Amanda Seyfried grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and began modeling when she was 11 years old. She acted in high school productions as well as taking singing lessons, and landed a recurring role in the long-running US soap "As the World Turns" (1956) when she was just 15.
More soap work followed as she completed her schooling and she had already secured a place at Fordham University when she was offered a role in the Tina Fey-penned teen hit Mean Girls (2004). She deferred the university place to complete the film.
More TV work followed, raising her profile across America, while her appearances in _Mama Mia! (2008)_ and _Red Riding Hood (2001)_ helped establish her international fame.