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Jungle Pam Hardy: All you kneed to know about the iconic drag racing beauty

Her presence left men speechless, and she became an unforgettable icon for America’s motor lovers.

But who was Jungle Pam Hardy, and why does her legend live on today?

Though her time in drag racing lasted just four short years, Jungle Pam’s name has remained iconic for nearly four decades.

Because Jungle Pam Hardy was more than just a pretty face in the world of 1970s drag racing. Known for her undeniable charisma and beauty, Pam brought a unique flair to the track that captivated fans just as much as the roaring engines.

In a time when drag racing was all about raw talent and heart-pounding excitement, she embodied the era’s spirit. She was there during the golden age of drag racing –when drivers actually drove their cars instead of computers. According to many, she brought beauty into drag racing in a way that has never been duplicated.

Backing up the legendary Jungle Jim’s race car in her signature shorts and tank top, Pam thrilled us as much as the cars back then.

Road to stardom

It’s impossible to talk about Jungle Pam without mentioning her legendary partner, Jim Liberman, the flamboyant drag racer known as “Jungle Jim.”

Famous for his showmanship, Liberman, who started driving cars at the age of 12, was a huge fixture on the U.S. drag racing circuit. Many still consider him the greatest showman the drag strip has ever seen.

And the story of Jungle Pam, born Pamela Hardy, begins in May 1972 — just two weeks before she graduated from high school.

Liberman spotted the striking young beauty hitch-hiking while he cruised in his yellow Corvette, and fate took over. Pam had big plans to attend West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where she intended to major in business. But instead, she fell for Jim and quickly joined him on the road.

”I ditched the college that had accepted me, and it drove my mother nuts,” she later recalled.

Jungle Jim Liberman Chevy Vega Funny Car – Revell – Jungle Pam. Photo shoot for Hot Rod Magazine with Jungle Jim Liberman and Jungle Pam Hardy. (Photo by Mike Brenner/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images/Getty Images)

Touring the country together, Jim and Pam became a dynamic duo in the drag racing world, with his showmanship and her magnetic presence. Initially, Jim Liberman wanted Pam to stage his funny car at the starting line, knowing it would capture the audience’s attention — and it certainly did.

“Well, sex sells,” Pam told Competition Plus. “You see it on the TV all the time, but back in the ’70s, Jungle and I decided together that this would be worth a shot, so that’s what we did, and it didn’t seem to hurt his reputation at all. And he had more pictures taken of his car as long as I was standing next to it than anybody else.”

Pam was not only stunning but also always braless, typically donning a tank top or a skimpy halter and zero-inch inseam jean shorts.

Most famous figure on the drag strip

In no time, she transformed from an unknown into the most famous female figure on the drag strip. Her remarkable rise even led her to grace the cover of Hot Rod Magazine, a feat no woman had achieved before. The cheers that erupted when Pam stepped onto the track often surpassed the roars of applause for the most celebrated drivers.

“I’m kind of amazed by all the notoriety,” she remarked in 1974.

But Pam was more than just a pretty face, as some would have you believe. She staged the car, inspected it for fluid leaks before each run, filled the block with water and eight quarts of 70W oil, packed parachutes after every race, and assisted Jim in repositioning his car after his burnouts.

”We put on a good show,” Pam said. ”And that’s what it was all about. It was not about me. When you were out there doing what we were doing, it wasn’t about me. It was about us.”

Pam was described as ”a stroke of genius,” and many were impressed that Jim had transformed her into a true racing enthusiast. This helped the sport’s profile overall, particularly enhancing the reputation of Jim Liberman’s team.

In the relatively niche world of drag racing, Jim and Pam stood out. While Jim clinched several national championships, he was most renowned for his vibrant personality, warm demeanor, and, of course, his stunning girlfriend.

”Our relationship was a flash in the pan, a bolt of lightning. I just worked,” Pam told Fox Sports.

But everything changed on September 9, 1977.

Jim dies

Just three days shy of his 32nd birthday, Jim was racing his 1972 yellow Corvette at 250 mph when he collided with a bus.

The legendary drag racer died instantly, and it took responders a heartbreaking 45 minutes to extract his body from the mangled wreckage.

”It was my mother called me and told me because she didn’t want me to hear it on the news,” Pam told CompetitionPlusTV.

The tragic accident sent shockwaves through the entire motorsports community. In the aftermath, Pam made the difficult decision to step back from drag racing, vowing never to work with another driver again.

