Amanda Peterson, ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ Star, Dies At 43

Amanda Peterson, who starred opposite Patrick Dempsey in 80s teen movie Can’t Buy Me Love, has died. She was 43.

Amanda Peterson Dies

Peterson was found dead at her home in Colorado Sunday night, the Greeley Police Department told E! News. Family members, who’d been trying to get in touch with the former actress, grew concerned when she failed to reply to phone calls. Peterson’s death is under investigation, though police do not suspect foul play.

Peterson’s father, Dr. James Peterson, revealed that his daughter had been suffering from a variety of ailments leading up to her death. “She had some illness [pneumonia and sinusitis] and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed,” he told TMZ.

The father also noted that Peterson was forced to move out of a home with mold issues just last year.

Peterson was best known for playing the popular but kind cheerleader Cindy Mancini in Can’t Buy Me Love. Prior to that star-making turn, she appeared on TV series Boone. Following Can’t Buy Me Love, she acted in a number of TV projects, including a guest-starring role on Doogie Howser, M.D.

Peterson’s last role in Hollywood was in the film Windrunner in 1994. The actress decided to step away from the spotlight to live a quieter life back in Colorado.

Peterson is survived by husband David Hartley, and her two children.