Young sons faced challenges in life due to being 'sexualized', according to Pamela Anderson.

It can be a startling discovery for a child to understand that their parents have a separate existence beyond being their caregivers, which often overshadows the notion that they are simply Mom or Dad.

Pamela Anderson's sons had to face the truth that their mother is viewed as a sex symbol, a label she eventually embraced after being bombarded with it in the media and being the subject of intense public scrutiny.

Anderson discussed how being featured in Playboy Magazine and her role in "Baywatch" affected her sons, Brandon and Dylan, who she shares with ex-husband and Mötley Crüe drummer, Tommy Lee.

In a new episode of Variety Studio: Actors on Actors, Anderson discussed her life choices and admitted that sexualization was challenging not only for her but also for her sons.

As an adult, I didn't realize my kids were going through the same experiences I faced, like being sexualized in the entertainment industry. So, my sons, 28 and 26, and I often discuss these experiences as adult children. I feel like I have to beg their forgiveness for the challenges I faced in my career.

Anderson revealed in a 2019 interview on "The View" that she managed to protect her children from being labeled as sex symbols by keeping them away from the public eye. They attended school in Canada.

Anderson stated that explicit images didn't become a problem until her sons were teenagers.

"They likely hadn't witnessed anything similar until high school. I was patiently waiting to inform them that such actions are not suitable to scare their children, but of course, it did," she remarked, pointing out that there had been "a few fistfights at school" due to the images.

"Having your mom be sexualized in some way, like a lot of the things I went through, I didn’t realize my kids were going through them at the same time." — Pamela Anderson

Anderson is determined to not feel ashamed of her past, and she believes that she can draw from it for her role in "The Last Showgirl" as a veteran performer.

The actress, 57, shared during the "Actors on Actors" conversation that she was able to bring her own personal experience, her long life of dealing with beauty and glamour and aging and reassessing life choices, to the movie, which secured her first Golden Globe nomination. "So I got to bring my whole life, really, into this role. It was such a relief to be able to play something where I could express myself that way," she continued.

"I am not embarrassed about my life or the decisions I made, even though I may have made different choices in hindsight. However, gaining life experience is necessary to recognize that those choices could have been different."

"I believe that the past should not influence your future. I enjoy living in the present and cherishing this moment in my life. However, reflecting on my past, I realize that I have always been creating characters. In fact, I have even designed Halloween costumes. Despite this, I view these characters as memorable creations and take it as a compliment."

To manage the media's intense interest in her, Anderson created characters. However, she tried to avoid any chatter related to it before fully accepting it.

"In an interview with Dax Shepard on his podcast, Armchair Expert, she stated that she was very clear about not wanting tabloids or any magazines around her. She emphasized that she wouldn't have it near her because it would hurt her. So, she requested that it not be brought up."

"I removed my gaze from the object, but then, I would embark on a European trip or something. I recall thinking, 'Who is that person? What are they discussing?'"

"I'm partially clothed in various places and everywhere, resembling a cartoon character. Afterward, I began acting as the cartoon character."

In an interview with Better Homes & Gardens in August, she repeated this statement after accidentally walking on several carpets without any makeup on.

"That was the start of me letting go of the image I had always held of myself. 'What is this cartoon character I created? OK, that was fun. But I'm not that person anymore.' It was a dance I was doing unconsciously. Looking back, I can see why I did it. But I've always been into being a homemaker too. My kids have always seen that side of me, and it hurt them to think that those other things are all people see of their mom. Yes, I've been in Playboy, and yes, I've done all those things, but we know who I am. It's different now."

Unlike many Hollywood stars who present a youthful image, Anderson's perspective on aging may differ due to his longtime portrayal as a sex symbol to the public.

""I eagerly anticipate growing old and recognizing myself in the mirror. I've always said that I would know I was truly old when I saw myself in the mirror. I plan to let my hair go natural gray, wear a straw hat, and not wear makeup. That's my comfortable, relaxed state," she confessed to Shepard, acknowledging that "classic beauties" struggle with the aging process."

"I always felt self-conscious about my appearance, so I don't think it's as difficult for me, and I don't want to push myself too hard or engage in reckless behavior," she stated.

Hence, no makeup on red carpets.

"Chasing youth is pointless," she remarked during the Victoria Beckham show this year. "You'll never reach it. So why not accept what's happening and enjoy it? Since I've finally embraced myself, I feel lighter and more at ease. I'm dressing for myself now, not to please others."