Is it the Walk, Wardrobe, or Attitude? Why do I love Amanda on Ugly Betty?

Actress Becki Newton portrays one of my favorite heroes on TV as Amanda Tanen on Ugly Betty. I mean, she’s not exactly a hero in the most traditional of terms. But she’s a champion for the stylish, and the motto: ignorance is bliss. In other words, she’s fabulous and fun to watch.

Just looking pretty with a great wardrobe doesn’t make a standout character. If it did I guess Paris Hilton would be respected or something, huh?

A character has to have layers if you want viewers to generate interest in them - and boy does Amanda have layers. Things have been being revealed little by little that give Amanda a textured dynamic. On this, Newton has said, “What started as a superficial nasty girl is now the nightmare insecure girl at the office - we get to see why Amanda is the way she is, I was happy sitting at a desk snarling at everyone. The fact I get to do more is icing on the cake.”

Amanda says things that you probably can’t believe anyone would really say (I work as a style and beauty writer as well, and the fashionista girls I know really aren’t like this). Becki has Amanda say them with a dramatic flair - like a spoiled twelve-year-old who whines and then throws herself back onto an over-sized pink canopy bed.

This bubbly femme is also viciously bitchy, often with a facade of niceness that heightens the humor of a moment.

Amanda: So, I hear Daniel gave you a big writing assignment.
Betty: Yes, it’s really exciting. It’s my first one.
Amanda: Well, word of advice - you may want to take the Betty-wear down just a notch. The human pinata look may be all the rage in Queens, but in SoHo they’ll arrest you for crimes against humanity. Have fun!

She also reminds me of our girls from Sex and the City.

Amanda: “Oh my God, if that showerhead could pay my bills I would marry it. “

Reminding me why Clueless was such a hit movie, Amanda is also ditzy at times.

Amanda: “It’s magic. And like science, you don’t have to understand it, you just have to believe it.”

To see great Amanda moments, view this (I watched it twice in a row - I am not ashamed!):

To see Becki Newton on Regis and Kelly, view this:

Catch up on all the great Amanda season one moments: Ugly Betty - The Complete First Season

I hope Amanda would think this article makes her sound extra glamorous. And skinny!

Until next time,

Jessica

For more Ugly Betty news: Sirlinksalot.net: Ugly Betty

Pictures are from Becki-newton.net. It is a wonderful fansite run by someone named Filip, who first saw Becki on an episode of Charmed and was instantly drawn to her alluring demeanor. The site is updated with lots of goodies all the time. I’m extraordinarily glad that Becki has such a wonderful website up on the web.