
Fresh Air Best Of: Actor Amanda Peet / Re-examining Toni Morrison
Apr 18, 2026
Amanda Peet, actor and writer known for film and TV roles and candid essays, discusses her new projects and confronting illness and simultaneous family loss. Namwali Serpell, English professor and novelist, explores Toni Morrison’s layering, misconceptions about her work, and the haunting final line of Sula. David Bianculli reviews the Apple TV series Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
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Facial Work Can Dull An Actor's Expressiveness
- Terry Gross argued facial cosmetic surgery can blunt an actor's expressive toolset and limit nuanced performance.
- She pointed to Amanda Peet's performance in Fantasy Life as evidence that natural facial movement contributes to strong acting.
Audience Praise For Wrinkles Felt Like Criticism
- Amanda Peet recounted an older woman at a premiere shouting that she loves Peet's wrinkles, which left Peet feeling depressed and self-conscious.
- The encounter made Peet question whether not removing wrinkles is now itself distracting in industry settings.
Depression As Everyday Experience In Film
- Amanda Peet connected her character's depression in Fantasy Life to 'average expectable' mental illness rather than extreme portrayals.
- She appreciated the film's focus on everyday anxiety and depression among ordinary people instead of dramatic psychosis.














