Anna Friel is an English actor who gained fame for her role as ‘Beth Jordache’ in the series ‘Brookside’. Her performance, along with a controversial lesbian kiss, brought her prominence in the industry. Friel’s talent extends beyond television, as she has also excelled on stage and received numerous accolades for her work. She achieved international recognition for her portrayal of ‘Charlotte “Chuck” Charles’ in ‘Pushing Daisies’. With a diverse range of projects and a list of prestigious awards, Friel has established herself as a brilliant and accomplished actor.
Quick Facts
- Name: Anna Louise Friel
- Age: 47 Years
- Born Country: England
- