderson Opens Up About Hepatitis C Diagnosis at amfAR Venice Gala

On September 6, 2026, Pamela Anderson received amfAR’s Award of Courage at the organization’s Venice Gala. During her acceptance remarks, she detailed her late-1990s hepatitis C diagnosis, the decade-long prognosis she received, the costly treatment that cured her in 2015, and the lingering emotional impact of the experience.

MEAWW

Anderson first disclosed her hepatitis C infection publicly in 2002, saying she contracted the blood-borne virus after sharing a tattoo needle with ex-husband Tommy Lee. At the time, no effective cure existed. Physicians told her the disease was a “death sentence” and that she likely had “around 10 years to live.” The prognosis shaped her personal decisions, especially concerns for her two sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee.

Pamela Anderson reveals 10-year prognosis amid hepatitis C battle

• Hepatitis C affects roughly 50 million people worldwide, many of whom remain unaware of their infection for a decade or more before liver complications appear.

USA Today

• A curative regimen was approved in 2011; Anderson completed a 12-week course in 2015, becoming hepatitis C-free.

USA Today

amfAR highlighted Anderson’s advocacy by presenting the Award of Courage, noting the organization’s broader mission to end HIV/AIDS and its support for hepatitis C research and awareness. Anderson’s speech emphasized her work with health-education groups to encourage testing and reduce stigma, while also acknowledging a disconnect between her public messaging and private emotional struggle.

Sportskeeda

• “It was a death sentence. That’s what my doctor told me — that I probably had around 10 years to live,” — Hide Caption Pamela Anderson, doctor

Vulture

• “Back in the late '90s, when I was diagnosed with hepatitis C, there was no cure,” — Hide Caption Pamela Anderson, doctor

USA Today

• “I'm grateful to say now that I am hep C free,” — Hide Caption Pamela Anderson, doctor

USA Today

• “My words did not match my feelings,” — Hide Caption Pamela Anderson, doctor

USA Today

• “My truth has come through my work, finding ways to express myself and heal through the arts,” — Hide Caption Pamela Anderson, doctor

USA Today

• “But my experience of shame and guilt was also an unconscious journey,” — Hide Caption Pamela Anderson, doctor

Pamela Anderson shares hepatitis C diagnosis memories at amfAR Gala in Venice

Anderson’s recent projects include the films *The Last Showgirl*, *The Naked Gun* reboot, *Rosebush Pruning*, and *Place to Be*, the latter slated to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. She continues to partner with health-advocacy organizations, urging broader access to hepatitis C treatment and ongoing public dialogue about stigma.

Page Six