Helsinki, the European city, has made a bold move to encourage Pamela Anderson to reconnect with her Finnish ancestry by offering assistance in changing her name. Anderson recently revealed her strong ties to her Finnish grandfather, Herman Hyytiäinen, in an interview with Vogue Scandinavia. Originally named Hyytiäinen, his surname was changed to Anderson upon arriving in Canada in 1908.
Expressing a desire to reclaim her Finnish heritage, Anderson expressed in the Vogue interview, “Sometimes I don’t want to be Pamela Anderson. I want to be Pamela Hyytiäinen.” Despite her wish to change her name, she mentioned facing difficulties in doing so.
Taking notice of Anderson’s sentiments, Helsinki has launched a campaign through Helsinki Partners, a marketing and talent attraction firm owned by the city. This initiative includes online advertisements and billboard placements near Anderson’s residence on Vancouver Island. An ad featuring Finnish actor Janne Hyytiäinen, self-proclaimed as the “world’s most famous Hyytiäinen,” offers assistance to Anderson in adopting the Hyytiäinen name.
Janne explains three possible ways for Anderson to officially become a Hyytiäinen: through marriage, adoption, or a legal name change, humorously labeling the campaign as “Operation Make Pamela a Hyytiäinen.” The ad also highlights Helsinki as the capital of the world’s happiest nation, guaranteeing Anderson’s happiness in the city.
Furthermore, billboards along the highway in Ladysmith, B.C., Anderson’s hometown, specifically target her, aiming to help her connect with her Finnish roots. Soila Lehkonen, head of brand and public relations at Helsinki Partners, describes the campaign as a welcoming invitation for Anderson to visit Helsinki and rediscover her Finnish heritage.
While Anderson’s team and Helsinki Partners await a response from the star, Lehkonen states that even if Anderson decides not to change her name, Helsinki would still love for her to experience the city and country. The campaign remains hopeful that Anderson will consider visiting Finland and potentially embracing her Finnish identity through a name change.
