Heather Locklear’s portrayal of Amanda Woodward in *Melrose Place* remains iconic in the landscape of television drama. The actress, now 64, was joined by her former cast members in a recent reunion with *PEOPLE* magazine, where they reflected on the impact of the show and Locklear’s pivotal role in its success. The cast included Vanessa Estelle Williams, Josie Bissett, Daphne Zuniga, Laura Leighton, and Courtney Thorne-Smith, all of whom expressed their appreciation for Locklear’s contribution.
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Initially airing on July 8, 1992, on Fox, *Melrose Place* was a spinoff of the popular series *Beverly Hills, 90210*, created by renowned producer Aaron Spelling. The show struggled to find its footing in the early episodes, but ratings soared once Locklear joined the ensemble as a series regular at the start of the second season. Her character, Amanda, an ambitious advertising executive, quickly became a focal point of the show, captivating audiences with her scheming and manipulative tendencies.
In the reunion interview, Zuniga, who played the role of Jane, shared that the cast was largely unaware of the show’s growing popularity due to their grueling schedules. “We didn’t know because we were working 14-hour days,” she stated, while Bissett, who portrayed Amanda’s colleague, added that “there was no social media” to inform them of fan reactions. It was only during a significant moment, the release of a *Rolling Stone* cover featuring the cast, that Locklear realised the show had struck a chord. “I went, ‘This is awesome,’” she remembered, referring to the issue published on May 19, 1994, emblazoned with the headline “Melrose Place’s Bod Squad.”
Reflecting further on her role, Thorne-Smith remarked on the precarious position the show was in before Locklear arrived. “Heather’s too humble to say it, but we were in a lot of danger of being cancelled until she came on,” she noted, asserting that Locklear’s character was a turning point that helped to shift the narrative and bring in higher viewership. Locklear, taken aback by the suggestion that she might have saved the show, humbly responded, “I wasn’t saving it, I just wanted a job.”
Amanda Woodward’s character was called out for her ruthlessness and was known to deceive and manipulate those around her in her quest for power. Locklear’s performance resonated with viewers, and in 2019, *Rolling Stone* included Amanda in the list of television’s greatest villains, stating, “Amanda’s unpredictable secrets and voracious appetite for the male characters made her a sensation.” Locklear reflected on the allure of such dramatic portrayals, suggesting that “people like watching catfights,” as they reveal relatable aspects of human nature, perhaps even reflecting viewers’ own desires and attitudes.
The show reached its peak viewership during its second and third seasons, with around 14 million people tuning in weekly. It ran until 1999 and featured a cast that included Thomas Calabro, Doug Savant, Grant Show, Andrew Shue, Marcia Cross, Jack Wagner, and Lisa Rinna. Together, they crafted a compelling narrative that appealed to audiences during a time when prime-time soap operas were at the height of their popularity.
Following her stint on *Melrose Place*, Locklear continued her successful career in television with a significant role in the Michael J. Fox series *Spin City*, which aired from 1999 to 2002. She has also appeared in shows such as *Hot in Cleveland* and *Franklin & Bash*. Most recently, Locklear is set to star in the Lifetime movie *Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story*, slated for release in 2024.
Locklear’s legacy as Amanda Woodward is indelible, with the character remaining a touchstone in pop culture discussions about television’s most memorable villains. As she and her former castmates reminisce about their time on *Melrose Place*, it’s clear that the show not only shaped their careers but also left an enduring mark on the television landscape.