Chillin’ with Amanda Payton

By Chilled Magazine

Amanda Payton was born in Santa Monica, California. After graduating from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts with a major in theatre, Amanda attended Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious School of Drama and graduated with honors earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

She is an actress known for both comedy and drama. Some of her recent TV credits include a recurring role in TNT’s Animal Kingdom, The Big Bang Theory, Workaholics, NCIS and, most recently, she joined the cast of NBC’s Trial & Error as a series regular.

Payton currently resides in Los Angeles, California. When weather permits, you can find her backpacking, camping, running and playing outside with her dog. The other three days of the year she can be found painting and listening to podcasts.

Chillin’ with Amanda Payton

Chillin’ with Amanda Payton

Photo by Kenneth Dolin

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.

I just finished Season 2 of Trial & Error for NBC. Trial & Error is a crime spoof mockumentary. Season 2 chronicles the trial of alleged murderer “Lavinia Peck Foster,” played by Kristin Chenoweth. I play “Nina Rudolph,” a podcast host who moves from New York City to East Peck to follow and document the case.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

I love getting outside, getting lost and getting messy, whether I’m hiking, backpacking or camping. It’s nice to get off the grid and away from technology every once in a while.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I love a good sushi restaurant. I also love authentic Mexican food, and if they have fresh fish I am so there!

What types of dishes do you usually order?

I really love most types of food. I have always been an adventurous eater. I fell in love with oysters when I was around 11 and still love them to this day. If there are oysters on the menu, I’m ordering them. Other than that, I’ve been known to ask a waiter what’s best and just go for that!

Chillin’ with Amanda Payton

Chillin’ with Amanda Payton

Photo by Kenneth Dolin

Do you cook?

I do. I cook for myself all the time, but I really enjoy the whole process of dining out with friends and family. I can make a mean omelet though!

What types of drinks do you order when out?

I’m currently on a matcha tea kick. Literally anything with matcha in it.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I prepare my own matcha tea lattes!

Do you own a home bar?

I do not.

Chillin’ with Amanda Payton

Chillin’ with Amanda Payton

Photo by Kenneth Dolin

If you did, what would it be like?

I’m always impressed when someone is making an Old Fashioned and whips out the oversized square ice cubes. I would definitely have a mold for those. Those ice cubes are perfect for so many cocktails, as well as mocktails. They also keep your drink from getting watered down with melted ice.

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

I don’t drink now, but when I did it was always a Dirty Martini with extra olives.

Have you ever been a bartender?

I was! I was a bartender at The Standard Hotel rooftop bar for five years. I made a lot of Mojitos and poured a lot of beer!

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