Amanda Righetti is Celebrated for Her Role in The OC Now More Than Ever
Amanda Righetti is offering a glimpse of what to anticipate from her soon-to-be-released crime thriller series, Scarpetta.
“Dorothy is quite unhinged and extremely unfiltered. She’s a true man-eater,” Righetti, 42, shared exclusively with Us Weekly regarding her role in the show, which is set to debut on Prime Video on Wednesday, March 11. “She’s very opinionated and indifferent to others’ perceptions of her, eagerly inserting herself into any situation. I adore her wild card nature within this procedural format. Additionally, she serves as a bit of comic relief while simultaneously being present for the drama.”
In Scarpetta, Righetti portrays young Dorothy, while Nicole Kidman stars as a forensic pathologist named Kay Scarpetta. Jamie Lee Curtis plays the older version of Dorothy, Kay’s elder sister. The ensemble cast also features Rosy McEwen, Ariana DeBose, Savannah Lumar, Bobby Cannavale, Jake Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Hunter Parrish.
Righetti disclosed that she and Curtis, 67, discussed Dorothy’s “backstory” to ensure they aligned on the character’s “mannerisms.” Although they did not share scenes, the two began preparing for their characters before filming commenced.
“In terms of mannerisms, Jamie talks with her hands a lot, and she brings that energy to Dorothy. Given that Dorothy is quite over the top, there’s an abundance of hand gestures,” Righetti explained. “We also had a dialect coach to ensure consistency in accents across characters from different eras. It was essential to incorporate the cadence and rhythm of Jamie’s speech into Dorothy’s character for continuity.”
Righetti also provided her thoughts on the renewed interest in The O.C., the teen drama where she played Hailey Nichol during its first two seasons on Fox from 2003 to 2007.
“It’s intriguing because I wasn’t really recognized by fans immediately after the show,” she reflected.
She further noted that The O.C. has celebrated significant milestones, including its 20th anniversary this year.
“Interestingly, after stepping away from [the show], I find that I get recognized more frequently now than I did in the early days of my career,” the actress continued. “It’s remarkable. It shows how pop culture can evolve over time.”
Righetti remarked that The O.C. was her “first major break,” leaving her unsure about what to expect regarding the show’s success.
“I recall entering the makeup trailer for the episode with Paris Hilton, at which point the show’s popularity had surged, and it was featured in various magazines,” she explained. “As the season progressed, more and more magazine clippings adorned the walls, and that’s when it really dawned on me how much attention the show was receiving.”
Righetti noted that her fame from the show “developed gradually.”
Regarding The O.C.‘s appeal to younger viewers, Righetti observed, “It delves into teenage angst that resonates across generations. Every generation faces that awkward stage and tough decisions. Despite advances in technology, the core experiences of adolescence remain relatable.”
She concluded, “Ultimately, the show captures that tumultuous period in life, maintaining its relevance and offering timeless themes that have allowed it to endure over the years.”
