Amanda Peet was born on January 11, 1972, in New York City to Penny Levy, a social worker, and Charles Peet, a corporate lawyer.123 Her family heritage is diverse, with her father being of mostly English and German ancestry, while her mother comes from a Jewish family with roots in Germany, Russia, and Hungary.13 Peet's maternal great-grandfathers were Samuel Levy, a prominent lawyer, businessman, and public official who served as Manhattan Borough President, and Samuel Roxy Rothafel, a renowned theatrical impresario and entrepreneur.34

Peet attended Friends Seminary, a Quaker school in Manhattan, for her early education.35 She then went on to study at Columbia University, where she graduated with a degree in American history.345 It was during her time at Columbia that Peet discovered her passion for acting. She auditioned for and was accepted into an acting class taught by the legendary Uta Hagen, which proved to be a pivotal moment in her career.245 Under Hagen's tutelage, Peet honed her craft and appeared in an off-Broadway revival of Clifford Odets's "Awake and Sing" alongside Stephen Lang.24 This experience solidified her decision to pursue acting professionally, setting the stage for her future success in the entertainment industry.

Amanda Peet's breakthrough role came in the 2000 comedy film "The Whole Nine Yards," where she portrayed Jill St. Claire, an aspiring hitwoman. Her performance as the seductive and ambitious Jill showcased her comedic brilliance, impeccable timing, and physical comedy skills.12 The film, which starred Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry, was a commercial success, grossing over $106 million worldwide.1 Peet's portrayal earned her critical acclaim and wider recognition in Hollywood, effectively establishing her as a leading lady capable of holding her own alongside established stars.13 This role opened doors for Peet, leading to a variety of opportunities in both comedy and drama, and marking a significant turning point in her career.

Amanda Peet made a successful transition into writing and producing with the Netflix series "The Chair" in 2021. Co-created with Annie Julia Wyman, the show stars Sandra Oh as the first woman of color to chair a failing English department at a major university.13 Peet drew inspiration from her attempts to write a romantic comedy for Jay Duplass, which evolved into exploring generational clashes and workplace dynamics in academia.4

The series skillfully blends sharp humor with commentary on campus politics, cancel culture, and diversity issues.24 Peet's writing, informed by extensive research and interviews with academics, earned praise for its authentic portrayal of university life and its ability to tackle sensitive topics with nuance.24 "The Chair" demonstrates Peet's growth from actress to multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, showcasing her ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and critics alike.34