Amanda Righetti Shares Her Journey Growing Up in Hollywood and Finding Her Own Voice
Amanda Righetti, with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, is poised to make a significant impact in one of this year’s most anticipated projects, *Scarpetta*. This adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s acclaimed crime novels features Righetti in the role of a younger Dorothy, a complex character originally portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis. Bringing Dorothy’s layered past to life required Righetti to embrace both transformation and collaboration.
Behind the scenes, the aesthetic aspect greatly influenced her portrayal. Drawing inspiration from late-90s icons, including Pamela Anderson and early-90s aesthetics reminiscent of Mariah Carey, Righetti noted that the glam process played a crucial role in shaping Dorothy’s bold exterior. She also discovered new favorites on set, like Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, which contributed to creating her character’s distinctive look.
In an interview, Righetti reflected on joining a powerhouse cast, her personal wellness rituals during demanding shoots, and her evolving relationship with confidence and beauty since her early Hollywood days.
“Overwhelmed with joy! It was an amazing feeling to land this show, to have the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic book series and to be included among such legendary talent,” she expressed.
On the complexity of her character, Righetti stated, “Dorothy’s unfiltered, unhinged, gregarious personality and complicated relationship with Kay were intriguing to me. There is a lot to pull from. She’s terrifying and hysterical all in the same breath, which made the challenge attractive.”
Righetti discussed her preparation for the role, including conversations about Dorothy’s backstory. “We spoke about Dorothy’s backstory as well as ideas about what makes her tick. I studied JLC’s work in other projects and watched dailies from her scenes with Nicole Kidman to see what behaviors I could match. She thoroughly encouraged me to bring my own version of Dorothy.”
She added, “Dorothy’s visage is her armor and mask from the world, to hide any vulnerability. I didn’t fully find her until I had gone through the wardrobe and glam process. For makeup inspiration, we used Pam Anderson in the late ’90s… hair was inspired by Mariah Carey in the early ’90s. I was introduced to Lady Gaga’s makeup line, Haus Labs, which I love!”
Expressing her appreciation for the cast, Righetti remarked, “It was an incredible experience to be included with such talented individuals. Everyone is so on their game. It raises the bar and sets the tone for the work ethic. It’s been great fun to play in that sandbox.”
Righetti also reflected on her personal growth over the years, saying, “My confidence has found roots in developing self-awareness over the years and learning to simply trust my instincts.”
She emphasized the importance of self-care during intense shooting schedules. “Soaking in Epsom salt and magnesium baths during demanding shoots helps keep my body balanced. It allows me time alone to process, recharge, and reset,” she noted.
Finally, Righetti shared her thoughts on patience and the beauty of self-reflection: “I’ve grown in patience with myself and others. I’m enjoying the process more and not rushing through the small, fleeting moments of life.” She concluded, “Self-image is developed through self-reflection, and I think that’s beautiful. I would tell my teenage self to drown out all the noise and to love and trust herself.”
