Pam Grier, action hero icon

She was a gun-toting goddess who made her name in blaxploitation films like "Coffy" and "Foxy Brown," and inspired director Quentin Tarantino to write a film especially for her. But action star Pam Grier proved to be more than just proficient at taking down drug dealers; she also beat cancer. The actress talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about starring in the Amazon Prime horror series "Them: The Scare," and why she agreed to work in a genre that she finds terrifying.
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[@isaiah9750]

She needs her own star in Hollywood.

[@HenriettaHudson-we4wv]

IKR???

[@sharone.langley2923]

@@HenriettaHudson-we4wv It costs $75K. Maybe QT will sponsor it.

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

She doesn't have a star? Not only shocking, but unacceptable! She's one-of-a-kind. WTF, Hollywood!

[@erikm8372]

@@sharone.langley2923 wait… so who “gifts” the stars their $75k section of pavement them? The City of Los Angeles? 🤔Cause they’re always making a speech at the ceremonies… or the City of West Hollywood or some civic group..

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Oh absolutely! I think it’s a crime she isn’t!

[@WoodyAllenManiac]

She should have won an Oscar for Jackie Brown. It was an insult that she wasn’t even nominated.

[@carolaguilera6911]

That was a good flick . Love PG

[@Scorchy666]

I think Tarantino's overuse of the N-word throughout played a part. After a while you become irritated just hearing it so often. I'm sure the Academy nominating committee felt the same way. I only came to this conclusion a couple weeks ago when a black channel replayed JB with those specific edits. Everyone's performance is so much better without the incendiary slurs.

[@EmperorGuyver]

​@@Scorchy666 Overuse ? Just say you don't spend much time in public to hear that word more often than not

[@p.w.e.2374]

She played the part low key and NOT over the top...There was no "flashy" Oscar moment - it was an intelligent, smart performance - she was robbed of a nomination and potential win. I don't think the use of the "N" word had much to do with it, then. She was an action star...Stay in your lane...that probably had more to do with it.

[@PepperWilliams_songcovers]

So true!!!

[@HenriettaHudson-we4wv]

PAM GRIER @75!!!!! THE TOTAL GOAT!!!! OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED!!!!

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

The finest 75yo ever!!! Happy Birthday!! 🎉

[@paulathomas5483]

I hope I look like that when I'm 75 🙂

[@CarbideSix]

I KNOW, RIGHT!? Dare I say, she looks so good and carries herself so well, she would put most of these modern women boss B's to SHAME.

[@adrinneladrinnel0403]

Pam is strikingly gorgeous always 👑💜🤎💜

[@avtechman77]

I met Pam at the Beverly Center back in 2001 or 02. When I asked her for a hug, she was nice enough to give me one. She made a young mans dream come true. A true Icon

[@hummersd]

75?! She looks like she's in her 40's! So glad she beat cancer and is able to give us so much more. Go Pam!

[@VEGANSAM]

She was...& still is...ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. Period.

[@324cmac]

And smart and talented!

[@VEGANSAM]

@@324cmac That was a given...but to look THAT great at 75?!...that's amazing!

[@maryeliason1504]

Yes

[@ririmr4978]

Pam Grier is an ICON! Keep doing what makes you happy Pam!

[@EdHelms1]

Jackie Brown is QT’s best movie and Pam Grier is the definition of cool.

[@metalbubba666]

Agreed on both counts!

[@Sunshine-un5ww]

Yes! And those outfits are just off the hook!

[@ThePecanTan]

Agreed!

[@BeeHatGuy]

100%

[@saynotocensorship]

LEWWWWWIIIIIIISSSSSSSS 😂

[@kl.8992]

Pam needs her flowers

[@msangthrope5396]

She has aged beautifully. It's nice that she's still working.

[@kt9166]

She wrote a wonderful autobiography a few years ago. Read it! She's had such a wonderful, interesting life, and it ain't over yet, Baby!

[@haute03]

Happy birthday, Pam! You're a true legend!

[@benjaminlaureano9804]

Timeless legend. Coffy is so ridiculously good.

[@CHERYLRGAY]

HELLO MR. BENJAMIN😀😀.. I LOVE THE INTRO MUSIC TO "COFFY."

[@annzeeg4217]

I watched it for the first time last night

[@Mister_Listener]

@@CHERYLRGAYthe music in Coffy is SO GOOD. Roy Ayers is think?

[@charlieo.possum5501]

​@@Mister_ListenerCorrect!

