Wat-Not Staff
When Melrose Place introduced Amanda Woodward, the catchphrase “Mondays are a whore” gave viewers a taste of the drama to come. Amanda, played by Heather Locklear, quickly became a fan favorite villain, known for her sharp tongue and ruthless demeanor. However, Locklear recently questioned whether Amanda was really that bad, reflecting on her character in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly.
Locklear shared: “Amanda Woodward and I were similar, but I could never be as bad as her.” She believes that Amanda’s harsh personality often overshadowed her humanity, explaining that the character was not always meant to be cruel .” Most of the time, Amanda wasn’t actively trying to hurt others; she just didn’t care how her words affected people,” Locklear said. This emotional detachment often made Amanda seem more callous than she actually was, a trait that helped build her reputation as one of television’s most iconic villains.
Amanda Woodward: A TV Icon Beyond the Villain Label
Although Amanda is widely regarded as a villain, Locklear contends that her character was much more complex than merely being unkind. Central to Amanda’s narrative were her ambition and determination as she maneuvered through the cutthroat corporate landscape of Melrose Place. Locklear explains that Amanda’s actions were driven by the need to survive in a competitive setting, stating, “Amanda was tough because she had to be,” and noting that her character’s motives were often misinterpreted.
Having starred in 199 episodes of the Fox series from 1993 to 1999, Locklear expressed her fondness for the role of Amanda. Reflecting on the show’s impact, she remarked, “Amanda’s character was more than just a villain—she was a strong, independent woman. I think people appreciate that now more than ever.” In recent times, viewers have reevaluated characters like Amanda, recognizing her assertiveness as a valuable quality instead of pure malevolence.
Fond Memories of Melrose Place and Beyond
Locklear has said that he likes to go back to Melrose Place, saying, “I like to visit Melrose Place again. I never have time to stop and smell the rose and experience all of us, but it’s a blur.” Despite the speed of the film and the popularity of the show, Locklear is thinking about the joy of something that has such an impact on the culture.
One of his biggest moments was on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1995. I was coming down the stairs when Bruce Willis came up. I was so tired because I loved her in the Moonlight. Being a gentleman, he helped me up,” Locklear recalled..
Balancing Personal Life and Career
Beyond her time on Melrose Place, Locklear has always cherished her family and life’s simple joys. She shared that her perfect weekend consists of quality time with her daughter, mother, and her dog, Mister, while enjoying TV and browsing social media. This down-to-earth demeanor sets her apart from Amanda Woodward’s ambitious corporate character, making Locklear one of Hollywood’s most approachable celebrities.
Locklear also expressed her love for reading and introspection. She recently completed an advance copy of Tyler Merritt’s forthcoming book, This Changes Everything, which narrates Merritt’s fight against cancer and his insights on life and gratitude. “It’s about making the most of every day because there’s no time to waste,” Locklear remarked, highlighting her own life philosophy.
A New Chapter with Lifetime
As Locklear contemplates her history, she remains optimistic about future possibilities. Her latest film, Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story, is set to debut on Lifetime on October 26. This film represents a fresh chapter in Locklear’s varied career, which is continually shaped by her personal development and life experiences.
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