There might not be a show as sultry as Baywatch. For eleven seasons, the gorgeous crew of  lifeguards sporting red swimwear entertained viewers with a very sensual vision of beach life and the California coast. The most seductive character was almost definitely CJ Parker,  who was interpreted by Pamela Anderson.

CJ was known for rocking a bikini body that was the basic definition to beauty standards in the 1990s—and to nobody’s surprise! Before joining the cast of Baywatch, Anderson was a Playboy model. She was actually chosen for the role after rising to fame for being selected as the October 1989 Playmate of the Month, according to PR Wire.

With this wild reputation and totally sexualized image, some fans are wondering how old Anderson was when all of this was going down. We have done some digging to help you understand the truth behind Anderson’s rise to fame.

Related: 20 Photos That Change The Way We See Pamela Anderson

A Little Bit Of Background

Anderson was born in 1967, which means that she was just twenty-two years old when she first appeared on the cover of Playboy. She joined the cast of Baywatch only three years later in 1992–at the young age of twenty-five.

While Anderson’s youth may shock some fans, they should know that Anderson hardly planned to get involved in the pornography industry. She was always creative, but since she wasn’t from a big city like New York or LA, the star did not have many chances to make a name for herself.

In her interview with PR Wire, Anderson admitted that she never really dreamed of being one of Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion girls; it was just the only way she saw to achieve something. “I’ve always been very imaginative, and I thought I would do something creative. I just knew I had to get out of my small town. I never wanted to be in this industry; I didn’t know that option existed for me,” Anderson told the outlet.

Related: 20 Facts About Tommy Lee And Pamela Anderson’s Kids 

Skyrocketing To Success

Anderson’s story could easily stand as a criticism of Hollywood and the kinds of opportunities that were available to women in the 80s and 90s. Nonetheless, the former starlet has made her peace with the past, especially since her role as a sex symbol—both on Baywatch and in the Playboy Mansion—has brought her money, fame and even family.

As Anderson told PR Wire, “(this industry) wasn’t something I pursued. But I guess I’ve done quite well for myself just going with the flow.”

Beyond the material gains of taking in these sexier roles, Anderson can even attribute the birth of one of her children to her wild days as one of America’s sexiest gals. When asked about the craziest thing that happened to her at the Playboy Mansion, Anderson responded: “I’m sure one of my sons was conceived there.”

Anderson pursued a controversial career while she was still very young.

Next: What Pamela Anderson And The Baywatch Lifeguards Look Like In 2019