IN CONVERSATION WITH AMANDA RIGHETTI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Amanda Righetti is entering a powerful new phase of her career with ‘Scarpetta’, Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated drama premiering on 11th March. Based on Patricia Cornwell’s best- selling novels, the series brings together an extraordinary ensemble led by Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, with Amanda delivering a pivotal performance as Dorothy, the flashback incarnation of Curtis’ formidablecharacter. After decades of defining performances across film and television, ‘Scarpetta’ signals aconfident evolution, one rooted in experience, nuance, and fearless storytelling.

‘Scarpetta’ is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated series of the year. What first drew you to this project?

I love that ‘Scarpetta’ is a female driven show. It’s also a long standing international best-selling book series, has a tremendously smart show runner, and an outrageously talented cast. There are many attractive elements tochoose from, but I was mostly drawn to the fact that I would have an opportunity to play a younger Jamie Lee Curtis.

Dorothy is such a vivid, larger-than-life character. How did you initially connect with her energy and point of view?

The hair, makeup, wardrobe are what helped me connect to Dorothy the most. Her personality is as loud as those elements are, and serve as armor from showing her vulnerability to the world, which helped me find Dorothy’s energy.

You portray the flashback version of Jamie Lee Curtis’ character. What was it like collaborating with her to build a shared emotional and psychological foundation?

Jamie Lee Curtis was wonderful to work with. She had some wild ideas about the men in Dorothy’s backstory and how Dorothy uses that power over men to control her reality. We also discussed the family dynamics and how those elements formed Dorothy’s relationship with Kay. I followed her lead, but was also encouraged to bring my own take.

‘Scarpetta’ centers on justice, power, and obsession. How does Dorothy fit into those larger themes?

Dorothy and Kay grew up feeling powerless in the face of their father’s illness and ultimate death. Dorothy seeks power in relationships. Kay seeks power in vindicating the dead. This power struggle is explored throughout the show and gives complexity to the sister dynamic.

You’ve portrayed a wide range of women throughout your career. Where does Dorothy sit in that lineage for you?

Playing Dorothy has been one of the most unique experiences of my career. I am still exploring Dorothy, so at the moment, she sits at the top of my list.

After decades in the industry, how has your relationship to character-building evolved?

Life experience has given me deeper insight to my choices, and contributes to having more tools at my fingertips. My approach is more fluid now than when I started out. For instance, I’ve never built a character quite the way I have on ‘Scarpetta’. My approach is really determined by the context of the project, and varies from character to character.

You began your career at a very young age. How has that early entry shaped your instincts as an actor today?

I stumbled around in doubt about making the “right” choices when I started out. Perfectionism is death to anartist. My instincts have become more settled in exploration, giving myself over to the process of letting go to find happy accidents or magic rather than reaching for results.

Is there a freedom that comes with playing more complex, morally layered characters at this stage of your career?

Freedom is born from performance preparation. At this stage in my career, I have learned how to better tap into that freedom.

Are you drawn more now to roles that challenge perception rather than invite easy sympathy?

I’m always looking for a challenge to stretch myself as a performer. Whether its perception or sympathy, I’m interested in exploring human behavior and emotional connection.

What keeps you grounded when you’re not on set?

I find daily prayer, breath work and meditation to be one of the most grounding practices I continually return to.

With ‘Scarpetta’ launching this spring, what kind of stories are you most excited to tell next?

Stories that explore the human condition, and the relationships that define it. While I’m still riding the beautiful wave of this amazing opportunity and don’t want to rush through this part, I am always looking forward to what comes next.

TEAM CREDITS:

photographer IRVIN RIVERA