Eighties film star has barely aged a day 40 years after starring in iconic horror Nightmare on Elm Street
SHE was brutally murdered in one of the scariest horror films of all time.
Forty years ago actress Amanda Wyss played Tina Gray in A Nightmare on Elm Street, becoming the first victim of disfigured serial killer Freddy Krueger.
The terrifying villain haunted her dreams, slashing her nightwear with his sharp claws during one nightmare, before finishing her off as she dozed at her own sleepover.
Now 62, American actress Amanda has barely aged a day from those frightful early years on screen.
But that’s not to say she’s forgotten about her time in the slasher flick. Just weeks ago she reunited with the rest of the cast – including Freddie actor Robert Englund – to celebrate its milestone anniversary.
And she’s also a regular on the Comic Con circuit, with the film maintaining a massive fanbase.
Back in 2018, she discussed its enduring legacy though admitted she’s only seen it once or twice.
She told Exit 6 Film Festival: “I’ve only seen the film once or twice, because I don’t usually watch myself that often, but filming it was a really interesting experience and we knew we were making a really interesting piece of film.
“That death scene is on the 100 greatest movie deaths of all time. It’s been on the Academy Awards twice, it’s been used in movies and TV shows constantly, so I feel really lucky how it’s turned out to be and I’m totally grateful for it!”
Amanda initially auditioned to be the lead role of Nancy Thompson, but instead landed the supporting role of Tina with Heather Langenkamp getting the main part.
Some of Amanda’s other notable credits include her 1982 breakthrough role in coming of age comedy-drama Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
The cast of that cult film was full of little-known actors who went on to be become Hollywood stars such as Nicolas Cage, Sean Penn and Forest Whittaker.
A year after Elm Street Amanda starred with Kevin Costner in Western flick Silverado, which she recently shared a fond memory from on Instagram.
Alongside a photo of her with Kevin, she wrote: “Historic and modern day. I love making Westerns. Being in Silverado with so many talented artists was a beautiful gift.”
A steady stream of TV and film work has followed since with guest roles in the likes of Cheers, Charmed, CSI, and Dexter.
Amanda is also a keen traveller, sharing her trips on Instagram. In the last year she’s been to Cancun, Italy, Switzerland and enjoyed a cruise.
