Amanda Carrington is a fictional character from the

ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...

prime time Prime time or the peak time is the block of broadcast programming taking place during the middle of the evening for a television show. It is mostly targeted towards adults (and sometimes families). It is used by the major television networks to ...

soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...

Dynasty A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same family,''Oxford English Dictionary'', "dynasty, ''n''." Oxford University Press (Oxford), 1897. usually in the context of a monarchical system, but sometimes also appearing in republics. A ...

'', created by

Richard and Esther Shapiro Richard Allen Shapiro (born June 27, 1934) and Esther June Shapiro (née Mayesh; born June 6, 1928) are an American married couple who work as television screenwriters and producers, through their Shapiro Film Corporation. They are best known as ...

. She was portrayed by

Catherine Oxenberg Catherine Oxenberg (born September 22, 1961) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Amanda Carrington on the 1980s prime time soap opera ''Dynasty''. Oxenberg is the daughter of Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia and Howard Oxe ...

for two seasons from 1984 to 1986, and then by

Karen Cellini Karen Cellini (born May 13, 1958) is an American multidisciplinary live performance artist, producer, writer, and activist. As an actress, she is known for portraying Amanda Carrington in the 1980s prime time drama ''Dynasty'' in 1986. Career Ce ...

for 13 episodes from 1986 to 1987.

Eliza Bennett Eliza Bennett (born 17 March 1992) is an English actress and singer. Her most notable roles have been those of Meggie Folchart in the film ''Inkheart'', Tora in the film ''Nanny McPhee'', Susan in '' From Time to Time'' and Holly Manson in the ...

plays Amanda in the CW reboot series ''

'' from 2021 to 2022.

Original series

Amanda was originated by

in the 1984 fifth-season episode "

Amanda Amanda is a Latin feminine gerundive (i.e. verbal adjective) name meaning, literally, “she who must (or is fit to) be loved”. Other translations, with similar meaning, could be "deserving to be loved," "worthy of love," or "loved very much b ...

". Oxenberg vacated the role in 1986, during the period between the production of seasons six and seven. Purportedly due to a salary dispute, Oxenberg's publicist insisted that the actress left ''Dynasty'' voluntarily, while several media outlets reported that she was fired. The role was immediately recast with

, who appeared for 13 episodes of the series' seventh season before the character was written out in the 1987 episode " The Rig". Amanda did not appear in the 1991

miniseries A miniseries or mini-series is a television series that tells a story in a predetermined, limited number of episodes. "Limited series" is another more recent US term which is sometimes used interchangeably. , the popularity of miniseries format h ...

continuation, '' Dynasty: The Reunion''.

Storylines

Season five

Close on the heels of

Fallon Carrington Fallon Carrington is a fictional character from the ABC television series ''Dynasty'' and its spin-off ''The Colbys''. Created by Richard and Esther Shapiro, the role of Fallon was originated by Pamela Sue Martin in the show's first episode in 1 ...

's disappearance and presumed death in a plane crash, a young woman named Amanda Bedford appears in the penthouse of

Alexis Colby Alexis Carrington Colby (; formerly Dexter and Rowan) is a fictional character on the American TV series ''Dynasty''. She is the ex-wife of Blake Carrington (John Forsythe) whose schemes cause one problem after another for him and their children. ...

, Fallon's mother, in "

". Raised primarily by Alexis' cousin Rosalind Bedford, she is Alexis' daughter, come to

Denver Denver () is a consolidated city and county, the capital, and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Its population was 715,522 at the 2020 census, a 19.22% increase since 2010. It is the 19th-most populous city in the Unit ...

from

England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...

to give her mother support after Alexis' recent arrest and acquittal for the murder of Mark Jennings.Amanda's arrival is foreshadowed in the season four episode " The Birthday" when Alexis mentions that she has been through four pregnancies. Krystle notes the discrepancy (at this time, Alexis is known to have just three children, Adam, Fallon and Steven), but Alexis explains that one resulted in a miscarriage. Amanda appears 11 episodes later in "

." As news of Alexis' "new" daughter spreads, ex-husband

Blake Blake is a surname which originated from Old English. Its derivation is uncertain; it could come from "blac", a nickname for someone who had dark hair or skin, or from "blaac", a nickname for someone with pale hair or skin. Another theory, presuma ...

takes a special interest, soon learning that Alexis had been pregnant when he had exiled her from Denver almost two decades earlier. Though Alexis insists that Amanda's father is a ski instructor with whom she was involved, it is eventually revealed that she is indeed Blake's daughter and that Alexis kept her hidden from him as revenge for being banished years before. Amanda is attracted to Alexis' fiancé

Dex Dexter Farnsworth "Dex" Dexter is a fictional character on the ABC prime time soap opera ''Dynasty''. Portrayed by Michael Nader, the character was introduced as a love interest for Alexis Colby in the series' fourth season in 1983. He became her third ...

