Biography:
In 1995, Seyfried began her acting career at age nine. In her hometown
Allentown, Pennsylvania, she attended classes at Civic Theatre of Allentown. She
signed with Image International Agency (IIA) in Allentown, before switching over
to work at Bethlehem's Pro Model Agency and eventually signing with Wilhelmina
Agency in New York City, New York. Seyfried's modeling career ended when she was
seventeen. During her modeling career she appeared in print ads for clothing
companies; including Limited Too with Leighton Meester. While modeling,
Seyfried took voice lessons from eleven to seventeen. She trained with a
Broadway voice coach for nearly five years and two years in studying opera in
which it led her to appear in the New York stage productions, the revival of
Grease and A Christmas Carol. From there she began acting as an extra in the
daytime drama television series Guiding Light; her role on the show was
uncredited. In 2000, she portrayed Lucinda Marie "Lucy" Montgomery #2 on the
television show As the World Turns. Appearing on the show as a recurring
character, her role on the show lasted until 2001. After appearing in 27
episodes, Seyfried left the show as a result of creative conflicts. From 2002 to
2003, Seyfried played the recurring role of Joni Stafford on the American
Broadcasting Company (ABC) broadcasted show, All My Children. In 2003, Seyfried
auditioned to play the mean-girl role of Regina George in the Mean Girls
starring Lindsay Lohan; the role eventually went to Rachel McAdams, but the
producers of the film selected Seyfried to play one of Regina's two dim-witted
"Plastic" friends and sidekicks, Karen. The film was a box-office success,
earning over $129 million in its theatrical run. Seyfried's performance in the
film earned her, along with Lohan and McAdams, an MTV Movie Award in the
category of "Best On-Screen Team." Seyfried auditioned to play the title
character on UPN's television series Veronica Mars.[5] Although the role
eventually went to Kristen Bell, Seyfried portrayed the title character's
murdered best friend, Lilly Kane. Although her character was only shown in
flashbacks, Lily was vital part of the first season's plot and made Seyfried one
of the show's familiar faces. Seyfried appeared in ten episodes from 2004–2005.
In 2005, Seyfried played the lead character, Samantha. A role written
specifically for her, in one of the nine parts in the film Nine Lives,
comprising nine short films with different themes and an ensemble cast. For her
performance in the film, Seyfried won an award from the Locarno International
Film Festival, for Best Actress, which she shared with the film's other female
leads. The same year she played supporting character Mouse in the critically
acclaimed independent film, American Gun. In 2006 Seyfried appeared in five
episodes on Wildfire as Rebecca and had lead role as Chrissy in the award
winning short film titled Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves, by writer-director Andrea
Janakas. Seyfried also contributed a minor role as Julie Beckley in Alpha Dog.
From 2004 to 2006, Seyfried made multiple guest appearances on television
series, including House, M.D., Justice, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In 2008, Seyfried also appeared and played a
supporting role in the independent short film, Official Selection.
