Pamela Suzette Grier is an American actress and singer known for her roles in 1970s action, blaxploitation, and women in prison films. Considered a pioneering female action star, she worked with studios like American International Pictures and New World Pictures. Grier has been nominated for several awards, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Satellite Award, and a Saturn Award.
May 26, 1949: Birth of Pam Grier
On May 26, 1949, Pam Grier was born.
1956: Grier Family Moves to England
Due to her father's military career, Pam Grier and her family relocated to Swindon, South West England, in 1956. There, her father was stationed at an air force base.
1958: Return to the United States and Settling in Denver
In 1958, Pam Grier's family moved back to the United States, settling near Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, after her father was transferred to California's Travis Air Force Base.
1967: Grier's Move to Los Angeles and Start at AIP
In 1967, Pam Grier relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she began working as a switchboard operator at American International Pictures (AIP).
1969: Meeting and Relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In 1969, Pam Grier began dating basketball player Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, who later became known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after converting to Islam. He proposed marriage to Grier but with the condition that she also convert to Islam, which she declined. He married another woman the same day.
1969: Experiencing Segregation in the United States
Until 1969, Pam Grier and her father faced racial segregation in certain areas of the United States, highlighting the stark contrast between her experiences in England and the US.
1971: Early Roles in Women-in-Prison Films
Pam Grier appeared in notable women-in-prison films like "The Big Doll House" and "Women in Cages," both released in 1971.
1971: Breakthrough in Women-in-Prison Films
Pam Grier's acting career gained traction with roles in Roger Corman's women-in-prison films, including "The Big Doll House" and "Women in Cages," both released in 1971.
1972: Continuing Success with "The Big Bird Cage"
Grier further established herself in the exploitation genre with her role in "The Big Bird Cage" in 1972.
1972: Grier's Role in "The Big Bird Cage"
Pam Grier starred in another women-in-prison film, "The Big Bird Cage," in 1972.
1973: Grier's Rise to Prominence with "Coffy"
In 1973, Pam Grier rose to fame with her starring role in the film "Coffy." This marked a significant moment as she became the first African-American woman to headline an action film.
1973: Grier Makes History with "Coffy"
Pam Grier achieved a historic milestone in 1973 with her leading role in "Coffy." The film's success established her as a prominent figure in blaxploitation cinema and the first African-American woman to headline an action film.
1973: Release of "Coffy" and Cultural Impact
The release of "Coffy" in 1973, featuring Pam Grier in the titular role, had a significant impact on American culture, establishing Grier as a prominent figure.
1973: Meeting and Relationship with Freddie Prinze
While promoting her film "Coffy" in 1973, Pam Grier met comedian Freddie Prinze, leading to a romantic relationship. They considered marriage, and Prinze expressed a desire for Grier to have his child. However, Grier was hesitant due to his struggles with depression and drug addiction.
1974: Continued Success in Blaxploitation with "Foxy Brown"
In 1974, Pam Grier solidified her status as a blaxploitation icon with her memorable performance in "Foxy Brown."
1974: Grier Stars in "Foxy Brown"
Pam Grier continued her success in blaxploitation films with her starring role in "Foxy Brown" in 1974, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the genre.
1975: Final Blaxploitation Roles and Genre Decline
Grier starred in "Sheba, Baby" and "Friday Foster" in 1975, marking her final prominent roles in blaxploitation films. The genre experienced a decline in popularity later in the decade.
1975: Starring Roles in "Sheba, Baby" and "Friday Foster"
In 1975, Grier furthered her acting career with leading roles in two films: "Sheba, Baby" and "Friday Foster."
1977: Relationship with Richard Pryor and its Challenges
Pam Grier began dating comedian Richard Pryor in 1977 after they were both cast in the film "Greased Lightning". They had met previously through Freddie Prinze. During their relationship, Grier supported Pryor in learning to read and overcoming drug addiction. Despite six months of sobriety, he relapsed. In her memoir, Grier revealed that their sexual relationship led to her unintentional exposure to cocaine. Grier expressed concerns to Pryor about her health, but he refused to use protection. While they were dating, Pryor married Deborah McGuire in 1977.
1977: Prinze's Death and Continued Connection
Pam Grier maintained contact with Freddie Prinze following their breakup. Sadly, in 1977, Prinze passed away, with Grier being one of the last individuals he spoke to.
1981: Grier's Role in "Fort Apache, The Bronx"
Pam Grier appeared in the crime drama "Fort Apache, The Bronx" in 1981, portraying a drug-addicted prostitute.
1983: Grier's Role in "Something Wicked This Way Comes"
In 1983, Pam Grier appeared in the dark fantasy film "Something Wicked This Way Comes," portraying a witch.
1985: Recurring Role on "Miami Vice"
From 1985 to 1989, Pam Grier had a recurring role in the popular television series "Miami Vice."
1985: Theatrical Debut in "Fool for Love"
Pam Grier made her theatrical debut in 1985, starring in Sam Shepard's play "Fool for Love" at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.
1986: Recurring Role on "Crime Story"
Pam Grier landed a recurring role in the TV series "Crime Story," appearing from 1986 to 1988.
1988: Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery
Pam Grier received a diagnosis of stage four cervical cancer in 1988 and was given a prognosis of 18 months to live. Through intensive treatment, she successfully recovered and has remained in remission.
