Amanda Bynes

Background

The Comedy Store and Laugh Factory were the first two comedy schools Amanda Bynes attended when she was seven years old. Acting opportunities came pouring in throughout her time in the program. Bynes made her acting debut at seven years old in a Nestle candy commercial for Buncha Crunch candy. Producers noted her and cast her in plays such as “Annie,” “The Secret Garden,” and others. While this was going on, she made it a point to become a regular cast member on Nickelodeon comedy shows such as “Figure It Out” and “All That.” After starring in “All That,” she was offered a sketch comedy program of her own called “The Amanda Show,” and her popularity grew.

She became famous in 1999 for “The Amanda Show,” where she played Judge Trudy, Penelope Taynt, and many other popular characters. This program garnered her three Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards for Favorite T.V. Actress. In 2002 she featured in the film “Big Fat Liar” with Paul Giamatti and Sandra Oh. She had a starring role in the W.B. Television show “What I Like About You.” In 2003, Bynes starred in “What a Girl Wants” with Colin Firth, Oliver James, and Kelly Preston. She voiced Nellie in “Charlotte’s Web 2: Wilbur’s Great Adventure” and was featured in “Vanity Fair.” In 2005, Bynes starred in “Love Wrecked.” It got bad reviews. It was planned to be released by the Weinstein Company but was sold to A.B.C. Family Channel. She was one of the stars of the film “She’s the Man,” which was released in 2006. She starred with Channing Tatum, and the movie was a global success. In 2007, Bynes was featured in “Hairspray.” She portrayed a dumb adolescent and starred alongside Queen Latifah, John Travolta, Zac Efron, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The picture was a smash hit. She also had a role in the comedy “Sydney White” and the Seven Dorks,’ which was released the same year. Based on the German folk tale “Snow White,” it received mixed reviews.

“Living Proof,” a film produced by Lifetime Television, featured Bynes in 2008. “Easy A,” co-starring Emma Stone, was released in 2010 and featured Bynes as well. She had signed a two-film agreement with Screen Gems and “Easy A” was part of it. She was set to star in “Hairspray 2,” but the production was postponed in the same year. Bynes went on to state on Twitter in 2010 that she would no longer be active in the acting industry. “Acting,” she lamented, “isn’t as much fun as I thought it would be.” Several weeks later, she tweeted, “I’ve unretired,” saying she was back in the workforce.