Amanda Peterson, the actress best known for her role as cheerleader Cindy Mancini in the '80s teen rom-com "Can't Buy Me Love," was found dead in her home on July 5, reported TMZ. She was 43 years old.
Peterson's father told TMZ that the family hadn't heard from her since July 3 and started to worry. Her body was discovered in her Greeley, Colo., home, and the cause of death is unknown, but her father has some speculation.
"She had some illness and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed," he told TMZ.
The actress started in Hollywood in the 1980s with a small role in the film adaptation of the musical "Annie," as well as on the TV series "Boone" and "Silver Spoons," according to Us Weekly. But it was her role as Patrick Dempsey's love interest in1987's "Can't Buy Me Love" that made her a teen queen. In the film, Peterson's character agrees to date Dempsey's dorky character for money. Nick Cannon and Christina Milian starred in the 2003 remake of the film, called "Love Don't Cost A Thing."
Hollywood stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Donald Faison and Lance Bass paid tribute to Peterson on social media after her death, reported Entertainment Weekly. See the stars' tweets below.
When I was younger, I used to want to be #AmandaPeterson. I even asked my mom for a white leather fringe jacket #RipAmandaPeterson
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) July 7, 2015
Cindy Mancini was my first crush. RIP Amanda Peterson. — Donald Faison (@donald_faison) July 6, 2015
Say it ain't so! Cindy Mancini has passed away! ; ( RIP Amanda Peterson / #CantBuyMeLove
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) July 7, 2015
