by Cynthia Kovalesky

Created on: June 20, 2010

Amanda Seyfried, only 24 years old, is one of today's hottest actresses. Just like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seyfried started her career in television, appearing in popular daytime soap operas while still a teenager.  She first was an uncredited extra in "Guiding Light," but then landed the part of 'Lucy Montgomery' appearing in 27 episodes of CBS's "As The World Turns," from 1999 through 2001.  She next played 'Joni Stafford' on ABC's popular "All My Children" from 2002 through 2003. 

Upon her high school graduation, the talented Seyfried opted not to go to college, but instead moved to Los Angeles from Allentown, Pennsylvania, to further pursue her acting career.   Casting agents fell in love with her and she quickly was landing guest-starring roles on such hit series as "Law & Order:  Special Victims Unit," "House, M.D." and "CSI:  Crime Scene Investigation." 

During this time, she also landed a part in "Mean Girls," opposite Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams.   That's where she got her first taste of the difference of working on movies versus the fast-paced world of television.

In 2004, Seyfried auditioned for the title role of "Veronica Mars," but lost out to Kristen Bell.  However, the producers gave her the role of 'Lilly Kane,' the dead best friend of 'Veronica.'  Everyone liked the character she created so much that Seyfried ended up being on the show a lot more than anyone originally intended, appearing in 11 episodes.  She also played 'Rebecca' in 5 episodes of "Wildfire" in 2006, as well as guest-starring spot on "Justice." In addition, Seyfried lent her voice for one episode of the hit cartoon series, "American Dad."

Seyfried's biggest television role to date is that of 'Sarah Hendrickson,' the eldest daughter in HBO's one-hour polygamous family drama, "Big Love," opposite Bill Paxton.  Appearing in over 53 episodes since it started in 2006, her character is now married and has moved out of the family home. 

This 'change of scenery' was planned so that Seyfried can focus on pursuing her movie career.  Ever since starring in the blockbuster hit musical, "Mamma Mia!," her focus has been on landing movie roles and lessening her time working in television.  Some of her latest feature films are "Jennifer's Body," opposite Megan Fox, and "Dear John" with Channing Tatum, and this spring's "Letters To Juliet," among others.

Given that Seyfried's popularity has grown exponentially, this year ShoWest awarded her the honor of 2010's Breakthrough Star Of The Year.  This proves that audiences are expecting to see a lot of Amanda Seyfried. 

Just for now it appears that it'll be in movies; not television.

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