Amanda Righetti, born on April 4, 1983, in St. George, Utah, is an American actress and producer renowned for her captivating performances in television and film.
Raised in Nevada, just outside Las Vegas, Righetti’s passion for performing arts emerged early, beginning with dance at age four and later transitioning to modeling and acting.
Her career, spanning over two decades, showcases her versatility across genres, from teen dramas to horror films and crime procedurals.
Known for her roles in The O.C., The Mentalist, and Friday the 13th, Righetti has established herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood, blending charisma with a down-to-earth persona.
Siblings
Amanda grew up as the youngest of eight children in a close-knit family, with one older brother and six older sisters.
Growing up with seven older siblings, Righetti learned to navigate a bustling household, which likely contributed to her ability to handle challenging roles and the pressures of Hollywood.
One of her sisters is a professional dealer at a renowned casino in Las Vegas.
Career
Righetti’s journey in the entertainment industry began at 14 when she was discovered in the International Cover Model Search, launching her modeling career.
By 18, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, landing her first television role in a 2001 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
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Her breakthrough came with the role of Hailey Nichol in the hit teen drama The O.C. (2003–2005), where her portrayal of the rebellious, free-spirited sister of Kirsten Cohen earned her widespread recognition.
This role opened doors to leading parts, including Tessa Lewis in the soap opera North Shore (2004–2005) and Jenna Moretti in the drama series Reunion (2005–2006).
In 2008, Righetti’s career reached new heights when she was cast as Special Agent Grace Van Pelt in The Mentalist, a role she played until 2015.
Her performance, marked by emotional depth and a compelling romantic subplot with Wayne Rigsby, made her a fan favorite.
Concurrently, she starred in the 2009 horror remake Friday the 13th, which achieved the best three-day opening weekend for any horror film at the time, and appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011).
Righetti’s versatility extended to other projects, including the sci-fi series Colony (2016–2017), the Hallmark film Love at the Shore (2017), and the 2024 biopic Reagan, where she portrayed Nelle Reagan, the mother of the 40th U.S. president.
Beyond acting, Righetti has ventured into producing, showcasing her multifaceted talents in the industry.
Accolades
In 2009, Righetti won the Best Actress in a Short Film award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival for her performance in the short film Matter, a testament to her ability to deliver powerful performances in smaller projects.
She was also nominated for a Prism Award for her role in The Mentalist and a Saturn Award for her work in Return to House on Haunted Hill (2007).
Righetti’s appeal extended beyond acting, as she was ranked #59 on FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World list in 2005 and appeared in the FHM pin-up calendar that same year.
Her contributions to The Mentalist helped the show win a People’s Choice Award for Best New Television Drama, further cementing her impact in the industry.
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