Pam Grier (1949–) blazed across the screen like a supernova. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she became the queen of 1970s action cinema, playing unforgettable heroines in Coffy, Foxy Brown, and Sheba, Baby. She was beauty, rage, and cool confidence wrapped in one stunning, fearless woman.

She didn’t just play powerful women—she was one. With fists, hips, and heart, Grier shattered stereotypes and inspired generations. “Every guy growing up in the ’70s had a thing for Pam,” director Quentin Tarantino said. He wrote Jackie Brown just for her.

In 1988, Grier faced an aggressive cancer diagnosis and was told she had 18 months to live. But like her characters, she refused to back down—fighting with a blend of western medicine, Chinese herbs, and unstoppable will. She survived. She thrived.

She once said, “I'm a big child at heart. I think it’s important to stay that way and not lose the wonder of life.” Even now, with more than 40 films behind her, Pam Grier keeps showing up, radiant as ever. She’s strength in sequins, elegance with edge.

“Me, sexy?” she laughed. “I’m just plain ol’ red beans and rice. But someday, I want to play a grandmother. A foxy one at that!”