[1] Amandes began acting at an early age, performing at home with his siblings and starring in school productions.
In 1981, after graduating from the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University, Amandes set out to apprentice on the Chicago stage.
A turning point in Amandes' career was being cast as Eliot Ness in the television series The Untouchables.
Other television credits include recurring roles on The Guardian, JAG, Spin City, Sisters and From the Earth to the Moon, in which Amandes portrayed Astronaut Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt.
He has appeared in the films Brokedown Palace, Second Chances, Straight Talk, and Billboard Dad.