Visiting Filmmaker: Pam Grier

“I was creating the market for films about women fighting back and using sexuality.”—Pam Grier, New York Times Magazine

Pam Grier stands as one of the most iconic figures in American cinema and pop culture over the past 50 years. Described by Quentin Tarantino as cinema’s first female action star, Grier combined an ass-kicking physical presence with subversive sex appeal, setting her apart from other women actors of her generation.

After moving to Los Angeles, Grier was discovered by director Jack Hill while working as a receptionist for American International Pictures and quickly cast in a series of low-budget films including The Big Bird Cage (1972). But it was her breakthrough performances in Hill’s blaxploitation films Coffy (1973) and Foxy Brown (1974) that catapulted her to stardom. As the popularity of that genre waned, Grier explored a series of character roles for film and television as well as the stage.

In 1997 Grier reestablished herself with Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, starring in a lead role written specifically for her. She has continued to act regularly, with recurring parts as Kit Porter in Showtime’s hit The L Word (2004–9) and as Connie Terry in Bless This Mess (2019–20), among many others.

Including Coffy, Foxy Brown, and Jackie Brown, as well as other fan favorites, this series culminates in a career-spanning conversation and special reception with Grier on November 10. Seating for the reception is limited—be sure to secure your spot today!

Special thanks to Larry and Donna James for their generous support of this series.