Amanda Peterson: Death, Net Worth, Children, Movies & Career

Few films still spark the same nostalgia as the 1987 teen comedy Can’t Buy Me Love. For many, Amanda Peterson was the radiant lead opposite Patrick Dempsey, a role that made her a household name. When she was found dead in her Colorado home at 43, Dempsey called her “a beautiful soul” (CBS News (major U.S. network)). This is the verified story of her life, death, and the questions that still remain.

Born: July 8, 1971 · Died: July 3, 2015 · Age at death: 43 years · Cause of death: Accidental morphine overdose · Number of children: 2

Eight key details define Amanda Peterson’s life at a glance.

The pattern: Peterson’s public identity rests entirely on a single iconic role, while her private life remains largely undocumented.

What did Patrick Dempsey say about Amanda Peterson’s death?

Patrick Dempsey, who starred opposite Peterson in Can’t Buy Me Love, reacted publicly after her death was reported. In a tweet, writing that had been widely shared and verified by multiple outlets, Dempsey said: In my memory, she will always be vibrant and young. Gone too soon. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Amanda’s family. (CBS News (major U.S. network))

ABC News also quoted the same message and identified Dempsey as her co-star from the 1987 film (ABC News (major U.S. network)). He did not attend her funeral but made his tribute public via social media.

Patrick Dempsey’s public statement after her death

• Dempsey called her “a beautiful soul” in his tweet (CBS News (major U.S. network))
• He expressed sadness and noted they had worked together on Can’t Buy Me Love
• His tribute was posted within days of her death being reported

Social media tributes and reactions

• Fans and fellow actors shared memories of Peterson on Twitter and Facebook
• No other major co-star issued a public statement that was widely reported

How much was Amanda Peterson worth when she died?

The exact net worth of Amanda Peterson at the time of her death is not publicly confirmed. No probate filing or verified financial disclosure has been found that provides a reliable figure. Some secondary sources estimate her net worth at under $1 million, but these are speculative (Canadianglobal.org (online publication)).

Estimated net worth speculation

• No official figure from a court or financial institution exists
• One source suggests “under $1 million” but acknowledges it is not verified (Canadianglobal.org (online publication))
• Her acting career ended in 1994, limiting later income

Financial struggles in later years

• Records show multiple arrests between 2000 and 2014 for DUI, theft, and drug possession, indicating financial strain
• Her mother mentioned illness and depression but did not discuss finances (Fox News (U.S. news outlet))

How many children did Amanda Peterson have?

Amanda Peterson had two children. Early reports identified them as a son and a daughter, and her second husband David Hartley was named as surviving her (CBS News (major U.S. network)).

Names and ages of her children

• Son: Canyon Adams (born around 2000)
• Daughter: Stella Rose (born 2007 per IMDb) (IMDb (film database))
• Fox News reported an 8-year-old daughter named Stella living with her father at the time of Peterson’s death (Fox News (U.S. news outlet))

Where are Amanda Peterson’s children now?

• After her death, the children were placed in the care of Peterson’s mother, Sylvia, according to unconfirmed reports
• Current whereabouts are private; no recent updates have been published

Was Amanda Peterson supposed to be Annie?

In 1982, Peterson was one of the finalists for the lead role in the film Annie. She was ultimately passed over for Aileen Quinn, but still appeared in the movie as a background orphan (IMDb (film database)).

Audition process for the 1982 film Annie

• Thousands of girls auditioned for the title role
• Peterson was in the final group considered by the casting team

Final casting decision

• Aileen Quinn was cast as Annie
• Peterson can be seen in the film as one of the orphans

The decision did not harm Peterson’s career; she went on to land major roles in television and film, including her breakthrough in Can’t Buy Me Love five years later.

The implication: nearly landing the lead in Annie did not define her — her own breakout role a few years later did.

What was Amanda Peterson’s cause of death?

The Weld County Coroner ruled that Peterson died from an accidental morphine overdose. Toxicology reports confirmed acute morphine toxicity (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)). No foul play was suspected.

Official coroner report

• Autopsy was scheduled for July 6, 2015; results released September 2, 2015 (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia))
• Cause: accidental morphine overdose

Circumstances preceding her death

• She had a history of substance abuse, including multiple arrests for drug possession
• Her mother said the death was unexpected (ABC News (major U.S. network))

Autopsy findings

• Morphine overdose confirmed via toxicology
• No additional drugs were listed as contributing

Timeline of Amanda Peterson’s life and death

• July 8, 1971: Amanda Peterson born in Greeley, Colorado.
• 1982: Appears as an orphan in the film Annie; was finalist for the lead role.
• 1987: Stars alongside Patrick Dempsey in Can’t Buy Me Love.
• 1994: Last acting credit; leaves Hollywood.
• 2000–2014: Multiple arrests for DUI, theft, and drug possession.
• July 3, 2015: Found dead at her home in Greeley; later ruled accidental morphine overdose (CBS News (major U.S. network)).
• July 5, 2015: Body discovered; investigation begins.
• 2015 (after death): Patrick Dempsey pays public tribute via social media (CBS News (major U.S. network); ABC News (major U.S. network)).

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

The following shows what is known with high confidence and what remains uncertain about Amanda Peterson’s life and death.

Confirmed facts

• Birth and death dates as recorded by public records (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia))
• Cause of death: accidental morphine overdose (Weld County Coroner, via Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia))
• Patrick Dempsey’s public tribute on Twitter (CBS News (major U.S. network))
• Number of children: 2 (CBS News (major U.S. network))
• Finalist for role of Annie in 1982 film (IMDb (film database))

What remains unclear

• Exact net worth at death – no official figure available
• Current whereabouts and status of her children
• Specific details of her financial troubles
• Whether she had any contact with Patrick Dempsey after Can’t Buy Me Love
• The exact circumstances of the hours before her death
• Whether Peterson had a will or estate plan

The catch: despite public fascination, crucial details about Peterson’s final years remain locked in private records.

Key quotes about Amanda Peterson

“In my memory, she will always be vibrant and young. Gone too soon. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Amanda’s family.”

— Patrick Dempsey, co-star in Can’t Buy Me Love (CBS News (major U.S. network))

Peterson’s mother said the death was unexpected.

— Sylvia Peterson, as quoted by ABC News (major U.S. network)

For fans of her work, the clearest takeaway is that Amanda Peterson’s life was a mix of screen success and real-world struggle. The unanswered questions about her finances and children’s future underscore how little we still know about the people we remember. For anyone researching the lives of former child stars, the lesson is clear: public fame does not guarantee a complete or verified public record, and gaps often remain that even thorough reporting cannot fill.

Related reading: Sage Stallone Cause of Death · Adan Canto: Cause of Death and His Lasting Legacy

Frequently asked questions