Amber Faye Barretto is an American former actress and model. She charmed 1990s television audiences with her vibrant performances. Best known for her starring role as Kristy Ford on the hit NBC Saturday morning sitcom Hang Time, Barretto transitioned from a successful child modeling career into television and film before stepping away from the spotlight to focus on her family.
- Who is Amber Barretto? Early Life and Background
- Complete Biography Profile Table
- Rise to Fame: Modeling and Early Acting Career
- Breakthrough Role on ‘Hang Time’
- Later Television Work and Filmography
- Personal Life: Spouse Gregory Laks and Children
- Net Worth and Financial Standing
- Frequently Asked Questions About Amber Barretto
- When was Amber Barretto born?
- What is Amber Barretto best known for?
- Who is Amber Barretto’s husband?
- Does Amber Barretto have children?
- Why did Amber Barretto stop acting?
- Is Amber Barretto active on social media?
Who is Amber Barretto? Early Life and Background
Amber Barretto was born on January 19, 1978, in Miami Beach, Florida. Her father is from Peru, and her mother met him while traveling in California. Barretto grew up moving across different regions, spending her formative years in Michigan and New York.
Her entry into the entertainment industry happened when she competed in the “Little Miss Michigan” pageant. A judge who owned a modeling agency spotted her potential. This prompted her family to relocate to New York City to support her growing career.
Complete Biography Profile Table
| Full Name | Amber Faye Barretto |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Miami Beach, Florida, United States |
| Age | 48 Years Old (as of 2026) |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Years Active | 1988-2008 |
| Spouse | Gregory Laks (m. 2007) |
| Children | 2 Children |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Hispanic descent (Peruvian father) |
Rise to Fame: Modeling and Early Acting Career
During the 1980s, Barretto became a familiar face in print advertising. She modeled for “Eva Joia,” a brand producing fashion wear for young girls, and appeared in fashion advertisements across prominent magazines. She also landed spots in commercial campaigns for multiple consumer products.
Her acting career began in the late 1980s. Her initial credited television appearance was in the soap opera All My Children (1988) as Emily Ann Sago. Soon after, she made an uncredited appearance as a young girl in New York Stories (1989). She then secured the role of Kiersten in the cult classic comedy-horror film Little Monsters (1989), starring Fred Savage and Howie Mandel.
Breakthrough Role on ‘Hang Time’
Barretto reached new career heights when she landed her signature role on the NBC basketball-themed sitcom Hang Time. She auditioned via a tape sent from New York. Executive producer Peter Engel reviewed the tape, flew her to Los Angeles, and offered her the part of Kristy Ford on the same day.
From 1997 to 2000, Barretto starred as Kristy, the smart, witty cheerleader. She appeared across multiple seasons. The show centered on a high school basketball team and their off-court adventures, making Barretto a household name for youth audiences. She starred alongside a talented ensemble cast including Megan Parlen, Daniella Deutscher, Chad Gabriel, and Adam Frost.
Later Television Work and Filmography
Following Hang Time, Barretto continued working in television and film, taking on guest roles and supporting parts:
- All My Children (1988) – Emily Ann Sago
- New York Stories (1989) – Young Girl (Uncredited)
- Little Monsters (1989) – Kiersten
- Hang Time (1997-2000) – Kristy Ford
- American Dreams (2002-2005) – Guest roles
- The O.C. (2003-2007) – Minor appearances
- Medium (2005) – Television guest role
- Cuts (2005) – Sitcom appearance
- Channels (2008) – Final feature film credit
Personal Life: Spouse Gregory Laks and Children
In October 2007, Amber Barretto married Gregory Laks. He is a businessman from Beachwood, Ohio, and serves as the president of Abode Mortgage Services in Beverly Hills, California.
Barretto stepped away from professional acting after her appearance in the 2008 film Channels to prioritize her home life. The couple shares two children and resides away from Hollywood. Barretto maintains strict personal privacy, avoids public social media platforms, and declines media interviews.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Official financial records regarding Amber Barretto’s exact net worth are private. Estimates based on her television tenure in Hang Time, residual income, and household business ventures place her net worth between $1 million and $3 million.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amber Barretto
When was Amber Barretto born?
Amber Barretto was born on January 19, 1978, making her 48 years old as of 2026.
What is Amber Barretto best known for?
She is best known for her role as Kristy Ford on the 90s NBC sitcom Hang Time and for playing Kiersten in the 1989 film Little Monsters.
Who is Amber Barretto’s husband?
She has been married to Gregory Laks, a mortgage company executive, since October 2007.
Does Amber Barretto have children?
Yes, Amber and her husband Gregory share two children together.
Why did Amber Barretto stop acting?
After her role in the 2008 movie Channels, Barretto chose to retire from the entertainment industry to dedicate her time to motherhood and private family life.
Is Amber Barretto active on social media?
No, she prefers a private lifestyle and does not maintain public social media accounts.
