“He’s classy.” He speaks one of the few lines in the movie “He can’t buy me love”, but these are the two words that best describe the actress Ami Dolenz.
In 1987, the period movie that showed nerdy Ronald Miller (Patrick Dempsey) buying affection for Cindy Mancini (Amanda Peterson) also contained several of the famous first daughters. Not only was it Ami’s first feature film, but it was also where he met Darcy DeMoss (Patty) for the first time.
After the breakout success of “Can’t Buy Me Love,” Ami would go on to appear as Melissa McKee on the daytime soap “General Hospital” and star in movies such as “That Empire”, < i>“Miracle Beach”, “Witchboard 2: The Devil’s Door” and Pumpkin II: Wings of Blood” to name a few.
What you don’t know about Ami, besides being an actress, she also has an interest in art and writing. She is currently working on a children’s book, Harold and Agatha and the Jewel Mystery; > in which he will both write and illustrate.
I had the opportunity to speak with the beautiful and talented artist about his home in Vancouver and “Can’t Buy Me Love” and the bond he shares with Darcy DeMoss. Ami also talks about his passion for art and the connection to “metal” in art.
If there’s one thing I learned from our conversation, it’s this: When it’s cold, Ami Dolenz is in class.
goJimmygo (gJg): I wanted to talk to you about the 25th anniversary of “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
Ami Dolenz (AD): It’s so weird and hard to believe it’s been so long.
gJg: I spoke with Darcy DeMoss (Patty) a few months ago and she said the exact same thing.
AD: I interviewed one of my best friends. Darcy and I have known each other for so long. It was one of those things in which we were most closely united; We keep in touch a lot. I love what he does with animals. I have been to Sambala several times. That whole movement is so wonderful; It’s a lot for me.
gJg: How did you get involved with “Can’t You Buy Me Love?”
AD: I was just starting out as an actress at the time, and I initially auditioned for the role of Cindy but was cast in the role of Fran; which was great. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to go down; to remember the lines and hit my target. Amanda (Peterson) did such a great job as Cindy. I met so many amazing people working on that movie.
It was just so much fun to be there with everyone and be a part of that experience. It’s a point in my life that I don’t ever want to forget.
gJg: What do you remember most about your experience making the movie?
AD: When we did the movie, it was around the time of my 18th birthday and I was in my first place without Mom. It was also where I first met Darcy. he bought me a cake to celebrate my birthday. We have been best friends ever since!
gJg: Do you have favorite scenes?
AD: I really love the scene where Darcy is in the car with Patrick. Of course I’m also pretty fond of the party scene (because I’m in it).
gJg: You went on to appear in “General Hospital” and then the movie “Out of Control” with Tony Danza. What’s it like working with Tony?
AD: Carmen was a legendary man when he was working. Even the big dancer showed me the sound and showed me some of his moves. It was funny that our paths seemed to cross. I first met him when I was in “Star Search”; We were both enrolled in comedy. A few years later, he met her again for “Out of control”.
gJg: What drew you to the horror genre for movies like “Cumpkinhead” and “Witchboard”?
AD: Believe it or not, I’m actually a movie fanatic. I love horror. In fact, the original “Alien” is my all-time favorite console movie. I can watch it over and over again.
gJg: Your father is extremely into music. Didn’t he encourage you to try your hand at music while growing up?
AD: It did in a way when I was younger. I used to play the drums. I also have my candle with the boy signing “Blue Suede Shoes” with it. But I wanted to do something.
gJg: What is it like growing up with Monks?
AD: I remember we had a beautiful house in the Hollywood Hills that people always came and visited. One of my best friends growing up was also Alice Cooper. I also remember one of my first days at school; My teacher asked me who my best friend was and I said “Alice Cooper”…
gJg: Do you have your own “rock star” moment?
AD: I once did the “Advent of the Superboys” event where I started acting as a rock star where he had to be protected. My hair was fierce and I was able to “do it” on a huge stage. I especially remember the scene with my limousine pulling up and shaking everyone in the car. That was a fun gig!
gJg: What are you working on now?
AD: I took art classes here in Vancouver. I do charcoal and ink projects. I also self-publishing my free books “Harold and Agatha and The Mysterious Jewel. I do a lot of work.
As for what to do, I have a few things right now, but I can’t talk about them…yet.
