Net Worth Ranker
What Is Amanda Peterson’s Net Worth?
Amanda Peterson, an American actress best known for her role in the 1987 film “Can’t Buy Me Love,” had a net worth of $50,000 at the time of her death in July 2015. This information, while widely circulated, should be regarded with scrutiny, as it is difficult to ascertain the precise financial status of individuals, especially after their passing.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Phyllis Amanda Peterson was born on July 8, 1971, in Greeley, Colorado. She was the youngest of three children born to James Peterson, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and his wife, Sylvia. Peterson began her acting career at a young age, initially credited as Mandy Peterson. At the age of seven, Peterson made her stage debut as Gretl von Trapp in a University of Northern Colorado production of “The Sound of Music”. By age 11, she landed a role as a dancing extra in the musical film “Annie” (1982). She also appeared in over 50 television commercials. Her early television roles included guest spots on “Father Murphy” (1981) and “Silver Spoons” (1982), building her foundation in the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights and Key Roles
Amanda Peterson’s career gained momentum in the mid-1980s. From 1983 to 1984, she co-starred as Squirt Sawyer on the NBC drama series “Boone,” which was canceled after one season. In 1985, she secured her first major film role in the sci-fi adventure “Explorers,” alongside Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix. Despite the film’s average performance at the box office, it increased her visibility. In 1987, Peterson starred in “Can’t Buy Me Love” as Cindy Mancini, a popular cheerleader who agrees to pose as the girlfriend of Ronald Miller (Patrick Dempsey) for $1,000. “Can’t Buy Me Love” became a sleeper hit, grossing $31.6 million. Peterson’s performance in “Can’t Buy Me Love” earned her teen idol status and significant recognition. In 1988, she won a Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Drama Series for her role as Sunny Sisk in the NBC drama “A Year in the Life” (1987-1988).
Later Career and Personal Life
After her success in “Can’t Buy Me Love,” Amanda Peterson continued to act in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She appeared in the post-apocalyptic film “The Lawless Land” (1988), produced by Roger Corman. She also had a co-starring role in the 1989 drama “Listen to Me”. Her last on-screen role was in the 1994 film “Windrunner”. In 1994, Peterson retired from acting and returned to her hometown of Greeley, Colorado. According to her father, she chose to pursue a different path in life. She attended Middlebury College briefly before enrolling at Colorado State University for a year and later studied at the University of Northern Colorado. Peterson was married twice and had two children. Her first marriage was to Joseph Robert Skutvik, and her second was to David Hartley. She was reportedly divorced from Hartley at the time of her death.
Challenges and Later Years
Amanda Peterson faced several personal challenges in her later years. She was arrested multiple times between 2000 and 2012, including arrests for DUI and possession of narcotics equipment in 2012, and suspicion of child abuse in May 2012, which was later dropped. In 2005, she spent nearly three months in jail. Peterson’s family alleged that she had been sexually assaulted at age 15, an incident she kept secret and which led to trust issues and, according to some family members, contributed to her drug use. For the last three years of her life, Peterson received disability benefits and lived alone in an apartment in Greeley. She also suffered from sleep apnea, pneumonia, and sinusitis.
Death and Legacy
Amanda Peterson was found dead at her home in Greeley, Colorado, on July 5, 2015, at the age of 43. Her death was attributed to an accidental overdose of morphine. While she had struggled with drug issues in the past, her mother stated that she believed Amanda was drug-free at the time of her death. Her sudden passing was a shock to her family and fans, and she was remembered for her talent and vibrant personality. Amanda Peterson’s career, though relatively short, left a lasting impact on those who knew her and enjoyed her performances. She is best remembered for her role in “Can’t Buy Me Love,” a film that has remained a beloved teen classic.
