Amanda Seyfried Unpacks Working with ‘Super Chill and Always Honest’ Meryl Streep

**Amanda Seyfried Reflects on Working with Meryl Streep in ‘Mamma Mia!’**

Amanda Seyfried has opened up about her experiences working with the legendary Meryl Streep on the beloved musical films, *Mamma Mia!* and its sequel, *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*. During a recent conversation at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 4, Seyfried, 40, shared her insights about collaborating with Streep, 77, as she promoted her latest project, *The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd*.

The conversation was moderated by Alec Baldwin, who himself has acted alongside Streep in the romantic comedy *It’s Complicated*. He questioned Seyfried about her initial feelings of intimidation when preparing to share the screen with such an esteemed actress. Seyfried acknowledged feeling nervous but also fondly reminisced about Streep’s calming presence, remarking that Streep is “super chill” and brings an unmatched authenticity to her performances.

Seyfried explained that, in order to deliver her best work, she had to remain focused and present while filming the scenes with Streep. “You could have a script written by the worst computer, and she would make it make sense and feel authentic,” Seyfried said, praising Streep’s talent. “But if you’re intimidated, you can totally just ruin the vibe.” This insight highlights the delicate nature of acting alongside someone with such a formidable reputation.

The duo first teamed up in the original *Mamma Mia!* released in 2008, along with a star-studded cast featuring Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Julie Walters, among others. Their chemistry was so well-received that they reunited a decade later in the sequel, illustrating the lasting appeal of the films.

Reflecting on her audition for *Mamma Mia!*, Seyfried expressed her disbelief at securing the role of Sophie, saying she initially felt there was “no chance” she would be cast. She shared that her relationship with Gary Getzman, co-founder of the production company Playtone, played a crucial role in her casting. Seyfried described Getzman as someone who already recognised her professionalism and talent, which likely influenced the decision-makers during the casting process.

“I was super tight with Gary Getzman,” Seyfried recalled, explaining that he had a prominent role in championing her talent. She noted that once she was allowed to audition, the process didn’t take long, as the production team only needed to see if she could sing, which was integral to the role.

The actress also recounted how she was flown to Las Vegas to watch the stage production of *Mamma Mia!* before her audition. Although she had some initial concerns about the steps she had to take, Seyfried reflected that the overall experience was fairly straightforward. “Right place, right time, right people,” she said, underscoring the serendipitous nature of her journey into the role.

Speaking more broadly about her experience in the film industry, Seyfried’s reflections on working with Streep and their time together on *Mamma Mia!* reveal not only her admiration for the seasoned actress but also highlight the mentorship that can emerge in the arts. Such relationships can be vital for younger actors navigating their careers, providing inspiration and guidance from more experienced colleagues.

As the conversation wrapped up, it was clear that Seyfried holds a deep respect for her time spent alongside Streep. The collaborative spirit they fostered on set has since become a cherished part of Seyfried’s career, further enriching her journey in the film industry. With a new film on the horizon, it seems this talented actress continues to forge her path while carrying fond memories of her past collaborations.

As both actresses continue to make their mark on cinema, it is evident that their partnership in *Mamma Mia!* not only produced memorable performances but also left a lasting impression on Seyfried, one that she will carry forward in her future endeavours.