As Amanda Seyfried steps into her 40s, the acclaimed actress is doing so with a renewed sense of clarity, balance, and self-compassion. Known for her versatility across musicals, dramas, and thrillers, Seyfried is entering what she describes as a healthier, more emotionally grounded phase of life — both personally and professionally.
Speaking candidly at the Hollywood premiere of The Testament of Ann Lee, Seyfried reflected on how turning 40 has reshaped her outlook. According to her, this next chapter is less about pressure and perfection and more about presence and acceptance.
A Milestone Birthday Rooted in Presence
Seyfried celebrated her 40th birthday on December 3, marking the occasion with deep reflection rather than spectacle. She shared that this stage of life feels “sweaty” in the best possible way — real, unfiltered, and far less judgmental than before.
For Seyfried, presence has become a central theme. She explained that as she gets older, she is increasingly aware of how fragile and short life can be. This awareness has pushed her to appreciate each day more fully and to stay grounded in the moment instead of constantly looking ahead.
Rather than chasing external validation, Seyfried is focused on emotional health and self-acceptance. She believes this shift has helped her feel more connected to her work, her family, and herself.
Surrounded by the People Who Matter
Milestone birthdays often prompt reflection, and for Seyfried, friendship played a major role in the celebration. She previously shared that her closest friends planned to be by her side in New York City, reinforcing how important long-standing relationships have become in her life.
Maintaining friendships from adolescence into adulthood isn’t something Seyfried takes lightly. These women, she says, have seen her at her most chaotic and vulnerable — long before fame, and throughout its many phases. Having that level of understanding and support has been essential, especially during demanding periods in her career.
One of the Busiest Years of Her Career
Ironically, this emotionally grounded phase coincides with the busiest year of Seyfried’s professional life. In 2024, she has juggled multiple high-profile projects, each demanding in very different ways.
She stars as Ann Lee, the leader of the Shakers, in The Testament of Ann Lee, a musical historical drama directed by Mona Fastvold. At the same time, she appears in the drama miniseries Long Bright River and headlines the psychological thriller The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig, alongside Sydney Sweeney.
Balancing such diverse roles has tested Seyfried creatively and emotionally, but it has also reaffirmed why she fell in love with acting in the first place.
Why The Testament of Ann Lee Is Different
At the premiere, Seyfried spoke passionately about why The Testament of Ann Lee stands out from anything audiences have seen before. She described the film as deeply rooted in curiosity — a quality she believes is essential to a meaningful life.
The story centers on a real historical figure many people know little about. Ann Lee’s life and beliefs were radical for her time, and Seyfried feels the film brings that boldness to the screen in an unforgettable way.
She referred to the project as an extraordinary piece of art, emphasizing that it challenges viewers not just with its narrative, but with its form, music, and emotional depth.
A Role That Changed Her Relationship With Music
Playing Ann Lee pushed Seyfried far beyond traditional acting challenges. While she has long been recognized for her musical abilities, this role transformed how she relates to music entirely.
She shared that the experience revolutionized her understanding of herself as a musician. The Shaker hymns featured in the film, she says, have a haunting quality that stays with you long after the credits roll.
According to Seyfried, audiences may be surprised by how deeply these melodies linger — to the point where viewers will want to hear them again and again. The music is not just an accompaniment to the story, but a living, breathing part of it.
The Reality of Working Motherhood
Behind the scenes, Seyfried has also been navigating the realities of motherhood alongside an intense work schedule. She shares two children — daughter Nina, 8, and son Thomas, 5 — with her husband, actor Thomas Sadoski.
This year, balancing parenting with multiple simultaneous releases has been especially challenging. Seyfried has openly admitted that managing two films debuting at the same time while raising young children has left her feeling overwhelmed.
Yet, she speaks about this chaos with honesty rather than complaint, acknowledging that this is the most she has ever worked while also being a mother of two.
Leaning on Friendship to Stay Grounded
When the pressure becomes intense, Seyfried leans heavily on her close-knit group of friends. She shared that they’ve taken several trips together this year, creating space for much-needed breaks and girls’ nights.
These moments, she says, are not luxuries — they are necessities. Having friends who understand both the demands of motherhood and the unpredictability of life in the entertainment industry has helped her stay balanced.
Their shared history, stretching back to adolescence, adds a layer of comfort and trust that few relationships can replicate.
Two Films, Two Very Different Worlds
Seyfried has two films releasing this month, and she’s quick to point out that they couldn’t be more different. The Housemaid, arriving in theaters on December 19, offers a suspense-driven experience filled with twists and psychological tension.
In contrast, The Testament of Ann Lee, releasing on December 25, is introspective, musical, and historically rooted. Despite their differences, Seyfried says she is equally proud of both projects.
She also had a playful warning for fans of the novel The Housemaid: avoid reading the book until after seeing the movie. According to her, knowing the story beforehand could spoil the film’s biggest surprises.
A Career Peak — and a Personal One Too
With career-best reviews rolling in and multiple projects earning critical praise, Seyfried’s professional momentum shows no signs of slowing down. But what makes this moment truly special is how grounded she feels while experiencing it.
At 40, Amanda Seyfried isn’t chasing reinvention — she’s embracing presence. By letting go of harsh self-judgment and leaning into authenticity, she’s entering a chapter that feels healthier, more intentional, and deeply fulfilling.
It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from doing more — sometimes, it comes from being more present.