Amanda Joy "AJ" Michalka born April 10, 1991, often credited as AJ, is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and musician. She used to be a model prior to becoming an actress, and was best known as one-half of the duo 78violet (formerly Aly & AJ) with her sister, Alyson Michalka. Amanda Michalka recently recorded the theme song for the film Secretariat, entitled "It's Who You Are". A video was released along with the single. Amanda began seriously studying acting at the age of 9, landing a lead role in a church musical, "Jailhouse Rock", then later booked a national commercial on her very first audition. She has been consistently working ever since, appearing on television shows on CBS, FOX, HBO, ABC, WB and NBC. Prior to becoming an actress, Amanda Michalka worked as a professional model appearing on magazine covers, store posters and other merchandising ads for National corporations. Amanda is an accomplished musician, singer and published songwriter. She is proficient at both the piano and the guitar. She is currently recording her first CD with her sister Aly (Aly Michalka) as Aly & AJ. This CD will be a compilation of their original guitar-driven songs, and will soon be released into the mainstream market. Amanda's hobbies are dance, cooking, horseback riding, mountain biking, reading and hanging out with her puppy, Willow, and family. Her dog Saint died on June 16, 2007
