Amanda Swisten

Biography

Amanda Swisten is a former American actress and model born of Scandinavian ancestry. She was born in Manhattan. Swisten spent most of her childhood in Connecticut before she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in acting. Swisten started her career in acting in the movie American Wedding. She is also known for her role in The Girl Next Door and Two and a Half Men. She also appeared in the music videos William Hung’s "She Bangs", Eminem’s "The Real Slim Shady" and Kid Rock’s "Bawitdaba". Swisten is also known for her modelling in magazines including Maxim and Stuff, and calendars including DreamsGirls and Women of Soccer. Additionally, Swisten visited Iraq with Dean Cain during the Iraq War. They visited various bases spending 12 to 18 hours signing autographs and giving out T-shirts. In her spare time she enjoys reading forensic science, looking up cars and listening to music.

== Early life == Swisten was born in Manhattan, but grew up in Connecticut. She moved to Connecticut soon after she was born, where she spent most of her childhood. Swisten describes herself as a tomboy and a curious child, partaking in activities such as building forts and kickball. During this time she developed an interest in swimming at age 4. This interest led her to participate in swimming competitions at age 9, breaking records and briefly becoming a lifeguard. At age 15, she moved to Charlottesville, Virginia as her family wanted a change of life. During this time she attended a private school, where she did not fit in. She describes this change as being shy and trapped like a wallflower. This occurred due to the school opposition towards the performing arts, an interest she accumulated when she was younger. She was also bullied by other girls her age. During this period she developed an interest for poetry, art and going to the gym. In an interview with Maxim, she stated that when she was a student she was also interested in science and medicine. She also volunteered at a sexual assault center to give herself a feeling of purpose. At 16, Swisten worked at a gym, receiving aerobics and personal training certification. Upon visiting the mall with her mother she was approached by a scout who offered her a chance to model in New York. Swisten was unable to accept the offer, however instead got her mother to take pictures of her. Eventually she was able to move to New York to attend a drama school at the University of Virginia. Whilst she could have pursued a career in medicine and science, she couldn't see herself “wearing a labcoat somewhere”. Swisten also did an apprenticeship as a designer, and received a degree in interior design. She additionally possesses a license for interior design.

== Career ==

=== Acting === At the University of Virginia, Swisten took acting lessons from Judith Reagan. She then performed in theatrical performances such as The Cocktail Party, It's Just Sex, Grease, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Sound of Music, East and Sexually Perversity in Chicago. Swisten made her debut in the music video "Bawitdaba" by Kid Rock, as a supporting role. She also appeared in Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady". In 2000 she appeared in an unaired episode of the TV show Brutally Normal. Swisten also appeared on the TV show Backstage Pass, The Extreme Gong Show, Major Payne, Gold's Gym Healthtalk, CPR Training Series and Bolt Upright. She also appeared in the 2001 film Rockstar where she was uncredited. She made her next appearance in the 2003 film American Wedding, where she played the stripper Fraulein Brandi alongside Nikki Ziering. In an interview, Swisten stated that “the whole movie was an experience”. In an interview with Stuff she describes how awkward the ordeal was for her initially. However she soon got into it playing the character with the intent to be “exploited…. But have some meaning obviously”. In 2004 she portrayed April in The Girl Next Door. To prepare for this movie she went to Maxim parties to talk with porn stars. She also appeared in TV shows such as Two and a Half Men, I'm With Her, Quintuplets, Las Vegas and Joey. Swisten also appeared in The Last Run as Sage. Additionally she also portrayed William Hung's girlfriend in "She Bangs". Swisten, having prior dance experience, was told to “wing it” and base her entire performance around Hung. Swisten is also in 10 Things Every Guy Should Experience, and Love Lounge. Swisten also hosted the US bikini bowling team. 2005 marked her appearance in the movie Freezerburn, where she played Star Penumbra Gold the Talent. In 2006, she appeared in an unaired episode of Cracking Up as Candy Biscoe.

=== Modelling === Swisten began modelling at age 16 after a scout approached her, whilst shopping with her mother. Initially she got her mother to take pictures of her, due to her experience as an artist. Swisten appeared in the Women of Soccer 2001 calendar, as the cover girl for September. She also appeared on the cover of DreamGirls 2001 calendar and the Iron and Lace 2002 calendar. Swisten latered appear in magazines such as THE One magazine, the Swedish Imagine Magazine, Top Model, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Mademoiselle, Stuff and Maxim. In an interview with the Stuff she states that she dislikes modelling. Swisten claims that “ït’s really boring”, and “takes a toll on your body”.

=== Guest appearances === On March 9, 2005, Swisten was the first guest star on the Coast to Coast AM podcast. In the podcast she was asked by George Noory about her opinions on serial killers and how she became interested in forensic science. She was also asked by audience members of the show, about different questions related to serial killers.

== Accolades ==

=== Iraq War ===