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Pam Grier biographical timeline

Actress Pam Grier poses for a publicity photo for her movie ‘Hit Man,’ circa 1972 in Los Angeles. Photo: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

1949

Pamela Suzette Grier is born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on May 26, 1949.

1949
1967

Enrolls in Denver’s Metropolitan State College. Places second runner-up in the 1967 Miss Colorado pageant.

1967
1968

Moves to Los Angeles.

1968
1970

First small movie role in “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.”

1970
1971

New World Pictures releases “The Big Doll House,” Grier’s first featured role.

1971
1972

Release of “The Big Bird Cage,” a non-sequel follow-up to “The Big Doll House.”

1972
1973

Release of “Coffy,” which makes Grier a star and earns her a multi-picture contract with American International Pictures. Release of her films, “Scream Blacula Scream” and “Women in Chains.”

1973
1974

Release of her film, “Foxy Brown.”

1974
1975

Release of her films, “Sheba, Baby” and “Friday Foster.”

1975
Late 1970s

Attends the University of California to study directing and producing with director Roman Polanski.

Late 1970s
1977

Release of her film, "Greased Lightning."

1977
1981

Release of her film, "Fort Apache, The Bronx."

1981
1983

Release of her film, "Something Wicked This Way Comes."

1983
1985-1989

Recurring role on “Miami Vice.”

1985-1989
1988

Release of her film, “Above the Law.”

1988
1997

Release of her film, “Jackie Brown,” directed by Quentin Tarantino. The role earns her the NAACP Image Award and a Golden Globe Award nomination.

1997
1998-2000

Grier stars in Showtime series “Linc’s,” beginning her transition into television work.

1998-2000
2004-2009

Recurring role in Showtime series, “The L Word.”

2004-2009
2019-2020

Main role in ABC series, “Bless This Mess.”

2019-2020

 

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