Amanda Schull’s journey into the spotlight was anything but ordinary—graceful, determined, and full of unexpected turns. Amanda Schull first made her mark not on screen, but on stage, as a professional ballet dancer before transitioning into a successful acting career that would earn her widespread recognition. Born in 1978 in Honolulu, Amanda Schull grew up immersed in discipline and artistry from an early age. She attended Punahou School, a well-known co-ed prep school in her hometown, where her passion for dance began to take serious shape.
Even during her high school years, Amanda Schull was already dedicating herself to rigorous training at the Hawaii State Ballet under the guidance of its founder, John Landovsky. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed—by the mid-1990s, she earned a full scholarship to study ballet at Indiana University in Bloomington. It was there that her skills truly flourished. So impressive were her performances that she received an invitation to continue her training with the San Francisco Ballet Summer Initiative, which eventually led to a full-time apprenticeship—and later, a position in the company’s corps de ballet.
But Amanda Schull wasn’t content to stay within the confines of classical dance. Around the year 2000, she began exploring opportunities in front of the camera, effortlessly balancing two demanding worlds. Her film debut came in Nicholas Hytner’s “Center Stage” (2000), a role that felt almost destined given her background. She went on to appear in notable films like Bruce Beresford’s “Mao’s Last Dancer” (2009), a poignant tale centered around ballet, and Clint Eastwood’s intense biopic “J. Edgar” (2011), showcasing her range beyond dance-centric narratives.
On television, Amanda Schull continued to build momentum. She took on memorable roles such as Sara Evans and Katie Ryan in the long-running series “One Tree Hill” (WB/CW, 2003–2012), and later portrayed Meredith Sorenson in “Pretty Little Liars” (ABC Family, 2010– ). Then, in 2015, Amanda Schull stepped into her first leading role as Dr. Cassandra Railly in the SyFy series “12 Monkeys,” a sci-fi drama adapted from Terry Gilliam’s 1995 cult classic. The role allowed Amanda Schull to shine in a complex, time-bending narrative, proving her ability to carry a series with depth and charisma.
Throughout it all, Amanda Schull has remained a compelling presence—both elegant and tenacious—navigating her dual passions with poise. From ballet stages to blockbuster screens, Amanda Schull’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and undeniable talent.
When it comes to Amanda Schull’s film career, one standout performance shines through — her role in Mao’s Last Dancer (2009), which turned out to be Amanda Schull’s highest rated movie. The film was not only a critical success but also resonated with audiences, showcasing Amanda Schull’s talent in a powerful and moving story. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Amanda Schull appeared in I Am Wrath (2016), which ended up being her lowest rated film to date. While the movie had its moments, it didn’t quite hit the same mark as her earlier work. Overall, Amanda Schull’s journey through film has had its peaks and valleys, with Mao’s Last Dancer clearly standing out as a career highlight for Amanda Schull.