Amanda Rose

Born and raised in a rural part of Kentucky, Amanda Rose Mattingly, who goes professionally by Amanda Rose, is a multifaceted lady. She’s an accomplished actress, model, singer-songwriter, and paranormal researcher. One of her most recent acting roles is in Whit Whitman’s comedy-horror Smokee, in which she joins an ensemble cast as Giselle Williams. Amanda is also with the live theatrical group Murder and Merriment as an improvisational actress and performer. She is know for her portrayal of the DC Comics character Wonder Woman and for her Loretta Lynn impersonation, which she has done for over six years, to the delight of fans all over the southern region of the United States.

CHRIS CHARLES: You play Giselle Williams in Whit Whitman’s comedy-horror Smokee. Please tell us about your character in that one.
AMANDA ROSE: Giselle is completely different character than the rest. A strong advocate against violence, and believe it or not her husband is a smoker, not her! But best female style supporting her man Giselle agrees to marriage counseling, and a bonding experience with her husband to save their marriage! Her style and fashion are amazing. I love the bohemian feel and getting dressed as her character every single day!
CHRIS: As you may know, I have interviewed several of the other actresses who are in Smokee. Had you met or worked with any of the other cast or crew in the film before?
AMANDA: Thankfully, I have been in business for a long time so a lot of the characters I didn’t know about 20% were new and I’m so thankful every time I get to experience a reunion with other actors or meeting new ones.
CHRIS: I understand you are an improvisational actress with a group called Murder and Merriment.
AMANDA: Loretta Lynn is one of my biggest role models! I always said if Waylon Jennings and Loretta Lynn had a child I would be her!! I have been around all southern states performing as a Loretta Lynn impersonator with all of the big dresses songs and respect that she put into her shows! I traveled to jamboree circuit and have entertained with many bands and artist spreading her music to everyone! During my journey, one of my homes was the Lexington Kentucky castle, where I was Loretta Lynn impersonator and wonder woman cosplay for six years! Along with those Roles, I was lucky enough to get to perform alongside the group Murder and Merriment, the biggest murder mystery company east of Ohio river! I love working with that group so much it is an improvisational theater company that would remind you of the game of “Clue,” but much different! You make up all of your lines on the spot to respond to the guests to go along with your character in an exciting game of guessing who did it at the end!!

CHRIS: What would you say is your favorite time period to recreate?
AMANDA: Because of my time with Murder and Merriment I was lucky enough to experience and get to dress up in all decades! I love them all. It is so much fun to relive those times and feel the expressions and moments they felt when they were in those type of clothes! Plus, I am definitely a divine feminine. I love that part of my projects!
CHRIS: You do a Loretta Lynn impersonation. How long have your done that?
AMANDA: I started seeing Loretta Lynn when I was around 17 ….and sorry women never tell their age, but I will tell you as I’m still singing as her today!! (laughs)
CHRIS: As a long time Loretta Lynn fan, what are some of your favorite songs of hers?
AMANDA: “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man,” “Fist City,” “Somebody Somewhere,” and of course, the iconic “Coal Miner’s Daughter”!
CHRIS: I see you were in the dark comedy-horror Tragedy Girls. I didn’t know anything about that film when I first saw the masks the two main characters wore in a costume shop. So naturally, I had to buy the masks and watch the movie. So, what was your experience in that one like?
AMANDA: It was amazing working with Alexandria ship and Brianna Hubbard was great!! I was Alexandria ships stand in, and I also was a teacher in the movie! Jack Quaid plays Jordan Welch, Josh Hutcherson plays Toby Mitchell, Craig Robinson plays Albert “Big Al” Hill. To work alongside these actors was an absolute wonderful experience! The production crew and directors top-notch!
CHRIS: Was that your very first film role?
AMANDA: My first film role was in the sitcom Nashville. I was the mother of one of the students!
CHRIS: You have a few upcoming films besides Smokee. Audit of the Damned is one. Who is your character in that one?

AMANDA: My name is Vema, the Mistress of the Night. I’m Dracula’s wife! And as it’s not released yet, I can’t say much, but it is going to be a comedy movie you won’t wanna miss!!
CHRIS: The Last Sleepover is another. Can you reveal anything about that one yet?
AMANDA: The last sleepover is another one that will be out this upcoming summer! It is a thriller slasher type of movie with a futuristic twist of why it will be our last sleepover! Definitely a movie that is going to be amazing to watch with a group of people and your best friends!
CHRIS: Would you say horror is your favorite genre?
AMANDA: No actually it’s not, but that seems to be the trend in what writers and producers are pushing right now!! I actually love Christmas movies, but I hate being cold in the snow lol! Any type of movie that brings love and magic into it that’s my jam! Practical Magic 2 came out on my birthday, and I was so stoked!! there’s just something about a Christmas movie or a magical movie that is so intriguing to me!
CHRIS: Would you rather play a character who is similar to you or not at all like you?
AMANDA: I would honestly rather play a character that is not similar to myself, but because it allows me to expel emotions or get out human fantasies! If I’m playing a mean person, sometimes I can yell and that feels really good because I don’t yell.. if I’m cosplaying wonder, woman.. the absolute joy that it brings the children and how their faces light up when you walk into the room and they see you is absolutely priceless and irreplaceable!
CHRIS: Who have been some of your favorite people to work with, on either side of the camera?

AMANDA: I’m so blessed that I have worked with literally multiple thousands of people behind the camera! I have worked with independent groups as well as SAG films … and out of all the projects, I have never been mistreated or screwed over except for one company. As a person who has had major roles and also background roles; payment and also feeding your employees is very important to me! When you are on set for 12 hours plus and you were only given one water bottle and a third of a subway sandwich… then they lose your pay… and say well sorry … that type of treatment does not make this industry go around, and unfortunately, people are willing to put up with that just to get on camera and I think that’s so sad! So out of the multiple thousands of people that I have worked with there’s only one monopoly, casting company that I can say I would not recommend
CHRIS: Is there anyone in indie films, also on either side of the camera, you haven’t yet worked with whom you really want to work with?
AMANDA: I would love to do more projects with Marvel! I have done some projects with them in the past and by far my favorite company, I would love to do more work with them, but unfortunately, they are based overseas so that is a little harder now.
CHRIS: Shifting gears here; what got you interested in the paranormal?
AMANDA: I was born with a lot of prophetic gifts and experiences that have been witnessed by third-party’s, video of UAPs they cannot be debunked, I went to Saint Augustine church as a child and was looked over by one of the priests with my prophetic dreams, and blessed by the church. My DNA and experiences that I have had have led me to want to work with MUFON, The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is the leading authority for reporting and investigating sightings, abductions, and other unexplained phenomena. It means a lot to me and something I will continue to do as I was born with gifts I believe I was meant to use to help humanity.

CHRIS: Have you researched many places you’d say you wouldn’t go to alone at night?
AMANDA: No, but on my bucket list is Skinwalker Ranch!
CHRIS: Do you have any skills or hobbies only those close to you know about?
AMANDA: I am a farmer! I can drive a tractor or anything I need! I love the bush hog! And something about watching the hay fall when you cut it is so pretty!
CHRIS: Halloween is drawing near and it will fall on a Saturday this year. What are your plans?
AMANDA: As I’m hired every year as Wonder Woman, I will be traveling the state filling the children’s hearts with fun and a hug from a superhero!
CHRIS: With that, I will thank you again for doing this with me, Amanda. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
AMANDA: Just a shout out to you for taking the time and including me I sure do appreciate you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!