Amanda first met Salvador Dali in 1965 and remained close friends with him until his death in 1989.  She is often reported as his 'muse' and 'closest friend'.

Whether Amanda was transgender or not was often speculated upon during her 'socialising' days with strong rumours that Salvador Dali had paid for a sex-change operation.  At the time, Lear neither confirmed nor denied the story, stating 'It makes me mysterious and interesting,' she said. 'There is nothing the pop world loves more than a way-out freak.'  She later claimed she has always been a woman.  

Enjoyed success as a pop singer throughout Europe, specifically in Italy where she eventually enjoyed more long term fame as a chat show host.  She said "I am the Italian Janet Street-Porter'.