[@Mister_Listener]

@@charlieo.possum5501 coffy is the color of your skin. Coffy is the world you live in…sing it with me! And then deniece williams sings Coffy Baby. Damn i need to pull this up on Spotify right now. Ha!

[@maureencora1]

She's a Queen .5'8" 38*28*38 100% Woman. She Makes Proud to Be a African-American. (smile)

[@yourhuckleberry6757]

Being the most affluent and influential black culture in the world ya shouldn't have a problem with pride.

[@ericasuzannedavis]

Pam is the epitome of black girl magic! What a legend. Love her!

[@tonyjones1560]

She was a superhero back in the 1970s. That she’s still here is a strong indication that she’s a superhero in 2024. Loved her then, love Pam Grief now.

[@Mia7189]

Mad respect for this iconic woman. Happy Birthday, Miss Pam. You are and always will be a legend.

[@tonywhite2567]

When Pam Grier hit the screen in the 1970s I fell in love with her beauty her stature her strength back then she changed the game. Much respect to you Miss Greer be well.

[@heathermetz6576]

0:32 “Have no fear, Pam Grier is here.”

[@anthonymckibbins5926]

Give her an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement please. It is past due.😘

[@mrbrownroyyal]

I’ve been saying this for years! It’s long overdue! I wish I could get this message to Quentin Tarantino!

[@iamkarlwithak]

I’ve had such a huge crush on Pam for so many years. She is still and will always be Foxy Brown. Beautiful. 🙏💪🌍🌏🌎❤️🇺🇸🖖

[@HeronCoyote1234]

I love Pam Grier. “Jackie Brown” was my introduction to her. The scene with Robert Forster as Max Cherry picking her up at the prison, the look in his eyes, I think we all fell in love with her. RIP Robert Forster.

[@ericasuzannedavis]

I love that scene. Her and Robert were perfect.

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

Pam Grier is still absolutely gorgeous. I now want to see her in roles if a medical doctor, a kawyer or a teacher

[@cartomancycarmen]

Between her and Grace Jones May birthdays are all the action baddies❣️

[@MightyYoni333]

I could not agree more. I have an affinity for them both. Whenever I see Pam I think of Grace. Icons. 🥰👌🏾

[@hnc52]

What a great voice. I could listen to Pam talk 24/7,.

[@rosannekatonwalden1620]

Pam Grier American and worldwide feminist ICON!!!!🤩😍

[@ekop1778]

I HAD SOME COFFY THIS MORNING

[@AJAZZist]

Yes! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@davidkublin4446]

A icon!!! Still gorgeous!!!

[@knowledgeaficionado1971]

Jackie Brown is my favorite QT film and an overall all time fave mostly because of Pam Grier’s performance. She was the definition of a badass (20+ years after her “prime”) but displayed a wide emotional range that surprised and impressed me. Can’t wait to visit ‘Pam’s Coffy’ next time I’m in LA.

[@stryfetc1471]

"If I have to tell you to shut up ONE more time, I'm gone SHUT you up!" 😂😂

[@Dengee]

I hope she gets royalties for use of her image at that coffee shop!💌

[@meakproductionstv]

I Was Just Thinking About what you said when I saw the "Pam's Coffy" segment. My Thoughts EXACTLY!!!

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

I love Pam……a true icon from my childhood and today❤

[@2_pencil]

Pam Grier has lived quite a life. I respect her so much. I’m glad she’s living a good life.

[@physics2817]

Words can NOT reflect how Adorned Pam is ♥️ My first ceiling poster was Jackie Brown!! God Speed Pam…keep rolling’m out 🙏♥️♥️

[@SoniT]

Pam Grier is so beautiful. My favorite Pam Grier movies are Coffy, Foxy Brown, and Friday Foster. Happy 75th birthday!

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

💯Yes maam, Pam was doing it first! She had such an impact as a woman who was not a victim! Love you Ms. Pam! ❤

[@skatebug6115]

Happy Birthday, thanks for all the movies depicting strong Black women, and we love you 💖

[@traceycamille]

SHE IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! A LIVING ICON 😍💗👑

[@wpeters4361]

Dang, 75 looks good on her.

[@shalawndillon4525]

Pam Grier is one of the best BADASS O.G. of all time!

[@vincentwashington4106]

May God continue to bless Dr. Pam Grier.

[@TimeisReel]

"You Take Small Steps, but you keep moving... Forward". Pam Grier ' 24

[@salsasoul4112]

One of the finest Sisters to ever grace the screen. Icon ♥️

[@SciHeartJourney]

Happy Birthday Pam Grier! 🥳❤️✌️

[@johncostello2948]

Loved growing up in the 70s and 80s watching Pam Grier whipping everybody's a$% on the big screen!

