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About
Anna Louise Friel, born on July 12, 1976, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, is a celebrated English actress known for her versatile performances across film, television, and stage. With a career spanning over four decades, she first gained widespread recognition for her groundbreaking role as Beth Jordache in the British soap opera Brookside (1993–1995), where she portrayed the UK’s first lesbian character on television. This role catapulted her to fame in the UK, and she later achieved international acclaim as Charlotte “Chuck” Charles in the quirky ABC series Pushing Daisies (2007–2009), earning a Golden Globe nomination. Today, Anna Friel remains a prominent figure in entertainment, boasting an Instagram following of 220k as of March 2025.
Friel’s film career is equally impressive, with standout roles in movies like The Land Girls (1998), her feature film debut, and blockbusters such as Limitless (2011) alongside Bradley Cooper. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres—ranging from romantic comedies like A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999) to intense dramas like Marcella (2016–2020)—has solidified her reputation as a dynamic actress. She has also graced the stage, earning a Drama Desk Award for her Broadway debut in Closer (1999) and captivating West End audiences in productions like Uncle Vanya (2012). Her accolades, including an International Emmy Award for Marcella, highlight her enduring talent.
Beyond her professional achievements, Anna Friel’s personal journey adds depth to her public persona. Born to a special needs teacher mother and a former French teacher father, she began acting at age 13, honing her craft at the Oldham Theatre Workshop. Her resilience shines through personal challenges, such as her battle with endometriosis, which she overcame to welcome her daughter, Gracie, in 2005 with ex-partner David Thewlis. With a slim physique, standing at 5’5″ and weighing 121 lbs, Friel continues to captivate audiences worldwide, blending natural beauty with exceptional acting prowess.
Path to fame
Anna Friel rose to fame playing Beth Jordache in the British soap opera Brookside (1993–1995), where her portrayal of the UK’s first lesbian character on TV garnered significant attention and launched her career.
Also known as
Anna Louise Friel
BIRTHDAY
July 12, 1976 (age 48)
BORN
Rochdale, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
ZODIAC SIGN
Cancer
EDUCATION
Crompton House CE Secondary School (completed mid-1990s); Holy Cross College (completed late 1990s); trained at Oldham Theatre Workshop
POLITICAL VIEWS
Unknown
Nationality
British
Ethnicity
Caucasian
EYE COLOR
Green
HAIR COLOR
Brown
HEIGHT
5ft 5 (165 cm)
WEIGHT
55 kg (121 lb)
DIET
Unknown
Breasts-Waist-Hips
34-25-35 inches
BRA SIZE
34B
HANDEDNESS
Unknown
TATTOOS
Unknown
SMOKE
Unknown
NET WORTH
$10 Million
Faith
Unknown
languages spoken
English
IQ
Unknown
House
Unknown
Daily routine
Unknown
Sexual Orientation
Heterosexual
Dating history
David Thewlis (2001–2010), Rhys Ifans (2011–2014)
Known For
Portraying Beth Jordache, the UK’s first lesbian character on television, in Brookside (1993–1995)
Playing Charlotte ‘Chuck’ Charles in the whimsical ABC series Pushing Daisies (2007–2009)
Winning an International Emmy Award for her role as Marcella Backland in Marcella (2016–2020)
Her Broadway debut in Patrick Marber’s Closer (1999), earning a Drama Desk Award
Starring in high-profile films like Limitless (2011) and Land of the Lost (2009)
Personal Quotes
Portraying Beth Jordache, the UK’s first lesbian character on television, in Brookside (1993–1995)
Playing Charlotte ‘Chuck’ Charles in the whimsical ABC series Pushing Daisies (2007–2009)
Winning an International Emmy Award for her role as Marcella Backland in Marcella (2016–2020)
Her Broadway debut in Patrick Marber’s Closer (1999), earning a Drama Desk Award
Starring in high-profile films like Limitless (2011) and Land of the Lost (2009)
Favorite Things
hobbies
Unknown
pet
Unknown
place to visit
Unknown
food
Unknown
actor
Unknown
book
Unknown
movie
Unknown
On the Web
Wikipedia.com
Biography
IMDB
Filmography
BookingAgentInfo
Contact Info | Booking Agent, Manager, Publicist
WallpaperAccess
N/A
Giphy
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Videos
Fun Facts
Anna Friel was only 13 when she made her professional acting debut in the TV miniseries G.B.H. (1991).
She won an International Emmy Award in 2017 for her role in Marcella.
Friel collapsed in 2001 due to a ruptured ovarian cyst, requiring emergency surgery and two blood transfusions.
Her daughter, Gracie, was named after singer Gracie Fields and her grandmothers, Ellen and Mary.
She played a fictionalized version of herself in the mockumentary series Come Fly with Me (2011).
Friel lobbied for the role of Nymphadora Tonks in Harry Potter to act alongside her then-partner David Thewlis.
She received an honorary degree from the University of Bolton for her contributions to acting.
Her first major film role was in The Land Girls (1998), marking her transition from TV to cinema.
Friel’s portrayal of Beth Jordache in Brookside sparked ‘Free Beth Jordache’ campaigns in the UK.
She has 220k Instagram followers as of March 2025, showcasing her enduring popularity.
Career Highlight
Anna Friel’s career highlights showcase her remarkable versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry, making her a standout talent in both British and international markets. She first captured audiences as Beth Jordache in Brookside (1993–1995), a role that not only marked her as a trailblazer for portraying the UK’s first lesbian character on TV but also set the stage for her diverse career. Her international breakthrough came with Pushing Daisies (2007–2009), where her enchanting portrayal of Charlotte “Chuck” Charles earned a Golden Globe nomination, cementing her status as a global star. Friel’s film highlights include Limitless (2011) and Land of the Lost (2009), while her Emmy-winning performance in Marcella (2016–2020) solidified her reputation for tackling complex roles, making her a sought-after actress in Hollywood and beyond.
