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Who is Amanda Fuller?
Amanda is an American actress and producer, known for her roles both in film and on television. She gained recognition for her role as Kristin in the comedy series “Last Man Standing”, in which she played the eldest daughter of Tim Allen’s character. She’s also well-known for her portrayal of Badison Murphy in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black”.
In addition to acting, Amanda has briefly ventured into production, exploring new facets of the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Born on 27 August 1984, in Sacramento, California, Amanda Fuler was introduced to the world of performing arts at an early age. She started her acting career at just two years old when she was cast in a local furniture store commercial.
Amanda spent her early childhood in Sacramento before her family relocated to Los Angeles to further support her acting ambitions. The move to L. A. exposed her to a world of opportunities, allowing her to attend the Ron Cisnero Studio, where she polished her acting skills. A dedicated student, Amanda underwent intensive training in dance, voice and drama, laying the groundwork for her future acting career.
Roles in TV Series
Amanda’s initial foray into television happened during the mid-90s. She made her debut in the popular miniseries “Tales of the City”. In the following years, she made episodic appearances in other popular shows such as “Charlie Grace”, “That 70s Show”, and “Walker, Texas Ranger”.
Through the 2000s, she continued appearing in numerous TV series, including “Malcolm in the Middle”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “7th Heaven”, and “Law & Order”.
A pivotal point in Amanda’s television career was landing the role of Kristin Baxter in the ABC sitcom “Last Man Standing“ in 2012. The series is centered on Mike Baxter, played by Tim Allen, a senior executive at a sporting goods store chain based in Denver, Colorado. Mike is a traditionally masculine man living in a household with his wife and three daughters. The show often features his efforts to maintain his manly nature while surrounded by the women in his family, all of whom have strong and unique personalities.
#LastManStanding's Amanda Fuller Tees Up Her Directorial Debut, Hints at Season 8 Finale Cliffhanger https://t.co/iWkF1GPXlq pic.twitter.com/QvgOQmQvUI
— TVLine.com (@TVLine) April 8, 2020
Amanda took over the role of Kristin Baxter from Alexandra Krosney after the first season. As a single mother who had her son Boyd at a young age, Kristin is shown navigating the complexities of her home life while also seeking to establish a successful career. The character evolves over the course of the series, becoming a restaurant manager, and later exploring other career paths.
“Last Man Standing” enjoyed a successful run for six seasons on ABC before being canceled. However, due to its popularity and demand from fans, the show was revived by Fox for an additional three seasons, concluding in 2021.
Another notable role for Amanda was in the comedy-drama “Orange Is the New Black”, created for Netflix by Jenji Kohan. Based on the eponymous memoir written by Piper Kerman, the series follows Piper Chapman, a woman from New York City who is sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security federal prison. The series explores a broad range of topics such as the American prison system, gender and sexual identity, race, power structures, and social issues through the diverse group of inmates serving time with Piper.
Amanda joined the series in its sixth season, as Madison ‘Badison’ Murphy. Her character is a prison bully with a thick Boston accent, known for her crude pranks and volatile temperament. “Orange Is the New Black” was praised for its blend of humor and drama, its exploration of complex themes, and its representation of diverse characters. The series has been nominated for numerous awards, including 12 Primetime Emmy Award nominations in its first season alone.
Roles in Movies
Amanda made her film debut in 1995, with a role in the thriller “Deadly Whispers”. In the following years, she appeared in several low-budget movies, such as “‘Till There Was You” (1996), “Whatever It Takes” (1998), and “The Incredible Genie” (1999).
In 2001, Amanda appeared in one of her first starring roles in the drama “Askaru”, playing the role of a young girl who helps save a herd of elephants in South Africa. In this film, she had the opportunity to act alongside Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, helping her to learn from one of the industry’s most experienced performers.
In 2004, she starred opposite Matthew Carey in the short romantic drama “Death, Can I Buy You a Drink?” Amanda’s foray into independent cinema allowed her to showcase her talent in complex, character-driven narratives.
Another such film was the 2010 thriller “Red, White & Blue“, in which she played the lead role of Erica, a sexually promiscuous woman leading a seemingly aimless life. She spends her days working in a hardware store and her nights engaging in one-night stands with various men. The film weaves together elements of the thriller, horror, and revenge genres, set against the backdrop of the Austin, Texas music scene. “Red, White & Blue” was praised for its gritty story-telling and intense performances combining multiple genres. Amanda’s performance in the film was met with critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for a 2012 Chainsaw Award for Best Actress.
In 2014, Amanda took on a challenging task – to portray the late actress Brittany Murphy in the Lifetime biopic “The Brittany Murphy Story”. This role required Amanda to channel the spirit of Murphy, who had a successful but tragically short career in Hollywood. She studied Murphy’s performances, mannerisms, and interviews to bring authenticity to her portrayal.
Two years later, she played the lead role of April, a woman who uses clothes as a form of escapism from her dissatisfying life in the independent drama thriller “Fashionista”, written and directed by Simon Rumley.
Her role next role came in the 2018 drama “The Last Rampage”, in which played the character of Marlene Rafferty, a law enforcement officer dedicated to capturing an escaped convict.
More recently, in 2023, she starred alongside Ben Cotton and Aleksandra Cwen in the horror thriller “Unnatural Causes”. She is set now to star in another horror film, “HERD”, written and directed by Steven Pierce.
Personal Life
Away from the limelight, Amanda leads a quiet and private life. She’s been open about her struggles with body image and the pressures of working in Hollywood. Her candidness about these experiences has made her a role model for many, showcasing her resilience and strength.
In 2019, Amanda announced her pregnancy with her partner, Matthew Bryan Feld, and gave birth to their son, Hayes, later that year. The family resides in Los Angeles, where Amanda continues to balance her thriving career with motherhood.
In her free time, Amanda is an ardent lover of animals, being seen spending time with her pets, and advocating for animal rights. She’s also an active supporter of various charitable organizations, using her platform to contribute positively to society.
Net Worth
As of August 2023, Amanda’s net worth is estimated to be more than $5 million, primarily derived from her acting career both on television and in film. Her ongoing role in “Last Man Standing”, as well as her recurring role in “Orange Is the New Black”, have been significant contributors to her net worth. As she continues to take on more roles and production ventures, it’s expected that her net worth will continue to grow.