Yet, she quietly dedicated herself to preserving Jim Liberman’s memory, frequently participated in memorial events honoring her late boyfriend.

”All that showmanship was his true personality. He just didn’t turn that on at the track and then became normal like everyone else at home. He had that sort of flair even when we were just at the house or went out some place. You could always feel his presence wherever he was,” Pam says.

On a romantic level, Pam moved on. Being the racing lover that she is, she later married Funny Car owner Fred Frey. After their divorce, she married Bill Hodgson, who tunes George Reidnauer’s Excalibur Corvette Nostalgia Funny Car.

The truth behind the photos

Looking through old drag racing photos from the 1970s is a fascinating journey back in time. These snapshots capture not just the roaring engines and vibrant colors of the era, but also the spirit of a community united by a shared passion for speed and excitement.

Jungle Pam broke new ground, proving that women could get respect in a male-dominated sport, all while bringing smiles and laughter to countless faces. She had a life that just doesn’t happen anymore. A woman of undeniable class, she lived life on her own terms — what more could anyone ask for?

Pam’s influence and charm made her an icon, reminding us that the joy of racing is not just about the speed, but about the connections we forge and the memories we create together.

As we revisit these vintage images, we are reminded of the joy and exhilaration that defined those races. We can almost hear the roar of the engines, smell the burnt rubber, and feel the adrenaline rush pulsing through the crowds. We call those the good ole days, and they really were. Times were fun and easier to say the least!

In a world that often feels disconnected, these glimpses into the past remind us of simpler times when excitement was palpable, and the thrill of the race brought people together.

Did Pam Hardy race a car herself?

No, Pam Hardy, known as “Jungle Pam,” didn’t race cars herself.

“Hell no, and hell no. Those things could blow up and catch fire,” as she put it herself.

Jungle Pam Hardy today

Today, at 67 years old, Pam Hardy lives a relatively quiet life, staying close to her roots in drag racing at the grassroots level. She’s just as striking and vibrant as ever— a truly good-looking woman with a timeless charm.

More than just her iconic presence in the racing world, Pam is known for being a down-to-earth, honest person. Her genuine personality continues to resonate with fans. Pam still brings smiles to those who remember her legendary days on the track and beyond.

Here’s to the incredible woman she is today — thank you for the memories, Pam!

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Canadian singer changes National Anthem lyrics to protest Trump

In a bold act of protest, the singer of the Canadian anthem at Thursday night’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship game altered a key lyric in O Canada, sending a powerful message in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions of making Canada the 51st state.

Tensions running high

The final between the U.S. and Canada at the 4 Nations tournament was set to be a showdown like no other. With tensions already sky-high — thanks to Trump’s tariff threats and comments about making Canada the 51st state — emotions were on full display. Last week, in Montreal, Canadian fans had made their voices heard, booing the American anthem in protest.

Thursday’s final in Boston between Team USA and Canada had even more on the line, and the rivalry reached a boiling point when American fans fired back by booing the Canadian anthem. To add fuel to the fire, Trump even called the U.S. team before the match to give them an extra boost of motivation. With tensions running high, this game was shaping up to be more than just a hockey match.

But what really grabbed everyone’s attention wasn’t the boos—it was what happened during O Canada. Many viewers thought Canadian anthem singer Chantal Kreviazuk had made a mistake, but what followed was a bold, deliberate act of protest that left everyone talking.

Kreviazuk’s powerful performance

The original lyrics say, “in all of us command,” but Kreviazuk instead sang, “that only us command.” Shortly after, her publicist, Adam Gonshor, confirmed that she had changed the lyrics in protest of Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state.

Fans in Boston let out a faint boo as the anthem began, but their jeers were quickly drowned out by Kreviazuk’s powerful performance.

According to CTV News, citing The Associated Press, Kreviazuk explained her decision: “Because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism.”

“I grew up on music that spoke to the heart and the moment, and it shaped me as a songwriter and as a human being,” she added. “It wouldn’t be authentic for me to have a world stage and not express myself or stay true to who I am.”

Kreviazuk, who is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, also wrote the phrase “that only us command” with mascara on her left hand. She posted a picture of that on her Instagram with emojis of a Canadian flag and a flexed muscle.

“I just put it on there so if I ever had a moment and I kind of froze, I would be able to look at my hand and see it,” Kreviazuk said.

