Born on April 22, 1986, Amber Heard is an American film and television actress raised in Austin, Texas. Her father was a contractor, and her mother was an Internet researcher for the state. As a teenager, Heard became a member of her school’s drama department. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, but left it during her junior year so she could pursue a career in Hollywood. When she was only 16, her view on life changed when she lost her best friend in a car crash. She was raised a Catholic, but was introduced to the writings of author Ayn Rand and eventually proclaimed herself to be an atheist. Upon leaving St. Michael’s, she moved to New York to try out modeling. She didn’t enjoy it, so she decided to travel to Los Angeles and become an actress.
When she was 18, Amber Heard acquired a number of roles on television and film. She was in an episode of
Jack & Bobby and the sport drama
Friday Night Lights. She has featured in guest roles in the series T
he Mountain, and was also in
The O.C. in 2005. Her film roles include playing Candy in the movie
Drop Dead Sexy. Heard next portrayed the character Serena in the television drama
The Prince. This was followed by appearances in
Alpha Dog and
Criminal Minds, before she landed her breakthrough role. Heard played the title character in
All the Boys Love Mandy Lane in 2006. The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival that year, and was released in 2008. She was then given roles in
Day 73 with Sarah and T
he Beautiful Ordinary in 2007. Her best-known role is as Greta Matthews in the series
Hidden Palms, the CW television show. She was next seen on an episode of
Californication, and was in 2008’s
Never Back Down.
Greta Matthews is a tormented soul played by Amber Heard in
Hidden Palms. She is young and stunning, earning Johnny’s attraction towards her the moment he sees her. Greta appears to be intriguing and secretive, probably an effect of being alone since the death of her mother and the frequent travels of her father, leaving her to herself. Having the common background, Greta is attracted to Johnny, as they share the same parental loss and loneliness. What Johnny is oblivious about is that Greta and Cliff share a secret about Cliff’s best friend, Eddie’s death. The theme is consistent with every character that Johnny meets in Palm Springs—there is mystery, intrigue, and personal loss that seems to hover over the hearts of those he meets.
(Photos Copyright © 2007 The CW / Frank Ockenfels)