, and attempts to seduce him. When they find themselves snowed in together in a remote cabin, they give in to their feelings and make love. Immediately afterwards, Dex regrets his actions and announces that he and Alexis will marry. Sullen and depressed, Amanda is invited by Blake to a conference in

Acapulco Acapulco de Juárez (), commonly called Acapulco ( , also , nah, Acapolco), is a city and major seaport in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semicircular bay and has bee ...

, where she meets the handsome

Prince Michael of Moldavia ''Dynasty'' is an American prime time television soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap ...

. Alexis, who had known Michael's father King Galen years ago, encourages the relationship. Amanda learns that Michael is engaged to Elena, a Moldavian duchess, but he assures Amanda that it had been a loveless match. Michael proposes and Amanda, despite her lingering feelings for Dex, accepts. During their engagement, Amanda is almost kidnapped by Moldavian rebels but rescued by Dex. In the 15 May 1985 season finale "

Royal Wedding ''Royal Wedding'' is a 1951 American musical comedy film directed by Stanley Donen, and starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Set in 1947 London at the time of the wedding of Princess Eli ...

," the rebels undertake a large-scale coup, interrupting the wedding in an attempt to kill Galen. Terrorists spray the chapel with gunfire, leaving the entire wedding party seemingly dead or dying on the floor.

Season six

Amanda, Michael and the rest of the

Carrington family The Carringtons are the core family of the American prime time soap opera ''Dynasty'', which aired on ABC from January 12, 1981 to May 11, 1989. The series was followed up by a two-part miniseries entitled '' Dynasty: The Reunion'' in October 19 ...

survive the attack, though

Luke Fuller ''Dynasty'' is an American prime time television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 12, 1981 to May 11, 1989. The series, created by Richard and Esther Shapiro and produced by Aaron Spelling, revolves around the Carringtons, a wealthy fa ...

—the gay lover of Amanda's brother

Steven Stephen or Steven is a common English first name. It is particularly significant to Christians, as it belonged to Saint Stephen ( grc-gre, Στέφανος ), an early disciple and deacon who, according to the Book of Acts, was stoned to death; ...

—and family friend Lady

Ashley Mitchell Ashley Mitchell (1886 – 12 January 1977), was a Yorkshire cloth manufacturer and Liberal Party politician who advocated Georgism. Background He was born in Ossett, Yorkshire in 1886. He was educated at Ossett Grammar and Wakefield Grammar Sc ...

are killed. Galen is missing and presumed dead, and rightful heir Michael is forced to leave the country. Exile, however, puts a strain on Amanda and Michael's marriage, as he and Alexis become obsessed with rescuing Galen (who is being held for ransom) and restoring the monarchy. Amanda and Dex are drawn closer as Amanda catches Michael and Elena in a compromising position and Dex catches Alexis with a crown, imagining herself as Queen of Moldavia. Amanda finds a drunken Dex and they make love again—only to be caught in the act by Alexis. Alexis and Dex divorce, as do Amanda and Michael. After Alexis discovers that Galen has in fact been manipulating her, the Moldavian royal family leaves for

Lisbon Lisbon (; pt, Lisboa ) is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 544,851 within its administrative limits in an area of 100.05 km2. Grande Lisboa, Lisbon's urban area extends beyond the city's administr ...

and is never heard from again. Amanda is devastated when Dex does not want to pursue a relationship with her. She romances

Clay Fallmont ''Dynasty'' is an American prime time television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 12, 1981 to May 11, 1989. The series, created by Richard and Esther Shapiro and produced by Aaron Spelling, revolves around the Carringtons, a wealthy ...

, but their family rivalry drives him into the arms of Steven's ex-wife Sammy Jo. Amanda is involved in a drunk driving accident which is covered up by Blake; estranged from her mother and feeling isolated from her family, Amanda eventually attempts suicide. She survives, and reconciles with a forgiving Alexis. Amanda decides to pursue Clay again. In the 1986 season finale episode " The Choice (a.k.a.) The Vendetta", Sammy Jo catches Amanda and Clay kissing at the La Mirage hotel; the women fight, winding up in the swimming pool in their party dresses. Meanwhile, Amanda's sister-in-law Claudia Carrington accidentally sets the hotel on fire.

Season seven

In the seventh season premiere episode " The Victory," Amanda Starting in " The Victory" (September 24, 1986), the role of Amanda was played by

. To facilitate a recap of the previous episode, part of the pool fight scene originally filmed with

from the previous season's finale episode was re-shot with Cellini. is trampled in the chaos surrounding the fire but rescued by a mysterious stranger. He turns out to be

Michael Culhane Michael Culhane is a fictional character from the ABC television series ''Dynasty'', created by Richard and Esther Shapiro. Portrayed by Wayne Northrop, the character is introduced in the series' 1981 pilot episode as the chauffeur of oil tycoon B ...

, her father's former chauffeur who had been fired (and beaten up by Blake's thugs) in the first season for having an affair with Fallon. Now grateful to Michael, Blake offers him his job back, but is no happier than before when Michael and Amanda begin dating. Amanda is warned about Michael by sister Fallon, but refuses to leave him. Eventually, an upset and confused Amanda learns that Michael has become wealthy and is using her to get to Blake, and she is last seen in " The Rig" on January 7, 1987. In " The Portrait," Blake offhandedly explains to Michael that Amanda has returned to England "to think." The character never appears or is mentioned again during the series.

