Amanda Bearse facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Amanda Bearse
Bearse at GalaxyCon Louisville in 2019
Born	(1958-08-09) August 9, 1958 (age 66) Winter Park, Florida, U.S.
Occupation	Actress comedian director
Years active	1982–present
Spouse(s)	Carrie Schenken
Children	1

Amanda Bearse (born August 9, 1958) is an American actress, comedian, and director. She became well-known for her role in the 1985 horror film Fright Night. Later, she starred as Marcy Rhoades D'Arcy in the popular TV show Married... with Children from 1987 to 1997. After her acting success, Bearse started directing television shows. She has directed more than 90 episodes for various comedy series.

Early Life and Education

Amanda Bearse grew up in Winter Park, Florida. She finished high school in 1976. After that, her family moved to Atlanta. She attended several colleges, including Rollins College and Young Harris College. At Young Harris, she earned an associate of arts degree. Bearse also studied acting in New York City. She learned from a famous teacher named Sanford Meisner.

Acting Career Highlights

Bearse started her acting career on television. From 1982 to 1983, she played Amanda Cousins in the soap opera All My Children. In 1984, she had a small part in the comedy film Protocol. She also appeared in the comedy movie Fraternity Vacation.

Starring in Fright Night

A big role for Bearse came in 1985. She played the main female character in the supernatural horror film Fright Night. This movie helped her become more widely recognized.

Success with Married... with Children

In 1986, Bearse had a guest role in the TV drama Hotel. The next year, she got a major role in the Fox sitcom Married... with Children. She played Marcy Rhoades (later Marcy D'Arcy). Marcy was the feminist next-door neighbor. She starred alongside Ed O'Neill and Katey Sagal. The show ran until 1997. It became one of the longest-running sitcoms in television history.

Directing Television Shows

While acting on Married...with Children, Bearse began studying directing. She attended the American Film Institute and the University of Southern California. From 1991 to 1997, she directed 31 episodes of Married...with Children.

Directing Other Popular Series

Bearse also directed episodes for many other TV shows. These include Reba, Mad TV, and The Jamie Foxx Show. She directed episodes of Dharma & Greg and Veronica's Closet. She also worked on Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place. In 1999, she directed an episode of Jesse. This show starred her former Married...with Children co-star Christina Applegate. In 2005, she directed a TV pilot for NBC starring Maggie Wheeler. In 2006, Bearse worked with Rosie O'Donnell. They produced and directed The Big Gay Sketch Show. This show first aired in 2007.

Recent Acting Roles

After the 1990s, Bearse mostly focused on directing. She appeared in only two films during that decade. In 2011, she returned to acting. She appeared in two episodes of the Lifetime comedy-drama series Drop Dead Diva. In 2020, she starred in the German comedy horror film Sky Sharks. This was her first film role in 25 years. In 2022, Bearse played the mother of Luke Macfarlane's character. This was in the romantic comedy film Bros.

Personal Life

Amanda Bearse has a daughter named Zoe.

Bearse in 2005

Film and Television Appearances

Film Roles

Television Roles

See also

In Spanish: Amanda Bearse para niños