Amanda Wyss
Amanda Wyss | |
|---|---|
 Wyss in 2015 | |
| Born | November 24, 1960 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1981–present |
Amanda Wyss (born November 24, 1960) is an American film and television actress. She began her career in the early 1980s and first gained notice for her role as Lisa in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). She then rose to international prominence after playing Tina Gray in the horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). She is also known for her roles in Better Off Dead (1985), and Powwow Highway (1989). In 2016, Wyss appeared in the horror film The Id.[1]
Early life
Wyss was born in Manhattan Beach, California.
Career
Film
When she was discovered by an agent as a teen while starring in the play The Bad Seed at a local Los Angeles theatre, she went on to work in commercials and landed her first television role, recurring on Universal's When the Whistle Blows (1980) as Dolph Sweet's daughter. Wyss went on to appear in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). She rose to prominence in A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) with her role as Tina Gray (the first person murdered onscreen by Freddy Krueger),[2] The following year, Wyss went on to appear in the 1985 cult comedy film Better Off Dead as Beth, who sunk the main character into his depression by breaking up with him. Wyss subsequently starred in the critically acclaimed films, Silverado (1985) and Powwow Highway (1989). In 1990, Wyss appeared in the cult horror film, Shakma (1990). She was a special guest of the Crypticon 2010.[3] The same year, Wyss appeared in The Graves (2010).[4] In 2016, Amanda starred in the horror film The Id (2016).
Television
Wyss starred in Season 1 of the fantasy television series Highlander: The Series (1992) as a reporter named Randi McFarland.[5] She has had recurring roles on St. Elsewhere (1982) and Cagney & Lacey (1982). She has made guest appearances on television shows, including Charmed, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Cheers (Season 4 episode 2, and Season 5 episode 11), The Drew Carey Show, Cold Case, CSI, and Dexter. She currently portrays Kat Cooper in Murder in the First.
Selected filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | First Step | Cindy Stott | |
| 1981 | Force: Five | Cindy Lester | |
| 1981 | This House Possessed | Holly | |
| 1982 | Fast Times at Ridgemont High | Lisa | |
| 1984 | My Mother's Secret Life | Tobi Jensen | |
| 1984 | A Nightmare on Elm Street | Tina Gray | |
| 1985 | Silverado | Phoebe | |
| 1985 | Better Off Dead | Beth Truss | |
| 1989 | Powwow Highway | Rabbit Layton | |
| 1990 | Shakma | Tracy | |
| 1991 | Son of Darkness: To Die for II | Celia | |
| 1991 | Black Magic Woman | Diane | |
| 2000 | Drawing Blood | ||
| 2010 | The Graves | Darlene | |
| 2015 | Getting the Kinks Out | ||
| 2016 | The Id | Meridith Lane |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Cheers | Beth Curtis | 1 episode |
| 1992-93 | Highlander: The Series | Randi McFarland | 7 episodes |
| 2001-2011 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Donna Marks/Tina Vincent | 4 episodes |
| 2004 | Cold Case | Sonya Witkowski | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | Murder in the First | Kat Cooper |
References
- ^ Barton, Steve. "The Id Takes Over In First Look". Dread Central. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
- ^ A Nightmare On Elm Street Blu-ray Review
- ^ Crypticon Returns to the Pacific Northwest
- ^ Miska, Brad. "Second Teaser One Sheet For The Graves". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
- ^ "Amanda Wyss Interview". Legion of Leia. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
External links
- Amanda Wyss at IMDb
| International | |
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| National | |
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