While most of her peers were still worrying about curfews and pimples, Amanda Bynes was starring in her own TV show at the age of 13. Her radiant smile, comedic timing, and fearlessness earned the actress rave reviews and a preteen fanbase for “The Amanda Show” (Nickelodeon, 1999-2001). Bynes’ sketch comedy show was described as “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 1975– ) for the tween set, while the actress was being compared to one of her idols – comedy legend Lucille Ball – because of her unforgettably funny characters like Judge Trudy and dorky Penelope Taynt. But it was her work stealing scenes from her veteran costar Jennie Garth, on the successful WB sitcom, “What I Like About You” (WB, 2002-06) that put Bynes on the mainstream non-tween radar. By 2007, Bynes was starring in the big screen adaptation of “Hairspray,” launching her own fashion line “Dear by Amanda Bynes,” and appearing in a “Got Milk” print ad – all sure signs that the All-American girl has finally become a superstar – and one that parents could approve of too.Amanda Laura Bynes was born on April 3, 1986, the picture perfect girl-next-door. She grew up in Thousand Oaks, CA, with her father, Rick – a dentist – and mother, Lynn – an office manager, older brother Tommy, and older sister Jillian. Bynes was the family superstar from the get-go, putting on her mother’s clothes and acting for them at the young age of three. She enjoyed musical theater growing up, knowing all the words to “Oliver!” (1968) and “Evita” (1996) when she was just five. Her parents took notice of the youngster’s potential; even driving her an hour from their hometown to a summer comedy camp in Los Angeles every Saturday.
The support of her parents and her hard work soon brought the star-in-training to the famous Laugh Factory in Hollywood. Bynes performed a comedy routine when she was only 10, impressing a group of people who worked for Nickelodeon. They asked her to audition for “All That” (Nickelodeon, 1994-2005), a sketch comedy show for the middle school set. Bynes was a natural fit for the series, with her charm and physical comedy skills. She was a regular “All That” cast member for four years, winning over fans and a handful of Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awa