[@janices6140]

When I was a too-tall kid with big feet, I saw her in magazines and wanted to be just like her. 😊 Happy 75th❤❤❤

[@inamorata966]

Ms. Grier and I have a lot in common. USAF connection, college and high school alma maters in Denver, and only seven years separate us. I'm rather proud of that.

[@tishw4576]

Love Pam Grier.

[@CurvyTribune]

Happy Birthday, Sheba!!! Happy Birthday, Coffy!!! Happy Birthday, Foxy!!! Happy Birthday, Jackie!!! Happy Birthday, Ms Pam Grier!!! 🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁

[@TheQuietStorm630]

Happy Birthday To My All-Time Favorite Actresses! 🌹🌹🌹

[@geisalagordon9966]

She's a true legend and icon!!! Foxy Brown Pam Grier is a Queen

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

I used to always rent her films at Movie World 30 YEARS AGO and Coffy was the BEST film out of all of her starring films from the 70's. I found it on VHS at the Goodwill over 10 YEARS AGO.

[@LOYAL4YA]

Great interview. I had a chance to meet her for the first time in 2007 at Chicago's DePaul Theater school. I got a photo op with her and she signed my Miami Vice II "The Prodigal son" son VHS tape. That was one of the best days of my life. Thanks Ms. Grier.

[@ThePecanTan]

75???!!! The Queen looks amazing! Peace and blessings forever and always. Jackie Brown is one of the greatest movies every made!

[@user-cj3qm9uo5f]

After all these years my Queen still looks good 👑

[@brooklynbred1460]

Richard Pryor would still be alive if they stayed together. She had him off drugs, exercising and eating healthy but he couldn't stay away from the drugs. She wanted a family but was unlucky in love

[@324cmac]

Richard Pryor had low self-esteem. He probably sabotaged the relationship because he didn't feel that he deserved it. It happens often.

[@AshLee92490]

What he did to her was GRIMEY though...

[@adrinneladrinnel0403]

So very true.

[@GoddessY1968]

He would have drained the life out of her. He was toxic

[@MoMotivation0304]

He was also gay

[@chrissystewart6268]

I love Pam Grier She's a legend She deserve much love. Empowering women means alot to us women. Happy 75th birthday Ms. Pam ♊

[@chuckford5927]

I remember going to the movies in the '70's to see Pam Grier flicks as a teen (my favorite was "Coffy" & "Friday Foster""). She was fine back then and still is today. Keep going Ms. Grier! You've still got it!

[@georgewallerlll496]

Still fine, and Gorgeous, at 75 years young! Happy Birthday Pam Grier!

[@PepperWilliams_songcovers]

Jackie Brown should have won an Oscar for that role!!!

[@TheRasta4ri]

Pam Grier iconic living treasure

[@adelaferreira4575]

She is such an icon ,a legend forever Pam Grier ,long live the héroe !

[@staceypayton5159]

Finest 75 year old I ever seen...

[@petermot645]

Happy 75 yrs young !!!

[@neilifill4819]

Pam Grier is the BEST!

[@Kenquinones]

I love Pam, Coffy was and is one of my favorite movies. Mainly because my mom was a fan and watched that movie when it came out at the drive in theatre.. wow those were the days.

[@NappyChile]

❤ 👑 Pam Grier 👑 ❤ 🎂 Happy 🎉 Birthday 🎂 ❤ 🖤 💚 ICON ❤ 🖤 💚

[@martia5987]

Wonderful interview. Glad to see Pam is still thriving!

[@sarahbaartmansrevenge]

jackie brown is my favorite movie, hands-down period ! and i hope pam grier is getting HER SHARE of ‘pam’s coffy’ .

[@ginacleveland7995]

💯💯

[@omarko9708]

Pam Grier is one of my favorites, she was the first blaxploitation woman action star in the 70s , not many were brave enough to do what she did in the early 70s, but she did it and nailed it. Kudos for Pam Grier.

[@sherryengle-xe6fv]

NOTHING BUT RESPECT AND LOVE TO YOU MS. PAM GRIER

[@juliedevereaux43]

Absolute queen, role model and a stunner.

[@gregbattles4742]

Thank God for black 70s action films they made way for black cinema today

[@javiruiz8365]

Now you have Madea! 😂😂😂

[@erikm8372]

@@javiruiz8365 no you didnt… lol

[@erikm8372]

Tyler Perry cannot hold a candle to Pam’s work…sorry

[@benjamintaylor4402]

​@@erikm8372 He was being sarcastic.

