From 1971-1975, Pam Grier had a film run that was for the ages. She rapidly became the “IT” girl in the movie industry. Grier was the face of blaxploitation films—demanding attention as soon as she appeared on the big screen.

All the guys wanted her, and all the girls wanted her style.

Grier was “Foxy,” and the most vital thing to remember is that, to this day, she still is. Her rise to stardom in the ’70s and ’80s marked a particular moment in Black history. As the cousin of former NFL player Roosevelt Grier(one-fourth of the Fearsome Foursome of the Los Angeles Rams), it’s safe to say that talent ran in the family.

On May 26, the trailblazing actress will turn 75. She’s most associated with Foxy Brown. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ve probably heard the line, “The game ain’t over yet, b****h.” Or perhaps, “You just handle the justice, I’ll handle the revenge myself.”

It’s not Pam Grier’s only body of work that deserves recognition. Here are four of the actress’ movie roles that will “give it to you straight.”

Coffy (1973)

This movie was Grier’s third time starring in a Jack Hill film and is said to have boosted her career. She plays Flower Child Coffin, dubbed as Coffy, an emergency room nurse seeking revenge against the people responsible for her younger sister Lubelle’s cocaine addiction and the widespread violence in her city.

Scream Blacula Scream (1973)

Black people and vampires were a recurring theme in many horror movies in the early 1970s. Grier plays Lisa Fortier, the successor of dying Voodoo queen Mama Loa, and the decision enrages Mama’s son Willis(Richard Lawson). Willis decides to buy the bones of Prince Mamuwalde, and the rest is history.

The Arena (1974)

In this film, Grier(Mamawi) and Margaret Markov play female gladiators who are enslaved and must fight for their freedom in ancient Rome. 

In a 1974 interview with St. Louis Post Dispatch, Grier said, “We made the movie in Rome, and it was great. We shot on location at the Coliseum and in the Catacombs, and I loved Rome.”

Sheba, Baby (1975)

In this film, Grier is Sheba Shayne, a private investigator who returns to her hometown to confront thugs trying to intimidate her father.

Pam Grier deserves all the flowers; let’s ensure we shower her with appreciation on her birthday and beyond.