Strong, sexy, smart, and beautiful are the adjectives most used to describe the enduring presence of Pam Grier. Timeless is another. During the course of her nearly 30-year career, Grier has created innumerable portraits of women which have stood the test of time. From her early days in ingenue films roles like "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls," and "The Big Doll House," to her daring roles as the vixen/heroine in blaxploitation film classics like "Coffey", and "Foxxy Brown", Grier has left an indelible mark on pop culture which last to this day. "When you think about her career Pam has made an impact on Hollywood that very few actors can match," says actor and filmmaker Tim Reid, with whom she worked with on the short-lived series "Linc’s". "During her career Pam has explored virtually every female role imaginable. and with each role she has very convincingly delivered characterizations of women with whom the audience can identify with and believe in. I think that she’s a very gifted actress"

Although her earlier roles elevated Pam’s career to the forefront, today what she would like to deal with is the here and now. "I’m very grateful for the exposure and opportunity that my earlier work gave me," she says. Those roles were important and I think delivered some political and social symbolism that was a good thing for women, particularly African American. However, I’ve done so much more in my career that I think deserves a little as well.

Following her initial heyday Pam’s career began to lose steam as she began to appear in a succession of less than memorable action film roles. Sensing that it was time for a change, she rescued her fall by simply spending some time away from the spotlight, returning triumphantly in 1981 Fort Apache, The Bronx. However, no other major roles were forthcoming, and she spent much of the decade appearing in TV and straight to video movies. Fortunately, a major role in the 1988 Steven Segal action film Above the Law, marked the beginning of a comeback. In 1988 Pam’s resurgence was complete when director Quentin Tarantino, who had been a fan of her earlier movies, cast her in his 1997 hit film "Jackie Brown".

Today having permanently cast aside her big boots, big Afros and big guns, the 52-year old actress still endures as an interesting and provocative presence. Upcoming, Pam has a slate of film roles that is five deep and counting. Now at perhaps what is the best time in her career, she is enjoying the challenge of a mix bag of roles which she says speaks to her complete voice as an actress. Upcoming, she has a lead role in director John Carpenter’s long-awaited action/thriller "Ghost of Mars". After that she’ll star in the horror film "Bones" opposite Snoop Dog, the mini-series, "Feast of All Saints" and the mystery-thriller "3 AM" with Danny Glover. A budding director, Pam also recently acquired the rights to the E. Lynn Harris novel, Not A Day Goes By, which she plans to begin filming soon for theatrical release in the very near future.

Commenting on her work in his film, Carpenter calls her an "American original" and adds that when casting Mars she was the only actress he could think of. He says, " I had worked with Pam before me before on my movie "Escape from LA", so I first hand that her style and energy would be just right for this film. She is an icon in chick action films and represents the prototype for every woman who tried to pick up a gun and be tough in films."

Away from the hustle and bright lights of the spotlight, Pam’s safe-haven is her eight-acre ranch just outside of Denver. There in the company of her beloved pets, (she owns two dogs and three horses), Pam spends her time enjoying life’s simple pleasures. According to her mom, Gwendolyn, she is a confirmed homebody, who is happiest when she’s wearing an old pair of jeans and playing with her animals. "People are always surprised when they find out Pam lives right here in Denver. When she’s at home, I usually see her everyday. Her life in LA and New York is for when she’s working, but when she finishes whatever she’s working on, she comes back home and calling me up to see what I’m cooking for dinner."

Although her career has taken her on through many ups and downs, Pam is happy with the road that she’s taken. Playful, vivacious and candid, she’s clearly at place in her life where she’s content with how it’s all turned out. "My life has been filled with many wonderful surprises," she says. "I’ve been so blessed and it’s important for me to let people know that I sincerely thank them for always sticking by me through everything both thick and thin. I’ve been able to make it because of love and that’s what I want the world to know". - Gil L. Robertson IV

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