Amanda Detmer Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Husband, Movies & TV Shows, Instagram

Amanda Jeannette Detmer, professionally known as Amanda Detmer, is an American actress admired for her versatile performances across film and television, most notably for her comedic flair in late ’90s and early 2000s hits like Drop Dead Gorgeous and The Majestic.

With a career spanning over two decades, she has balanced scene-stealing supporting roles in movies with heartfelt turns in TV dramas, including Empire and What About Brian.

Profile

• Full Name: Amanda Jeannette Detmer
• Stage Name: Amanda Detmer
• Born: 27, September 1971
• Age: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Chico, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.63m
• Parents: Melvin Lester Detmer and Susan Kay Thurman
• Siblings: Matthew Detmer
• Spouse: John Peter Crickellas (m. 2007-2017)
• Boyfriend: Bernardo Targett (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $2.5 million

Early Life and Education

Amanda Jeannette Detmer was born on September 27, 1971, in Chico, California, to Melvin Lester Detmer, a singing cowboy and rice farmer, and Susan Kay Thurman, a reading teacher.

She grew up in a close-knit family alongside her older brother, Matthew Detmer.

She graduated from Chico Senior High School in 1989, where her passion for performance took root in theater productions.

Detmer earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California State University, Chico, before honing her craft with a Master of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1995, a rigorous program that sharpened her dramatic and comedic skills.

Of mixed European descent, primarily German and English, she keeps her religious beliefs private, with no public details disclosed.

Career

Amanda Detmer launched her acting career in the late 1990s after her MFA training, debuting with a small role in the 1995 TV movie Stolen Innocence while still a student.

Her breakthrough came with the 1999 cult comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous, where her role as the sweet, ill-fated cheerleader Lisa Swenson showcased her comedic timing and won her a loyal fanbase.

That same year, she landed a part in the teen hit Final Destination, playing Terry Chaney, a role that cemented her knack for memorable supporting characters in high-energy ensemble casts, setting the stage for a steady climb in Hollywood.

The early 2000s saw Detmer expand her range with roles in films like The Majestic (2001) alongside Jim Carrey, where she brought heart to the period drama as Sandra, and Boys and Girls (2000), a rom-com that tapped her girl-next-door appeal.

She transitioned to television with recurring roles, notably as Deena Greco in What About Brian (2006–2007), a drama that highlighted her ability to navigate complex emotional arcs.

Her guest spots on shows like Private Practice and Law & Order: Criminal Intent kept her in demand, while her role as Helen Pryor in the short-lived American Dreams (2002–2003) added historical depth to her portfolio, earning praise for her nuanced portrayal of a 1960s housewife.

Detmer’s career remains vibrant with a mix of TV and film work, including a standout role as Jeanette Pryor in Empire (2015–2016), where she tackled dramatic family dynamics in the music-world saga.

Recent projects like the 2022 indie Lady Driver and guest arcs on shows such as Atypical and The Night Shift reflect her enduring versatility, effortlessly shifting between heartfelt and humorous.

Her influence lies in her ability to elevate supporting roles, bringing authenticity to every scene while mentoring younger actors, a legacy built on resilience and a quiet passion for storytelling that resonates across generations.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @amandadetmer

Personal Life

Amanda Jeannette Detmer married John Peter Crickellas in 2007, a private union that lasted a decade before their amicable divorce in 2017.

Prior to that, she was briefly linked to Bernardo Targett in the early 2000s, though she’s kept subsequent relationships out of the spotlight, embracing a single life focused on self-growth.

Child-free by choice, Detmer leads a low-key lifestyle in Los Angeles, where she indulges in yoga, hiking, and volunteering for animal shelters, a nod to her love for dogs.

Filmography

• Stolen Innocence (1995)
• Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
• Final Destination (2000)
• Boys and Girls (2000)
• The Majestic (2001)
• American Dreams (2002–2003)
• What About Brian (2006–2007)
• Private Practice (2009)
• Empire (2015–2016)
• Lady Driver (2020)

Net Worth

Amanda Jeannette Detmer holds an estimated net worth of $2.5 million, built through a steady stream of acting roles across film and television.

Her earnings stem from early film successes like Drop Dead Gorgeous and Final Destination, which commanded modest but reliable paydays, alongside consistent TV work in shows like Empire and What About Brian, where per-episode fees for supporting roles typically range from $10,000 to $50,000.