Amanda Seyfried: Overcoming Fears and Embracing Dramatic Roles
The Journey Begins: First Days and Fears on Set
Amanda Seyfried’s journey into the world of acting has never been without its challenges. On the first day of filming for Long Bright River, a limited series for Peacock, Seyfried found herself standing under the harsh lights of a mock police morgue, clad in a patrol cop uniform. Despite her extensive preparation—researching, memorizing lines, and asking countless questions—she felt overwhelmed and unsure of herself. “Every first day of work, I never know what the [expletive] I’m doing,” she admitted. This sense of uncertainty, driven by the fear of not being good enough, has become a recurring theme in her acting process. At 39, Seyfried has spent over two decades in the industry, gradually transitioning from comedic roles in Mean Girls and romantic parts in Mamma Mia to more complex, dramatic characters.
Breaking Boundaries: Transitioning to Dramatic Roles
Seyfried’s career has been marked by a steady evolution, as she has proven her versatility as an actress. Her Oscar-nominated performance as Marion Davies in Mank and her Emmy-winning portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout have solidified her reputation as a gifted dramatic actress. Yet, her path to recognition wasn’t straightforward. With her striking features and delicate appearance, she was often typecast in lighter roles or ingénue characters in heavier material. However, Seyfried has always been determined to push beyond these boundaries, embracing roles that challenge her and allow her to grow as an artist. “That’s the part of me that I have to honor,” she said. “Anything you care about, you’re going to be afraid.”
Into the Unknown: Long Bright River and the Role of a Lifetime
In Long Bright River, Seyfried took on the role of Mickey, a Philadelphia beat cop and single mother navigating a traumatic past while investigating the murders of vulnerable women in the neighborhood of Kensington. Seyfried was drawn to the complexity of Mickey’s character—her quiet determination, her struggles, and her unwavering commitment to justice. To prepare for the role, Seyfried immersed herself in research, meeting with activists, volunteers, and even police officers who patrolled the streets of Kensington. She also learned to play the English horn, an instrument Mickey uses to unwind. Despite initial doubts about her ability to portray a cop—“I’m a tiny little tiddlywink,” she joked—Seyfried found a deep connection to Mickey’s story. “I know the people in this story,” she said. “I felt confident that I could ground it.”
Behind the Scenes: The Actress and Her Process
Seyfried’s process is both meticulous and intuitive. She overprepares for her roles, but once filming begins, she allows herself to let go and fully inhabit her characters. On the set of Long Bright River, she was often seen doing light exercises to prepare for emotionally intense scenes. Her co-star Nicholas Pinnock noted, “When the camera was rolling, I couldn’t see Amanda. There’s a truth and an honesty in what she does, which is unapologetic.” Seyfried’s raw, magnetic presence has earned her the admiration of her peers and collaborators, who describe her as “formidable” and “a magnet.” Yet, Seyfried remains humble, openly discussing her insecurities and the physical toll of her work, including a recent back injury sustained during filming.
Balancing Act: Life, Family, and the Pursuit of Growth
Despite her demanding career, Seyfried balances her professional life with her role as a wife and mother. She and her husband, actor Thomas Sadoski, live on a farm in upstate New York with their two children, though she frequently travels for work. During a late February breakfast in Manhattan, Seyfried reflected on her busy schedule, which included promoting Long Bright River and filming The Housemaid, a Paul Feig movie. “I’m struggling, but I’m walking,” she said with a mix of humor and candor. Seyfried’s dedication to her craft is unwavering, but she also finds joy in her work and is committed to taking on roles that push her boundaries.
The Road Ahead: Embracing Challenges and Finding Her Place
With her Emmy win and Oscar nomination behind her, Seyfried has finally found the recognition she deserves as a dramatic actress. Yet, she remains eager to challenge herself further. “It felt fleeting for so long until it didn’t,” she said, reflecting on her journey. Her upcoming projects, including an erotic thriller and an Erica Jong biopic, promise to showcase her continued growth as an artist. For Seyfried, the fear of not being good enough will likely always linger, but it’s a fear she embraces as a driving force. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “I’m already kind of where I want to be.” With her talent, resilience, and willingness to take risks, Amanda Seyfried continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