“I’d love to see people sort of get inspired and catch the fire and say their heart more in their art. … Sometimes you just got to speak the truth in your art and it’s awesome. That’s what it should be about.”

After Canada’s thrilling overtime victory, sealed by superstar Connor McDavid, O Canada echoed through the arena once more—but this time, there was no booing. Instead, Canadian players and fans united in song, proudly watching their flag rise inside TD Garden.

Chantal Kreviazuk’s hidden message during the anthem has certainly sparked conversation, with some praising her bold stand and others questioning whether it was appropriate for such a public moment. What do you think—was this the right way to protest, or should it have been left unsaid? The debate is far from over.

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The untold story of Leslie Easterbrook – this is her today

You might know her as the fearless, no-nonsense Sgt. Callahan from Police Academy and the chilling villain in Rob Zombie’s horror classics.

But Leslie Easterbrook’s journey is more than just legendary roles — it’s a masterclass in reinvention.

From small-town Nebraska to Hollywood fame, she shattered stereotypes and redefined what it means to be a tough woman on screen. But where is she now?

Adopted when she was just a baby

Leslie Easterbrook’s career is a testament to versatility, resilience, and an undeniable screen presence.

While many recognize her as the formidable and hilarious Sgt. Debbie Callahan from Police Academy, her journey through Hollywood spans far beyond that iconic role.

Born in Nebraska and adopted at just nine months old, Leslie’s upbringing in the Midwest shaped her grounded and pragmatic outlook on life. Her adoptive father, a music professor, and her adoptive mother, an English teacher, nurtured a love for both education and music. As the only child of singing parents, Leslie was always surrounded by the sound of music.

”It was natural for us to share our love of music with Leslie. We thought she had a sweet voice, and of course, we encouraged her to join vocal groups, but it wasn’t until she went to college that we discovered what a remarkable voice she really has,” her mother told Omaha World-Herald in 1977.

Leslie Easterbrook June 1989 (Photo by Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch via Getty Images)

Leslie Easterbrook aspired to be an opera singer, but after graduating from Kearney High School and later attending Stephens College, Easterbrook seemed destined for a conventional life. But Hollywood had other plans.

Her big break came in 1980 when she landed the role of Rhonda Lee on Laverne & Shirley, the long-running ABC hit. As the series transitioned from Milwaukee to California, her character — a glamorous, sharp-witted neighbor — quickly became a standout in the later seasons.

”It was really an amazing experience that I finally got to be a part of the show, playing the Rhonda character. Just as I got the part, there was a SAG strike. Then when the strike was over, I got a call telling me I needed to audition again for the part I thought I had already gotten. It wasn’t until six auditions later that I finally got the part and was able to start working,” Leslie once shared.

But it was her portrayal of Sgt. Callahan in Police Academy that truly made her a star. Initially hesitant about playing such a dominant, sexually confident character, Easterbrook embraced the challenge. Her commanding presence, sharp comedic timing, and fearless energy turned Callahan into a cult favorite – it’s impossible to not remember the tough and no-nonsense instructor at the police academy.

”The funny thing is, that’s not me at all. I’d never played tough. I’d played all kinds of things, but I’d never played someone who’s intimidating or someone that was aggressive sexually. I was of a size that I never played the girl who got the guy. I wondered how I could do it. But I did. I went for the audition and I scared the producer and the director and then they backed up in their chairs and I went ‘Oh no, now I really blew it. I scared them.’ So I left the audition upset. I didn’t get to read the script until I got the part. I thought it was outrageous and so funny,” Leslie once said.

How she prepared to portray Sgt. Callahan

Throughout her years as an actress in Hollywood, Leslie was always dedicated to staying in shape — despite her love of good food. She was an avid athlete, playing on a volleyball team, excelling as an equestrian, and maintaining a strong passion for running. Twice a week, she ran about 10 miles per session, keeping herself in peak condition. In addition, she took dance classes and worked out regularly at the gym.

To prepare for her roles in Police Academy, she took her training even further, undergoing intensive karate and martial arts classes to bring strength and authenticity to Sgt. Callahan’s fearless persona. And did you know that Leslie Easterbrook’s character name ”Callahan” is said to be a play on Clint Eastwood’s famous Dirty Harry character?

Yet, Police Academy was just one chapter in her extensive career. With over 300 television appearances, she left her mark on shows like Murder, She WroteBaywatchMatlock, and The Dukes of Hazzard.

