Pamela Anderson, a Canadian-American actress, model, and media personality, has navigated a high-profile romantic life that has frequently captured public attention. Known for her candidness and passionate nature, Anderson's relationships have ranged from whirlwind marriages to long-term partnerships, often playing out under the intense scrutiny of the media. Her journey through love has been marked by deep connections, significant milestones, and, at times, considerable challenges, all of which she has reflected upon in her memoir and documentary.
Before her most famous marriage, Anderson had a significant early connection with Hollywood producer Jon Peters. They reportedly dated from 1988 to 1990, during which Peters proposed, though Anderson declined due to their age difference. Decades later, they rekindled their romance, secretly marrying in Malibu in January 2020. However, this union was brief, lasting less than two weeks, and Anderson later clarified that it was never a legally binding marriage, stating, "No Marriage, no Divorce...just a bizarre theatrical lunch." Peters, however, publicly stated he would leave her $10 million in his will.
Around the same period, Anderson also dated actor Scott Baio for three years after meeting him at the Playboy Mansion in 1990. She even made an appearance on his show, Charles in Charge. Another notable early relationship was with professional surfer Kelly Slater. They met on the set of Baywatch and dated before her first marriage. Anderson has since referred to Slater as her "big love," indicating a deep affection for him during that time.
Anderson's most infamous and widely publicized relationship began with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. They met in 1995 and, in a whirlwind romance, married just four days later in February 1995 in Cancun. Their tumultuous three-year marriage produced two sons, Brandon Thomas (born 1996) and Dylan Jagger (born 1997). The couple faced immense public scrutiny, particularly after their private sex tape was stolen and distributed. Despite their passionate connection, they divorced in March 1998, though they attempted to reconcile briefly in late 2008. In her memoir, Anderson reflected, "My relationship with Tommy may have been the only time I was ever truly in love."
Following her divorce from Tommy Lee, Anderson dated Swedish model Marcus Schenkenberg, with whom she became engaged in summer 2000. Their engagement, however, was called off in 2001. Shortly after, she began a high-profile, on-again, off-again relationship with musician Kid Rock (Robert Ritchie). They became engaged in 2002 but broke up the following year. They later reconciled and married on a yacht near Saint-Tropez in July 2006. The marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 2007, with reports suggesting that Kid Rock's jealousy over her role in the film Borat contributed to their split. Anderson later admitted she knew the marriage was a "mistake" soon after it happened.
Anderson's third and fourth marriages were to professional poker player Rick Salomon. They first tied the knot in Las Vegas in October 2007. This marriage was annulled just two months later, in December 2007, with Anderson citing fraud. Despite the previous annulment, the pair remarried in January 2014. This second attempt also proved unsuccessful, with Anderson filing for divorce in December 2014, which was finalized in 2015. She later described this period as an "awful relationship," reflecting that she looked "20 years older" during that time.
In 2009, Anderson was linked to electrician and surfer Jamie Padgett, with reports indicating an on-and-off relationship. Her most recent marriage was to her bodyguard, Dan Hayhurst. They wed in a private Christmas Eve ceremony at her Canadian home in December 2020. Anderson expressed her happiness at the time, stating she was "in the arms of a man who truly loves me." However, this marriage also ended, with their divorce being confirmed in January 2022 after approximately one year.
Pamela Anderson's romantic history is a testament to her belief in love and her willingness to embrace new chapters. After her most recent divorce, Anderson has spoken about finding peace and focusing on herself, suggesting a period of self-reflection and personal growth. Her journey has been a public exploration of connection, parenthood, and the complexities of relationships under the global spotlight.