In the months following the premiere of Savannah on The WB, Jamie Luner quickly made a name for herself—literally and figuratively. As Peyton Richards, she wasn’t just turning heads; she was making headlines within the show’s dramatic universe. Sleeping with her best friend’s husband? Check. Smashing a bottle over her lover’s head? Done. Stealing a priceless Fabergé egg? That too. It was clear from the start that Jamie Luner had stepped into something bigger than just a role—she had become a sensation. With her fiery red hair and even fierier performance, Jamie Luner stood out in a crowded field, emerging as a true “bitch-goddess” of 90s television.
But before Jamie Luner became synonymous with scandal and seduction, her path began much earlier—and much differently. She actually started acting at just three years old, appearing in TV commercials with the kind of natural ease that only some kids have. By 15, Jamie Luner had already earned accolades, winning the L.A. Shakespeare Festival in the monologue category—a sign of things to come, though no one knew exactly what shape they’d take. Her first major break came as Cindy Lubbock on the ABC sitcom Just the Ten of Us (1988–90), where she played a sweet but somewhat ditzy teenager. Back then, nobody would’ve guessed that Jamie Luner would one day embody such a cunning, complex character.
When it came time for casting Savannah, the odds weren’t in Jamie Luner’s favor—at first. Aaron Spelling and the show’s producers initially wanted her to audition for Lane, the wholesome, good-hearted character. In fact, they almost didn’t consider her for Peyton at all. But after a long day of auditions, with many actresses already seen, they finally let Jamie Luner read for the darker, more dangerous role. And when she did, everything changed. Her performance was electric, layered, unforgettable. It was obvious: Jamie Luner wasn’t just right for Peyton Richards—she was Peyton Richards.
From there, Jamie Luner continued building a reputation for playing intense, emotionally charged roles. She appeared in several made-for-TV movies, including Moment of Truth: Why My Daughter? (NBC, 1993), where she starred opposite Linda Gray as her rebellious daughter—a role that hinted at the edgier characters to come. Then came Confessions of a Sorority Girl (Showtime, 1994), where Jamie Luner truly leaned into the “bad seed” archetype, foreshadowing her breakout turn on Savannah.
By 1997, Jamie Luner was ready for prime time—literally. She joined the cast of Fox’s steamy soap Melrose Place, adding yet another sultry siren to her growing list of credits. But she didn’t stop there. Proving her range, Jamie Luner transitioned into more serious territory when she replaced Ally Walker as an FBI investigator on NBC’s Profiler during its final season (1999–2000). It was a shift that showed audiences and critics alike that Jamie Luner wasn’t just a pretty face or a villainous vixen—she was a versatile, committed actress who could carry weighty drama with conviction.
Throughout it all, Jamie Luner stayed in the spotlight, not by accident, but by choice—and talent. Whether playing manipulative socialites or determined agents, she brought depth, fire, and undeniable charisma to every role. And while her portrayal of Peyton Richards may have been the moment Jamie Luner truly arrived, it was far from her only mark on television history.
Well, when it comes to Jamie Luner’s career highlights, one title tends to stand out—Friends & Lovers (1999). Interestingly enough, that same film, Friends & Lovers (1999), also happens to be both the highest and lowest rated work in Jamie Luner’s filmography. Yeah, it’s a bit of a paradox, but that’s how the ratings have played out. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting familiar with Jamie Luner, this 1999 release definitely sparks some conversation. Jamie Luner clearly gave it her all in Friends & Lovers (1999), even if opinions on the movie are, well, all over the place. Still, it remains a notable entry when reviewing Jamie Luner’s body of work.