She even ventured into films like Private Resort before shifting into horror in the 2000s and doing movies like The Devil’s Rejects.

”The horror genre intrigues me in many ways, but I am always amazed by the stressful nature of the entertainment. Much of it is grizzly and grinding, but when I meet the fans, they are the most cheerful and delightful people in the world. I meet their children, and their parents. They are good, law-abiding, regular, delightful people.  My favorite theory is that they have found a venue to exorcise their demons — and are probably the healthiest folks around,” Leslie said.

When people talk about Private Resort (1985), they usually mention one thing: Johnny Depp. The film is mostly known for being Depp’s first lead role in a theatrical feature, alongside Rob Morrow. A classic ’80s teen sex comedy, Private Resort leans heavily on bikinis, bare skin, and over-the-top hijinks to sell itself.

But for those who’ve actually seen the movie, another name often comes up—Leslie Easterbrook.

Easterbrook plays Bobbie Sue, a seductive and sharp-witted woman who gets tangled in the wild weekend antics of Jack (Depp) and Ben (Morrow) at a luxurious beachside resort. Her character is at the heart of one of the film’s major subplots, using her charm and cunning to create a whirlwind of chaos and comedy.

What makes Easterbrook’s performance stand out is her ability to blend sultry allure with perfect comedic timing.

She brings a mischievous energy to Bobbie Sue, elevating the film’s humor and proving once again that she had a knack for playing strong, playful, and unpredictable women. While Private Resort never became a cinematic classic—or a highlight in Johnny Depp’s career—it delivers exactly what audiences expected from ’80s comedies: troublemaking, absurd situations, and just the right amount of mischief.

Chaos at the Super Bowl

Behind the scenes, Easterbrook had her own boundaries. She agreed to only expose her backside in the film, a clause written into her contract. However, producers allegedly convinced her to wear a sheer negligee that, under bright lights, left little to the imagination.

As for Depp and Morrow? They were so embarrassed by Private Resort that they reportedly made a pact to track down and destroy every existing copy. Safe to say, they failed—because decades later, the film lives on, with Leslie Easterbrook’s unforgettable performance as one of its most talked-about highlights.

Beyond acting, Easterbrook’s talents extended to music. She had a big strong voice and she sang the The Star Spangled Banner at several games for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the California Angels in the early 1980s.

Perhaps her proudest moment came when she sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XVII in 1983. But her journey to performing the song at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, was filled with mishaps and close calls.

It all started with her singing at Angel’s games for free tickets, where her talent caught the attention of the Los Angeles Rams’ Head of Entertainment. Word spread, and soon she was being considered for the Super Bowl gig.

But things never seemed to go smoothly for her. After a fender bender made her miss the game where NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle planned to hear her sing, she sent him a tape instead. Finally, she landed the job, but the chaos didn’t end there.

Her limo driver got lost, security wouldn’t let her in, and she had to run across the Rose Bowl parking lot in high heels while carrying her dress. Once she made it, she barely caught her breath before performing.

As she prepared to sing, she joked with the honor guard, and from there, everything went perfectly — though some players even patted her on the back as if she were one of them. It was a wild, unforgettable experience full of missed moments, but it all came together in the end.

Accident on the set of Police Academy

Off-screen, Leslie has been a vocal advocate for firearm safety and education, creating instructional videos for beginners.

In the early 1990s, she decided to learn how to shoot a shotgun, a choice driven by an accident during a Police Academy video shoot.

She had been asked to fire a starting pistol to signal the beginning of a foot race. To get the best shot, the camera operator instructed her to hold the pistol close to her face. Unaware that she needed ear protection, she fired the gun, and the sharp blast shattered her eardrum.

The experience made her realize that if she was ever going to handle a firearm in a movie again, she needed to fully understand how to use them. She reached out to her friend Lee Purcell, an experienced shooter, who helped her get started.

Despite challenges with her vision, she committed herself to mastering shotgun shooting. The training was difficult, time-consuming, and expensive, but she persisted. Two years later, she won first place in D Class at the California State Trap Shoot. Though it was the lowest class, the victory was significant, as she had managed to outperform 400 men who had been shooting their entire lives.

Her dedication to philanthropy, particularly supporting children’s charities and law enforcement organizations, further highlighted her commitment to causes beyond Hollywood.

Leslie Easterbrook husband

Her marriage to screenwriter Dan Wilcox was a defining part of her life, lasting until his passing in 2024. Through it all, Leslie Easterbrook remained a force to be reckoned with—never content with being typecast, always pushing the boundaries of what was expected of her.