Reception

Oxenberg won two ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards in 1985, for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Female Newcomer.

Reboot

In August 2021, it was announced that

would play Amanda in the CW reboot series ''

''. Bennet debuted in the August 2021 episode " The British Are Coming".

Storylines

Season four

In the 2021 season four episode " Equal Justice for the Rich",

(

Elaine Hendrix Katherine Elaine Hendrix (born December 28, 1970) is an American actress. She is known for her roles in ''Superstar'', ''Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'', the 1995 ''Get Smart'' series, the 1998 remake of '' The Parent Trap'', ''Dynasty' ...

) confesses to

Dominique Deveraux Dominique Deveraux (born Millie Cox) is a fictional character on the ABC prime time soap opera ''Dynasty'' and its spin-off, ''The Colbys''. Portrayed by Diahann Carroll from 1984 to 1987, the character is the surprise half-sister of millionaire B ...

(

Michael Michele Michael Michele Williams (born August 30, 1966) is an American actress and fashion designer. She began her career on stage before appearing opposite Wesley Snipes in the 1991 film ''New Jack City''. In the 1990s, Michele had leading roles in tw ...

) that she had an affair with her yoga instructor, when still married to

Blake Carrington Blake Alexander Carrington is a fictional character on the ABC television series ''Dynasty'', created by Richard and Esther Shapiro. The role of Blake was originally portrayed by actor John Forsythe from 1981 to 1989. Forsythe returned for the min ...

(

Grant Show Grant Alan Show (born February 27, 1962) is an American actor best known for his role on ''Melrose Place'' as Jake Hanson, which he played from 1992 to 1997. Since 2017, Show has portrayed tycoon Blake Carrington in the soap opera reboot ''Dyna ...

), that led to the conception of a child. Alexis went to Europe for six months to have the child in secret where she gave the baby girl to a cousin to raise as her own. Amanda (

) first visits Atlanta the same season in "The British Are Coming". She is an intelligent attorney from London in her late 20's with an Oxford degree and many questions for Alexis. Her adoptive mother's recent death has revealed the truth of her parentage, and she is not shy about having the gaps filled in. Blake senses he is Amanda's biological father and proves it with a DNA test. She quickly sets her parents straight, refusing to be used as a pawn in their ongoing feud, but remains in town to establish a new career and get to know her family. Relations with her sister Fallon (

Elizabeth Gillies Elizabeth Egan Gillies (born July 26, 1993) is an American actress and singer. She gained prominence for her starring roles as Jade West in the Nickelodeon series ''Victorious'' (2010–2013), and as Fallon Carrington on The CW revival of ''D ...

) and brother

Adam Adam; el, Ἀδάμ, Adám; la, Adam is the name given in Genesis 1-5 to the first human. Beyond its use as the name of the first man, ''adam'' is also used in the Bible as a pronoun, individually as "a human" and in a collective sense as " ...

(

Sam Underwood Sam Lewis Underwood (born 4 August 1987) is an English actor who portrayed the twins Luke and Mark Gray in the Fox thriller drama ''The Following'', Jake Otto in the AMC series '' Fear the Walking Dead'' (2017), and Adam Carrington in The CW serie ...

) have a rocky start as neither trusts her. In "

A Good Marriage in Every Sense The fourth season of ''Dynasty'', an American television series based on the 1980s prime time soap opera of the same name, premiered in the United States on The CW on May 7, 2021. The season is produced by CBS Television Studios, with Josh Reims ...

", Amanda reveals she had a same sex affair with a judge that ended her position at a British law firm. This candor breaks some ice with Fallon, who appreciates her sister's smarts and ability to party when off the clock. Adam, on the other hand, remains an enemy, but Amanda is well up to meeting his schemes with some of her own. She joins his hospital's legal team to keep him in check, then makes bonds with Alexis, Blake, Cristal (

Daniella Alonso Daniella Alonso is an American actress and former fashion model. She has appeared in a number of horror films, including ''The Hills Have Eyes 2'' and '' Wrong Turn 2: Dead End''. Alonso was a regular cast member in the NBC post-apocalyptic seri ...

), and Fallon. By the end of season four, she has officially changed her surname to Carrington.

Reception

Jay Snow of ''Collider'' wrote positively about the addition of Amanda, specifically her sibling rivalry with Adam, bringing out another side to Alexis, and her blossoming romance with Kirby. "As the newest introduction to the Carrington family, Amanda has had a steep learning curve, but we've really learned a lot about her as she's worked her way into the family," Snow writes, adding that, "The writers are doing all of the right things with Amanda (except not letting her interact with Fallon more), and her future is rather bright.

Notes

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carrington, Amanda Dynasty (franchise) characters Female characters in television Fictional English people Fictional socialites Fictional princesses Television characters introduced in 1984