Amanda Peet
Fresh Air Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 44 min
Guests: Amanda Peet
Summary
Amanda Peet discusses her career, personal life, and health journey, including her battle with breast cancer. She shares insights into her roles in upcoming projects and reflects on her family's unique history.
What Happened
Amanda Peet is recognized for her versatile roles in films such as 'The Whole Nine Yards' and TV shows like 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip'. She currently stars in the Apple TV series 'You, Friends and Neighbors', portraying Mel, an ex-wife navigating complex family dynamics. Additionally, she won acclaim for her role in 'Fantasy Life', which received the Audience Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival.
Peet was diagnosed with stage one luminal B, high-risk lobular breast cancer but has since become cancer-free. She documented her experience in a New Yorker essay, detailing the emotional burden of facing cancer while her parents were also dealing with terminal illnesses. Peet's mother lived in a cottage near her home during her final days, underscoring the closeness of their relationship.
Amanda Peet's acting career was initially met with skepticism by her parents, who insisted she attend college first. Her father was a corporate lawyer, and her childhood included a significant move to London. Her family's legacy is tied to entertainment history, with her great-grandfather co-founding the Roxy Theater in Manhattan, a cultural landmark tied to the origins of the Rockettes.
In 'Fantasy Life', Peet plays Diane Cohn, a character dealing with depression and career struggles, which Peet relates to through her own experiences with mental health. Meanwhile, in 'You, Friends and Neighbors', her character addresses issues like perimenopause and anxiety. Peet's insights into these roles reflect her personal journey with similar challenges.
Amanda Peet has been married to David Benioff, co-creator of 'Game of Thrones', for about 20 years. They met on a blind date around the time of Benioff's novel adaptation into the film 'The 25th Hour'. The couple and their family spent summers in Belfast during the filming of 'Game of Thrones', though Peet initially doubted the show's potential based on early dailies.
Her children show little interest in her work, finding movies like 'Something's Gotta Give' inappropriate. Despite this, Peet holds Diane Keaton's performance in high regard, describing her as a curious and self-deprecating individual. Peet's reflections on Keaton highlight her admiration for the actress's talent and personality.
Key Insights
- Amanda Peet's career breakthrough came with 'The Whole Nine Yards', where she starred alongside Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry. This role significantly elevated her profile in Hollywood.
- Despite skepticism from her parents about pursuing acting, Peet followed her passion, which led to a successful career in film and television. Her father's insistence on education first reflects a practical family approach.
- Peet's personal experience with depression and anxiety informs her portrayal of characters facing similar challenges. Her roles in 'Fantasy Life' and 'You, Friends and Neighbors' explore these themes in depth.
- Amanda Peet's family legacy includes ties to the historic Roxy Theater, co-founded by her great-grandfather. This connection to entertainment history adds a unique dimension to her own career in acting.