Amanda Peterson Husband: The Full Story of Her Marriages and Family Life
Many fans continue searching for Amanda Peterson’s husband to understand the personal life of the actress who starred in one of the most beloved teen films of the 1980s. Best known for her unforgettable performance as Cindy Mancini in Can’t Buy Me Love, Amanda Peterson became an icon of youthful beauty and charm. Yet her real life was far more complex than the roles she played. Before her tragic passing in 2015, she experienced fame, family, struggle, and reinvention. A significant part of her story involves her two marriages, her children, and the relationships that shaped her journey. This article explores her husbands, her private life, and the legacy she left behind.
Who Was Amanda Peterson? A Quick Background
Amanda Peterson was born on July 8, 1971, in Greeley, Colorado. From a young age, she demonstrated natural talent and charisma, leading her into acting by the time she was just a child. She appeared in stage productions, commercials, and television roles before breaking through in Hollywood.
In 1982, she appeared in the film Annie and later starred in several TV shows, including Boone, Silver Spoons, and A Year in the Life. But her career-defining moment came in 1987 when she starred opposite Patrick Dempsey in Can’t Buy Me Love. The teen romantic comedy became a cult classic and remains her most recognized work. Peterson’s portrayal of Cindy Mancini—popular, confident, and more complex than she first appears—left a lasting impression on audiences.
Despite her early success, Peterson eventually stepped away from Hollywood in the mid-1990s. She returned to Colorado, hoping to live a quieter, more private life. However, her journey after acting was marked by challenges, including personal struggles and health issues. Through it all, the relationships she had—particularly her marriages and her role as a mother—remained central to her identity.
Amanda Peterson’s First Marriage — Joseph Robert Skutvik
Amanda Peterson’s first husband was Joseph Robert Skutvik, whom she married in her early adulthood. Their marriage marked the beginning of Peterson’s shift away from Hollywood and toward a more grounded, family-centered life. Although many details of their courtship remain private, public records confirm that the two wed during a transitional time in her career.
Peterson and Skutvik had two children together, making motherhood one of the most defining experiences of her later years. Friends and family have described her as deeply devoted to her children and committed to giving them a life that felt stable and full of love, despite her own personal challenges.
However, the marriage eventually struggled under the weight of financial, emotional, and lifestyle stressors. After several years together, Peterson and Skutvik divorced. Their separation marked a difficult chapter, one that coincided with her increasing retreat from public life and ongoing personal difficulties. Yet she continued to prioritize her children throughout everything, emphasizing family even when other aspects of her life felt uncertain.
Amanda Peterson’s Second Marriage — David Hartley
After her first marriage ended, Amanda Peterson later married David Hartley, her second husband. This relationship took place during a period in which Peterson was trying to rebuild her life and find stability outside of Hollywood. Hartley offered support during some of her most challenging years, and those who knew Peterson said that the relationship brought moments of comfort, reassurance, and companionship.
Peterson and Hartley’s marriage was part of her effort to create a new chapter—one defined by normalcy, privacy, and a break from the pressures of the film industry. However, this marriage also ended in divorce. Details about the separation have remained largely private, as Peterson herself kept a low public profile in her later years.
Despite the end of the marriage, the relationship reflected Peterson’s ongoing desire to form meaningful connections and build a life rooted in family and community rather than fame.
Amanda Peterson as a Mother
Perhaps the most important role Amanda Peterson ever played was that of mother. She had two children, and those close to her often emphasized how deeply she cared for them. Even as she faced personal and health struggles, her children remained a source of joy and purpose.
Her departure from acting was influenced in part by her desire to focus on family. During her time away from Hollywood, she worked various jobs and attempted to find stability so she could give her children the kind of life she wanted for them—one that was grounded, secure, and far from the pressures of celebrity culture.
Peterson’s family members have shared that she found peace in motherhood and treasured her role as a parent, even as she navigated periods of difficulty.
Life After Hollywood — Personal Struggles and Transformation
Amanda Peterson’s life after Hollywood was marked by both resilience and hardship. Leaving the entertainment industry behind, she pursued several career paths, including writing, teaching, and customer service roles. She enrolled in college at one point and sought new beginnings outside the public eye.
However, Peterson also battled personal issues, including addiction and mental-health challenges. She faced legal troubles during difficult periods, and her health declined in the years leading up to her death. Those who knew her said she was working to improve her life and reconnect with family, but the road was not easy.
Despite these challenges, Peterson remained loved by her family and remembered fondly by fans. Her struggles do not define her legacy but instead paint a fuller, more human portrait of someone who achieved fame young and later sought a simpler, more peaceful existence.
Amanda Peterson’s Passing and Legacy
Amanda Peterson passed away on July 3, 2015, just five days before her 44th birthday. Her death was ruled an accidental overdose of prescription medication. Her passing shocked fans who remembered her as the bright, unforgettable Cindy Mancini from Can’t Buy Me Love.
Family members spoke openly after her death about her struggles and how they hoped she would be remembered not for her challenges but for her talent, spirit, and kindness. Peterson had been working on personal healing in the years before her passing, spending time with loved ones and focusing on her children.
Her legacy remains tied to her role in Can’t Buy Me Love, a performance that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. She is remembered as a talented actress whose life, though complicated, left a meaningful impact.
Featured Image Source: usatoday.com