[@Mister_Listener]

A lot of Black Cinema in the 1970’s was incredible. I am so glad the genre is so popular today, too.

[@garfieldharrison510]

Beauty beyond belief.

[@leestamm3187]

A nice piece for a deserving lady. One thing that really annoyed me is when they rattled off her "Jackie Brown" co-stars, Robert Forster wasn't included. Anyone who saw the movie knows how great he was as Max Cherry, the Bailbondsman who helps Jackie out of her jam. It was shameful not to mention him.

[@jiggajewel]

Happy Birthday Queen Pam Grier!🎉❤

[@corinneanderson1273]

She definitely made her mark in her films. She'll be remembered for her contributions.

[@emartine3296]

We LOVE Pam Grier!!

[@SadeWatkins]

This Was a Great Interview. Pam has a Beautiful Demeanor. I Like that you Both Went to The Coffee Shop Afterwards, and She Said She Saved The Experience for You. Thats a Good Memory 🥺🥺🥺💗💗💗☕☕☕

[@JohnBrown-ff6ez]

*I LOVED THAT TOO!. JUST GOES TO SHOW THE TYPE OF BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT SHE IS!. **#CLASSACT*

[@Mister_Listener]

I know, she seems like a sweetheart.

[@maureencora1]

Happy 75th B-Day Pam Grier, God Bless You. I Love Women Build Like When You Were in 1970, 80s & 90s. (smile)

[@franchise6907]

Much love ❤️ Pam Grier.

[@celestialnubian]

I watched Jackie Brown as a kid but was too young to get it. I didn't necessarily "get" Pulp Fiction" either but it had a layer of spectacle that allowed me to think that I did. Now I see that Jackie Brown is a movie for adults. It's a grown person's movie and now that I'm grown I get it. Great movie.

[@sig9girl]

Happy birthday, Pam! Brilliant actor beautiful human. ❤

[@slujojo9197]

Happy birthday to such an icon ,god is in control 18months to live said the doctors and you saw your 75th birthday..more good health and blessings to you .,,Give thanks to the most high ….hallelujah!!!!!.

[@jyvonne2051]

Happy Awesome Birthday to a Phenomenal, talented, beautiful woman..Ms. Pam Grier! ❤🎉 🎉!! Thank YOU for being "That Woman" of Power for Black Women everywhere!! PEACE and Blessings 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@marvinhagler4721]

Absolutely a LEGEND

[@otisroseboro5613]

Happy birthday To A Beautiful Gorgeous Woman ❤❤❤❤❤,Pam Grier

[@ralphthompson355]

Her acting was superb in in Them 2nd season!

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

Man o man . As a teenager Foxy Brown was a must see . Pam didn't disappoint !

[@marvinshenk]

Man, I love Pam Greir. Her part in Jackie Brown is legend level.

[@Emac1717]

She is do beautiful and one of my favorite actresses. She certainly does not look 75!!!

[@66jediknight]

Keep going strong Pam, may God continue to bless you.

[@m.coleman]

An absolute icon! 👸🏾 Thank you, Ms. Grier! 🫶🏾

[@saint6563]

Icon is iconic enough! Revolutionary Super Star.

[@heathermetz6576]

4:10 “Maybe, my husband, uh partner, mate was filmmaking.”

[@pcbacklash_3261]

I know this might sound crass, but I wonder if Pam's getting a cut from Quentin's coffee shop. After all, he's using her image on everything! I hope they came to some sort of agreement.

[@MissT813]

I would hope so. But she seems extremely satisfied with the project.

[@mrc302]

I hear you!👍

[@karinec.2131]

I drive by there all the time and have wondered the same..

[@Auntkekebaby]

Same thoughts

[@feliciawalker3955]

I almost lost interest in the video when I saw that part. She better be getting paid.

[@barrywilliamsjr5390]

Happy birthday to the legendary Pam Grier and I hope you have many more birthdays to come ❤️❤️🎉🎉

[@JohnW9012]

Pam Grier is truly a Foxy Legend.

[@user-om2uo1ys9t]

Beautiful. What a great piece. Thanks CBS.

[@ilovephotography1254]

Pam is a one of a kind, who aways had that something very special.

[@CollinKelley]

Most absolutely positively an icon! ❤

[@trualchemi]

Much deserved coverage. She needs her own documentary movie.