1988: Grier Stars Alongside Steven Seagal in "Above the Law"
Pam Grier returned to action films in 1988, starring as Steven Seagal's detective partner in "Above the Law."
1989: End of Recurring Role on "Miami Vice"
Pam Grier's recurring role in "Miami Vice" came to an end in 1989.
1994: Grier Appears in Snoop Dogg's Music Video
In 1994, Pam Grier made an appearance in Snoop Dogg's music video for "Doggy Dogg World."
1996: Grier Reunites with John Carpenter for "Escape from L.A."
Pam Grier appeared in John Carpenter's "Escape from L.A." in 1996, marking another collaboration with the director.
1996: Appearances in "Escape from L.A." and "Mars Attacks!"
Pam Grier appeared in two notable films in 1996: John Carpenter's "Escape from L.A." and the science fiction comedy "Mars Attacks!"
1997: Grier's Comeback in Tarantino's "Jackie Brown"
After a period of smaller roles, Pam Grier made a significant comeback in 1997 with the title role in Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown." The film paid homage to her blaxploitation roots and earned her critical acclaim and award nominations.
1997: Career Revival with "Jackie Brown"
Pam Grier experienced a career resurgence with her leading role in Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown" in 1997. The film garnered critical acclaim and earned her numerous award nominations.
1998: Engagement to Kevin Evans
Pam Grier became engaged to Kevin Evans, an executive at RCA Records, in 1998.
1998: Grier Joins the Cast of "Linc's"
Pam Grier joined the cast of the Showtime comedy-drama series "Linc's" in 1998, playing the character of Eleanor Winthrop.
1999: Roles in "Jawbreaker" and "Holy Smoke!"
Grier took on roles in the dark comedy "Jawbreaker" and the drama film "Holy Smoke!" in 1999.
1999: End of Engagement with Kevin Evans
In 1999, Pam Grier's engagement to Kevin Evans ended.
2000: Conclusion of "Linc's"
The Showtime series "Linc's," featuring Pam Grier, concluded in 2000.
2001: Grier's Appearance in "Bones"
In 2001, Pam Grier appeared in the horror film "Bones."
2004: Grier Stars in "The L Word"
Pam Grier took on the role of Kate "Kit" Porter in the Showtime drama series "The L Word," which premiered in 2004.
March 2009: Conclusion of "The L Word"
After six seasons, "The L Word," featuring Pam Grier as Kit Porter, concluded in March 2009.
2009: End of "The L Word"
After six seasons, "The L Word," starring Pam Grier, ended in March 2009.
2010: Release of Grier's Memoir, "Foxy: My Life in Three Acts"
Pam Grier released her memoir, "Foxy: My Life in Three Acts," co-written with Andrea Cagan, in 2010.
2010: Grier Joins the Cast of "Just Wright"
Pam Grier joined the cast of the romantic comedy "Just Wright" in 2010.
2010: Grier Joins the Cast of "Smallville"
In 2010, Pam Grier joined the cast of the popular television series "Smallville," portraying the recurring villain Amanda Waller, also known as White Queen.
2011: Grier Stars in "Larry Crowne"
In 2011, Grier appeared in the comedy-drama film "Larry Crowne."
2011: Establishment of the Pam Grier Community Garden
In 2011, the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum inaugurated the Pam Grier Community Garden and Education Center. This initiative, with Grier as its namesake, focuses on educating individuals about organic gardening practices, health, and nutrition.
2011: Grier Receives Honorary Doctorates
In recognition of her accomplishments, Pam Grier received two honorary doctorates in 2011: a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Doctorate of Science from Langston University.
2011: Grier Stars Alongside Julia Roberts in "Larry Crowne"
Pam Grier appeared in the film "Larry Crowne" in 2011, starring alongside Julia Roberts.
2012: Essence Magazine Recognizes Grier's Impact
In 2012, "Essence" magazine acknowledged the profound impact of Pam Grier's revolutionary characters, noting how they inspired female audiences to cheer her on.
January 2018: Biopic About Grier's Life Announced
In January 2018, it was revealed that a biopic based on Pam Grier's memoir, titled "Pam," is in development.
2019: Grier's Role in "Poms"
Pam Grier appeared in the comedy film "Poms" in 2019.
2019: Grier Joins the Cast of "Bless This Mess"
Pam Grier joined the cast of the ABC sitcom "Bless This Mess" in 2019, playing the character Constance Terry.
2020: Conclusion of "Bless This Mess"
The ABC sitcom "Bless This Mess," featuring Pam Grier, concluded in 2020.
April 2022: TCM Podcast Features Grier's Life and Career
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) unveiled that the fourth season of their podcast, "The Plot Thickens," would center around Pam Grier's life and career starting in April 2022.
2024: Quentin Tarantino's Tribute with "Coffy" Coffee Shop
As a Valentine's Day tribute in 2024, Quentin Tarantino opened a coffee shop in Los Feliz named after the iconic 1973 character "Coffy," famously portrayed by Pam Grier. This gesture recognized Grier's influence on American culture through her role.
2024: Lifetime Achievement Award at the Toronto Black Film Festival
In recognition of her significant cultural impact and contributions throughout her career, Pam Grier was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2024 Toronto Black Film Festival.