Amanda Peterson’s Family Reveals Tragic Event That Led to Drug Addiction

Amanda Peterson, star of the 1987 film Can’t Buy Me Love, passed away from an accidental drug overdose in July. On Monday, her family were guests on The Doctors to talk about their struggle after losing Amanda. During the episode, the Peterson family revealed that at age 15, Amanda was raped by a man twice her age, a secret that may have contributed to the former teen star’s addiction troubles.

Two years passed before Amanda went to her mother, Sylvia, with the information. Her father, James, had planned to press charges, but Amanda refused. After her star began to wane, it’s believed she turned to drugs to suppress her dark secret, leading to a very serious heroin addiction that led to meth.

The Peterson family began to notice changes in her behavior. “After [the rape], she became more defensive, less trusting — some of the sparkle was gone,” Peterson’s dad said. Travis Stork, MD, counseled the Petersons while also offering advice on how to detect the signs of addiction. Despite her drug history, Amanda’s family does not want that dark cloud to be the lasting impression of the woman they knew.