Hollywood star and Allentown native Amanda Seyfried recently brought a wave of hometown pride to the national stage during her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. But here’s where it gets heartwarming: instead of just talking about her latest film, The Testament of Ann Lee, Seyfried used her spotlight to shine a light on the Lehigh Valley businesses that make her hometown so special. During the show’s Community Calendar segment, she gave shoutouts to local gems like Colonial Pizza in Easton, the historic State Theatre, and Stony Run Winery in Breinigsville. And this is the part most people miss: she even highlighted Mary Ann Donut Kitchen in Allentown for their fastnachts, a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch treat made with lard, sugar, butter, and sometimes potatoes. While Fastnacht Day isn’t until February 17, the bakery announced on Facebook that they’ll start selling these delights early on February 3, complete with a clip of Seyfried’s national TV mention. ‘It’s not every day we’re mentioned on national television,’ the bakery proudly shared. Seyfried, a William Allen High School alum, has never forgotten her roots, and her 2021 interview with WFMZ-TV revealed why the Lehigh Valley will always feel like home (https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/from-allentown-to-the-big-screen-amanda-seyfried-on-why-the-lehigh-valley-will-always/article_f95c09a0-7507-11eb-893a-ff5f46573905.html). Here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where celebrities often distance themselves from their humble beginnings, does Seyfried’s public celebration of her hometown set a refreshing precedent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Watch the full Community Calendar segment below to see her heartfelt tribute to the Lehigh Valley.
