G is for Pam Grier!
One of my favorite “breaking in to the business”stories – Pam Grier came to Los Angeles in the late 60’s and got a job as a receptionist at American International Pictures. Director Jack Hill liked her and the way she looked and cast her in his women in prison movie The Big Doll House in 1971, and again in its follow-up The Big Bird Cage in 1972. A star was born!
AIP signed her to a contract, and she quickly became a huge star in the blaxploitation genre with some terrific flicks showcasing her talents and voluptuous beauty. She worked steadily in the 70’s for AIP in titles like Foxy Brown; Coffy; Black Mama, White Mama; Scream Blacula Scream; The Arena; and Friday Foster.
After the blaxploitation cycle had run its course, Grier continued acting, appearing in small roles here and there, but making notable impressions with her performances in Fort Apache the Bronx (1981) and Something Wicked This Way Comes. (1983)
She had a recurring role in Miami Vice in the mid-80’s, then came back into the spotlight on the Big Screen as Steven Seagal’s police partner in Above the Law. (1988).
The 90’s brought more fun roles and genre work, with notable titles like Escape from L.A, Class of 1999, Mars Attacks, Posse, and the awesome Original Gangstas, which teamed her with blaxploitation legends Fred Williamson, Jim Brown, Richard Roundtree, and Ron O'Neal.
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| Fred Williamson, Pam Grier, and Jim Brown in Larry Cohen's Original Gangstas (1996). |
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| Brown, Ron O'Neal, Richard Roundtree, Grier, and Williamson. A sight to make any action junkie's heart skip a beat. |
Quentin Tarantino cast Pam Grier in the title role of Jackie Brown in 1997, and the part fit her like a glove, bringing her a new legion of fans and the best notices of her career, including several award nominations.
Pam Grier continues to act, with her most recent appearance in The Man with the Iron Fists. Standing out as one of my favorite action stars, I highly recommend you check out some Pam Grier movies right away!
H is our next destination - but that's tomorrow - and until then you Can Poke Me With A Fork, Cause I Am Outta Here!
I was lucky enough to meet Pam Grier when I was doing an article for the L.A. Times and she was appearing in a play (I believe it was something by Sam Shepard) at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. She was very serious about her craft, but warm and funny.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely sense an intensity about her - but I'm chuffed to hear that the seriousness hasn't made her aloof. Hoping I get to meet her one day! Thanks so much for coming by, Ms. G!
Deleteshe is an awesome and talented lady... who i would want to meet someday, so she can head lock me and call me a mother "f'er"... respectfully.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be a way to start a weekend? Thanks for coming by, J Man!
DeleteShe's a stunner! I must have seen her on Miami Vice.
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten about the Bradbury book...by the pricking of my thumbs, something bloggish this way comes. I need to watch the film again and give the novel a re-read.
Thanks for the dazzling Pam pics today!
I wasn't much of a Vice-er - so I didn't see her there. I did see her in a movie I watched in Smith Hall called The Vindicator - rented in that rental store down the road towards Murphysboro next to the cool grocery store and our late night Denny's. I knew her name even then - but didn't see her AIP 70's movies until later. She is dazzling, isn't she?
DeleteThe first time I saw her was in Jackie Brown and she was AMAZING! Tarantino's scripts are almost guaranteed to give actors award nominations. Will definitely get a look at her other flicks.
ReplyDeleteHe does give them some meaty parts to chew on, doesn't he? She really did sparkle in that movie - I might have to watch my Blu-Ray very soon! Thanks, Luana!
DeleteShe's still beautiful, that's for sure. Thanks for highlighting her career.
ReplyDeleteShe is indeed - and it was my pleasure, truly. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI'm sad to say I've only seen her in her older days. She was striking when she was younger!
ReplyDeleteShe's not bad now. ;) Her older movies are much easier to find these days - check some out when you can!
DeleteThat she is - you know - I THOUGHT you might like her, Val!
ReplyDeleteShe is one badass bitch and I love her. Jackie Brown is a favorite film of mine, but I adore her older work. Love Original Gangtas though. It does make the action junkie in me nostalgic.
ReplyDeleteYeah, putting this one together made me want to get my Fox in a Box set out!
DeleteSeriously, who does not love Pam Grier?
ReplyDelete--
Tim Brannan
The Other Side and The Witch
Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword
The Freedom of Nonbelief
Can't think of anyone who doesn't. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteIt's true! And how could you not?
ReplyDeletegrier and your rifles.
ReplyDelete