It’s undeniable that Amanda Righetti shines brightly in the world of entertainment for her compelling performances. Best known for her role as Grace Van Pelt on The Mentalist, she demonstrated her ability to blend intellect and charm.
Righetti is like a chameleon as her career spans various genres, from her early days on The OC to her thrilling appearances in horror films like The Hills Have Eyes and Friday the 13th.
It seems that Righetti just excels in every role she takes on, but her story is much deeper than what her fans often see.
#1. Her passion for ballet
Even her devoted fans might not know that her first dream was not for Hollywood. In an interview with Talk Nerdy With Us, she shared that she really loved dancing as a 4-year-old child. “Ballet was my passion.”
Righetti was captivated by ballet from a young age, dreaming of becoming a prima ballerina. However, a hip injury at 17 forced her to rethink her future. She said, “Well, I’ve got to figure out what to do with my life now.”
Although she continued dancing as a hobby, the limitations of her injury prompted her to explore new avenues. Today, Righetti stays active through yoga and personal training, demonstrating her dedication to fitness and well-being despite the twists and turns in her career.
#2. Her shared son with ex-husband Jordan Alan
Amanda Righetti is best known for her impressive roles in film and television, but she considers her most significant role to be that of a mother. She shares her son, Knox, with her ex-husband, Jordan Alan. The couple tied the knot in 2006 and welcomed their son in January 2013.
Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end after 11 years when Righetti filed for divorce in 2017. While the reasons for their split remain private, the two have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship, ensuring that their son continues to thrive in a loving environment.
Amanda Righetti has much cared about her commitment to fitness, especially during her pregnancy and after welcoming her son, Knox. In an interview with US Weekly in 2013, she shared that when filming for The Mentalist took a break in April, she dedicated herself to working out.
“Once we had broke for hiatus [on ‘The Mentalist’] in the beginning of April, my full-time job became going to the gym,” she said. “I was in the gym probably like five [or] six days out of the week for those three months.”
Beyond her workouts, Amanda enjoys precious moments with her son outdoors. On Instagram, she often shares their adventures, like a fun day at the beach where they played soccer together, tagged with “#sundayfunday.” They’ve also celebrated special occasions, including a playful recreation of a scene from her classic film Friday the 13th to mark the movie’s 13th anniversary in 2022.
#3. Righetti’s love for food
“I love to eat. I love to cook,” she admitted. Righetti always tries to balance her love for delicious meals with a mindful approach to nutrition. While she carefully monitors her caloric intake, aiming for 1,300 to 1,500 calories daily, she emphasizes the importance of small, nutritious meals spaced every few hours.
Her mornings typically begin with three egg whites, two slices of turkey bacon, and an orange. For a midmorning snack, she opts for celery or carrot sticks, followed by a light salad at lunch. Righetti enjoys an apple with peanut butter before finishing her day with a protein-rich dinner, focusing on portion control and avoiding starch carbs in the evening.
