1994–2004: Dinner theater and early screen appearances Amy Adams

steven spielberg, gave adams first major role in catch me if can (2002), surprised did not break out after film s release.

during time @ chanhassen, adams acted in first film—a black-and-white short satire named chromium hook. after, while off work nursing pulled muscle, attended locally held auditions hollywood film drop dead gorgeous (1999), satire on beauty pageants starring kirsten dunst, ellen barkin, , kirstie alley. adams cast in supporting part of promiscuous cheerleader. felt character s personality far removed own , worried how people perceive her. production filmed locally, enabled adams shoot role while performing brigadoon on stage. encouragement alley prompted adams actively pursue film career, , moved los angeles in january 1999. described initial experience in city dark , bleak , , pined life in chanhassen.

in los angeles, adams auditioned whatever parts came way, given roles of bitchy girl . first assignment came within week of relocation in fox s television series manchester prep, spin-off of film cruel intentions, in lead role of kathryn merteuil (played sarah michelle gellar in film). following numerous script revisions , 2 production shutdowns, series canceled. adams later said controversial scene in character encourages girl masturbate on horse primary reason cancellation. 3 filmed episodes re-edited , released later in 2000 direct-to-video film cruel intentions 2. despite negative critical reception, nathan rabin of a.v. club wrote adams plays alpha-bitch role vicious glee largely missing sarah michelle gellar s sterile take on character .

adams next had supporting role of teenage nemesis of movie star (played kimberly davies) in psycho beach party (2000), horror parody of beach party , slasher films. played part homage actress ann-margret. 2000 2002, adams appeared in guest roles in several television series, including 70s show, charmed, buffy vampire slayer, smallville, , west wing.

following brief roles in 3 small-scale features of 2002—the slaughter rule, pumpkin, , serving sara—adams found first high-profile part in steven spielberg s comedy-drama catch me if can after casting director deborah zane brought spielberg s attention. cast brenda strong, nurse whom frank abagnale, jr. (played leonardo dicaprio) falls in love. described experience on film huge confidence booster . despite film s success , praise warm presence todd mccarthy, critic variety, failed launch career. unemployed year after release, leading quit film acting. adams instead enrolled in acting classes, realizing had lot learn , lot of self-growth work through . career prospects seemingly improved year later when received lucrative offer star regular in cbs television drama dr. vegas, dropped after few episodes. on film, had minor role fiancée of fred savage s character in little-seen last run (2004).