Teen rom-com star Amanda Peterson found dead at her home aged 43

She played cheerleader Cindy Mancini opposite Patrick Dempsey in the 1987 teen flick Can't Buy Me Love

Amanda Peterson (Rex)

Actress Amanda Peterson, who starred opposite Patrick Dempsey in 80’s teen movie Can’t Buy Me Love, has died at the age of 43.

The cause of death is unclear but Peterson’s body was found at her home in Greeley, Colorado, after her family hadn’t heard from her in two days.

Police reportedly went to her home at 6pm on Sunday to check on her after she had missed an appointment.

“She had some illness and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed,” Peterson’s father told TMZ.

The website also reported that Peterson was suffering from pneumonia, sinusitis and sleep apnea over the past two years, and that she had been living in a home with mold issues before moving out last year.

Peterson was thrust into the spotlight after playing cheerleader Cindy Mancini in the 1987 romantic comedy Can’t Buy Me Love.

Her character gets into a fake relationship with Patrick Dempsey's nerdy character, only for the two to develop real feelings for one another.