Amanda Jelks

Amanda Renee Jelks (born October 9, 1986) is an American actress. She was born in Hammond, Louisiana to Rodney Jelks, Sr. and Melissa Miller.

Early life

Amanda was the 2nd born child of Rodney Jelks, Sr and Melissa Miller. Her father is of French and British decent and works as a linesman for Entergy. Her mother is of Scottish, English, and German decent and works as a Registered nurse. She has 3 siblings and 3 step-siblings. Amanda started taking ballet lessons at the age of 2. When she was 10, she won the lead in a church play at Old Zion Hill Baptist in Tickfaw, LA. She loved it so much she started auditioning for roles in the Hammond Community Theater and won the lead in You Can't Take It With You. In 1998, she worked with Missoula's Children Theater as a singer and dancer for the production of Cinderella and The Pied Piper.

In 2005, she was awarded a scholarship to attend New Orleans Center for Creative Art NOCCA where she was trained in Theater, Dance, and voice. After graduating from Hammond High School, she attended the University of New Orleans UNO, where she was a theater and education major. Hurricane Katrina flooded the university which resulted in UNO closing the theater department. Afterwards, she stayed in New Orleans for 4 months working as a Personal Assistant on Glory at Sea which was directed by Benh Zeitlin.

Career

Amanda's first feature film was as Frederika in Cabin Fever 2. In playing the role of Frederika, Amanda was required to completely undress. She received admiration for her bravery from some, while others attempted to body shame her. She has stated in interviews her inspirations are Kathy Bates and Melissa McCarthy because both women have opened the door for plus sized actresses to work in roles normally saved for "normal sized" women.

In October 2011, she filmed a new drama, Untouched, in Savannah, Georgia in the role of Jacquelyn Turner which was released in 2017 on Amazon Prime. She was given a brief cameo in Scary Movie 5 as a ballerina which was released in theaters April 2013. Amanda received a supporting role for the Stephen King miniseries Mr Mercedes. Amanda has primarily received character roles which she has said is due to her full womanly curves.