Pamela Anderson, the Golden Globe-nominated actress known for her iconic roles in Baywatch, Borat, and The Last Showgirl, recently opened up about the unexpected talents and serendipitous moments that helped her land roles in some of the most famous comedies of our time. Most recently, she stars in the highly anticipated film The Naked Gun, a movie that offers a perfect blend of silliness, slapstick humor, and sharp writing. But for Anderson, the journey to this comedic role wasn’t as straightforward as one might think.

While fans may know Anderson for her dramatic scenes in Baywatch and her memorable appearances in Borat, few are aware of the surprising skill she brought to The Naked Gun—scat singing. Yes, you read that right. Anderson revealed that her ability to scat-sing, a talent she first discovered in eighth grade, played a pivotal role in securing the role. But she didn’t just show up with this unique talent; Anderson had no idea how useful it would be in her adult career.

“I was the only one who would do it in eighth grade,” Anderson said, laughing. “I played saxophone and was in a jazz band. I’d always do the ‘scooby-dooby-dooby-doo’ stuff. When I saw the script and saw there was a scat solo, I thought, ‘This is written for me.’ I had to audition with it, and when I told Akiva Schaffer, the director, about my scat singing, he just looked at me and said, ‘Okay, you’ve got the job.’”

While her scat performance may have sealed the deal for The Naked Gun, Anderson’s career actually began in a much more unconventional way. She went from working at a tanning salon to having her life changed by a moment most of us would consider fleeting. During a Canadian football game, Anderson appeared on the jumbotron wearing a “Labatt’s Beer” t-shirt. “My friends pushed me up to the screen all night. It was just so silly,” Anderson recalled. “And my life took a turn after that. Jumbotrons are very pivotal.”

The Jumbotron appearance led to an unexpected partnership with Labatt’s Beer, which quickly turned into commercial work and later modeling for Playboy—a move Anderson credits to her mom’s advice. This career shift would eventually lead to the iconic roles in Baywatch and beyond, but Anderson remembers it all started with that jumbotron appearance. “It was the beginning of a whole new chapter for me,” she said.

But Anderson isn’t just reflecting on her career’s origins. She also discussed how The Naked Gun marks a significant departure from her previous roles. “It’s so fun to be silly,” she said, describing how she embraced the humor in The Naked Gun despite being known for more serious roles. “Comedy is very specific. Akiva is a comedic genius, and he kept throwing different endings at us. It was definitely a challenge to play it straight, but that’s what made it funny.”

In addition to the humor, Anderson also expressed how The Naked Gun allowed her to tap into a side of herself she’s rarely shown. “It’s hard to watch yourself, but when I watched the film, I could see how it was meant to be. I was really proud of the work we did. It was funny but also touching in moments,” Anderson reflected. “I love the idea of being part of something that brings joy to people. It’s a silly movie, but there’s an innocence about it.”

For Anderson, the transition from her dramatic roles to comedy is part of her ongoing evolution as an actress. She’s currently starring in a Tennessee Williams play, further proving her versatility. Anderson spoke about balancing both the comedy of The Naked Gun and the intensity of a Tennessee Williams play. “It’s a challenge, but I’m lucky to be doing something so different. I just love this time in my life.”

She also reflected on how this chapter in her career feels like a culmination of her journey, especially given her past comedic ventures. Anderson’s appearance in The Roxbury Guys and her comedic role in Borat were pivotal in shaping her current career trajectory, which is why The Naked Gun feels like a full-circle moment. “It’s just a blast to do something like this. It’s all about the laughter, and I think we need more of that in the world,” she said.

However, Anderson’s journey to this comedic role wasn’t without its hurdles. She admitted that comedy requires a delicate balance of both playing it straight and adding that quirky, offbeat charm. “Comedy is hard, and it’s specific. Akiva’s approach is all about creating discomfort and pushing boundaries,” Anderson shared, laughing. “That’s when it gets real.”

Looking back, Anderson credits her experience with comedy as an important part of her career, adding that this new role in The Naked Gun allows her to showcase a different side to herself, one that’s both silly and deeply relatable. Fans of her iconic roles will surely appreciate this latest chapter, and Anderson is clearly thrilled with her new direction.

In the end, it’s clear that Pamela Anderson is embracing the power of humor and the unexpected turns that have made her such an iconic figure in pop culture. From scat singing in eighth grade to her breakout moments on the Jumbotron, Anderson’s career proves that sometimes, the weirdest and most random experiences can lead to a lifetime of unforgettable moments on screen.

So, get ready to see Pamela Anderson like never before in The Naked Gun. As she embarks on this fun, silly new chapter, it’s safe to say she’s having the time of her life—and fans are loving every minute of it. The movie, full of humor and heart, opens in theaters this Friday, and it’s definitely one you won’t want to miss.