Amanda Seyfried. Credit: Best Friends Animal Society/Lori Fusaro
You can’t pigeonhole actress Amanda Seyfried. She toggles from somber drama (First Reformed) to comedy (Gringo) to musical (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) to thriller (You Should Have Left, due out this year co-starring Kevin Bacon).
“The smaller, character-driven movies are the most attractive to me,” Seyfried says.
But if you want a glimpse of what Seyfried is like in real life, her forthcoming film The Art of Racing in the Rain offers a sneak peek. She stars in the movie alongside Milo Ventimiglia and a dog.
The Pennsylvania native is an avid animal lover. Finn, her 9-year-old Australian shepherd, makes regular appearances on her Instagram feed (he even has his own). She has a farm in the Catskills that houses horses, two mini horses, a donkey, a pony, five goats, five chickens and what she calls “a very special barn cat.” And, since 2013, she has worked with Best Friends Animal Society, a national organization seeking to end the killing in animal shelters.
Seyfried will talk about Best Friends at Verified, The Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Summit on February 27 at Four-Star The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. But before she attends the gathering to celebrate our annual Star Award winners, Seyfried chatted with us about living in L.A. versus Upstate New York, her favorite places to visit and why she keeps a lacrosse ball in her carry-on bag.
The Beverly Hilton. Credit: The Beverly Hilton
You’re bicoastal. Do you have a preference?
I prefer living on the farm on the East Coast. Space, countryside and horses are important for everyday mental health!
What made you choose this area?
It’s beautiful, peaceful and I thrive in the wilderness.
What are your favorite travel destinations?
My favorite places to visit so far have been Singapore, Korea and Japan. I love the cultures, food and people. I felt so comfortable in these places that are so different from where I grew up.
Finn and Amanda. Credit: Best Friends Animal Society/Lori Fusaro
What kinds of things do you like to do when traveling?
I love to travel and explore different cultures. I’d rather be on foot taking photos in a city and the surrounding countryside.
Mamma Mia! was shot in Vis, Croatia. What was Croatia like?
It was my first time and it was insanely beautiful. The Croatian people are wonderful and welcoming. The weather, the food, the sky and the water were unbeatable.
What are some of your favorite hotels?
I love smaller boutique hotels because each has its own style, architecture and energy. I especially loved the Palé Hall hotel in Wales recently.
What’s on your travel bucket list?
I would love to experience South America and, when my daughter is older, I’d like to go on safari in Africa.
Palé Hall. Credit: Palé Hall
What do you pack on your carry-on? We know you’re a knitter — do you bring your knitting on the road?
Yes. I usually bring too much yarn. I have snack bags full of cereal and crackers, and I can usually pack all of my clothes and shoes in one carry-on for a weeklong trip.
What are your favorite travel tips?
Buy a big bottle of water right before you board your flight.
Pack extra socks and underwear.
Bring a lacrosse ball to lean on for achy back muscles from flying too often.
Why is Best Friends Animal Society and its cause important to you?
They’re so committed and dedicated to the health and safety of animals and pets and to making the country no-kill. They have made so much progress and it’s inspiring to me to see how possible it is to “save them all” [the group’s credo]. And they make it very easy and fun to advocate and promote change.
