At just 19 years old, Pamela Sue Martin found herself thrust into the world of Hollywood stardom. She joined an all-star cast in the iconic disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, where she shared the screen with legends like Gene Hackman, Shelley Winters, and Ernest Borgnine. Later, she became a household name as Nancy Drew in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. But it was her role as the spoiled yet lovable Fallon Carrington Colby on the 1980s sensation Dynasty that cemented her place in pop culture history.
Pamela, now 70, reflects on her career with a mix of nostalgia and wisdom. She recalls the early days of Dynasty as having a satirical edge, a quality that set it apart from traditional soaps. However, when the show shifted to a more conventional tone, she felt it lost its charm. "Writers came in who were more traditional soap writers," she told Closer. Frustrated by the change, Pamela made the bold decision to leave the show in 1984 and eventually stepped away from Hollywood altogether. "Some people thought my choices were wrong at the time, but I had experienced enough and had enough money to move forward," she explains. "I never looked back. I wanted a simpler life—time with animals, horseback riding, travel, and family. Leaving Hollywood allowed me to achieve all of that."
More Than Just Fallon or Nancy Drew
Even decades later, people still associate Pamela with her iconic roles as Fallon Carrington Colby or the adventurous Nancy Drew. But does she see herself in those characters? "For years, I insisted I was nothing like them," Pamela admits. "But now I realize maybe I am. I've always gone against the grain and charted my own path. Whether it was getting a motorcycle at 16 or jumping on a horse without hesitation, I've always had a sense of adventure. That spirit led me to New York, where I pursued modeling to fund my college dreams."
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Modeling: A Double-Edged Sword
Modeling was both a blessing and a curse for the young Pamela. While it provided financial stability, it also took a toll on her self-esteem. "At 16 and 17, it was tough. The industry constantly told me to be thinner, prettier. It felt like I was sacrificing part of my youth," she shares. "It wasn't what life was supposed to be about, and eventually, I moved on."
The Poseidon Adventure: A Star-Studded Beginning
Pamela's second film, The Poseidon Adventure, was a whirlwind experience. Sharing the screen with five Academy Award winners—Gene Hackman, Shelley Winters, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Albertson, and Red Buttons—was both thrilling and intimidating. "They were all so interactive with each other, while I was just sitting back and observing," she recalls. "Gene Hackman was incredibly helpful. In one scene, I had to scream upon seeing a dead body, but I didn't know how to act it out. He had me practice outside until I got it right. Shelley Winters, on the other hand, was larger than life. When I found an apartment to rent, she joked, 'Oh gawd! That's where all the hookers live!'"
The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries: A Teenage Dream
In the late '70s, Pamela starred alongside heartthrobs Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. "It was a blast because we were all the same age, so we hung out a lot," she says. "We'd drive around the studio lot in golf carts, acting like typical teenagers. I had a problem with laughing during takes, which would only make the directors angrier—and that would make me laugh even harder! The one thing I remember most is how exhausted I always was. They'd air new episodes just two weeks after we filmed them, so the pressure was constant."
Playboy and Dynasty: A Turning Point
After her time as Nancy Drew, Pamela posed for Playboy, becoming one of the first celebrities to do so. "Barbra Streisand had done it before me, so I didn't think much of it," she explains. "It wasn't full nudity, and it gave me a chance to talk about my work with the environment." On Dynasty, Pamela became known for her glamorous wardrobe, though she admits she wasn't always privy to the high-fashion gowns. "I was more of an off-the-rack gal—though the rack was Rodeo Drive," she jokes. "As soon as I finished filming, I'd change into jeans and head to the stables."
Behind the Scenes Drama
Despite the glitz and glamour, Dynasty wasn't without its challenges. In one memorable scene, Pamela accidentally slapped co-star Heather Locklear too hard. "She's so tiny, she fell right over!" Pamela recalls with a laugh. When asked why she left the show at the peak of its popularity, Pamela is candid. "I wasn't happy with where my character was going," she explains. "Joan Collins came in with her over-the-top persona, and the show became less realistic. Coming from the women's movement of the '70s, I didn't agree with portraying women as either victims or villains."
A New Chapter: Life After Hollywood
After leaving Dynasty, Pamela moved to Hailey, Idaho, where she raised her son, Nick, and spent time with her horses. "I've owned this property for over 35 years," she says proudly. "Later, I moved to Mexico, where I renovated a barn into my living space. That was over a decade ago." Though she speaks "functional Spanish," her boyfriend, Allan Amador Cervantes, serves as an official translator.
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Pamela's son, Nick, is now 32 and holds a biochemistry degree. "He's incredibly knowledgeable about nature and plants," she beams. "He and his girlfriend started a river guiding company called Cascadia Rafting in Washington state. He visits me during the winter, and we spend time together."
Still Open to Acting?
While Pamela has no plans to return to full-time acting, she remains open to short projects. "If it's something fun and quick, I'd love to dive in," she says. "But I'm grateful for my life now, which is all about appreciating the simple things."
Expressing Creativity Today
Pamela continues to express her creativity in various ways. "I started painting watercolors when my son was little," she shares. "I'm also into gardening and playing the ukulele, which I bought in Kauai. I sing in a choir in Mexico and became a Science of Mind