The veterans film actress’ legacy isn’t just one of Hollywood success; it’s a story of reinvention, fearlessness, and leaving an indelible mark on every medium she touched. She remains good friends with her former Police Academy co-star Scott Thomson and shared a close bond with the late Marion Ramsey. Easterbrook has often said that the cast of the original film felt like one big family.

Leslie Easterbrook, now 75, has proved that true icons can never be put in a box. As of 2025, she has never retired from acting, though she has had few prominent roles in recent years. Her latest credit is from 2022.

And does she still look just as stunning today? Absolutely!

Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

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Ariana Grande signing fans pictures at the BAFTA’s

Ariana Grande has always been a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her talent, stunning looks, and relatable personality.

However, recent public appearances have sparked concern among fans.

“Scarily skinny”

Ariana Grande has been a household name ever since she rose to fame as a child star on Victorious. Over the years, she’s undergone various transformations, both professionally and personally. But her most recent change — marked by a noticeable weight loss — has certainly captured the attention of fans in a big way.

When Ariana Grande graced the red carpet at the BAFTA Film Awards, the internet quickly flooded with comments about her appearance once again.

The 31-year-old pop star can’t seem to avoid the endless online discussions about her body every time she steps into the public eye.

A recent photo of her signing autographs at the BAFTAs sparked fans to label her as “scarily skinny” and “terribly thin.”

Ariana Grande attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

“Terribly thin. I hope she can turn this around before it’s too late. I’m sure her organs are working overtime,” read one comment.

Another said, “She suffers from anxiety and this picture actually looks as if she is getting better. She was smaller than this at one point.”

“I hope she’s okay. She doesn’t look well,” another wrote. “…Something is up.”

Many quickly speculated that Ariana Grande’s appearance was the result of an eating disorder (ED).

”There is Hollywood skinny then there’s not ok skinny and she is not ok that is alarming skinny,” one commenter wrote.

“This is anrexia,” one person remarked, while another agreed, saying, “Damn, she’s anrexic. She needs help as soon as possible. Before her heart stops.”

“This is actually getting really concerning,” a fan added. “Every time she’s out and about she looks like she’s getting skinnier. To the people saying she’s fine, no she isn’t, this is the purest example of an*rexia there is.”

“She clearly has an ED and she needs help,” another said. “She’s scarily skinny these days … Atp she’s just skin and bones.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Ariana Grande attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/FilmMagic)

Dr. Patrick Wanis, a behavioral and relationship expert, explained that much of the constant commentary on Ariana Grande’s appearance is driven by what psychologists call a “parasocial relationship”—a one-sided emotional attachment fans develop to a celebrity, even though the celebrity has no awareness of their existence.

“Ariana Grande became famous as a Nickelodeon child star around age 17. The public has grown up with her and sees her through the lens of nostalgia, purity, and a fixed image of youth,” Dr. Wanis shared in an email to Bored Panda.

“Accordingly, any physical change—weight loss, weight gain, or aging—is magnified because people expect her to remain the same forever. Her fans identify with her youth.”

The issue of weight loss in the entertainment industry has long been a topic of debate. Celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and many others often make headlines for any weight fluctuations, whether gain or loss.

Celebrities, particularly women, often face immense pressure to meet unrealistic body standards, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss practices.

While Grande has not publicly addressed the concerns about her health, her fans are urging her to take care of herself and prioritize her wellbeing.

“The public expects female celebrities to strike an impossible balance—thin but not ‘too thin,’ toned but not ‘too muscular,’ natural but not ‘too real.’ This is an extension of the extraordinary pressure and societal expectation of women,” Dr. Wanis explained.

This “toxic mix of nostalgia, beauty standards, and social media culture” creates immense pressure on Grande and other pop stars to “remain frozen in time – eternally youthful, while still conforming to impossible expectations of unattainable standards if not perfection,” said Dr. Wanis, the creator of SRTT Therapy (Subconscious Rapid Transformation Technique).

Ariana’s journey has been an open one, from overcoming personal struggles to finding her voice in an often demanding industry. Her fans admire her resilience, but they are also quick to remind her that she deserves to be healthy and happy above all else.

As the discussion continues, it’s clear that her fans’ priority is her physical and mental health, and they will be waiting for updates from the star, hoping to see her flourish in every aspect of her life.

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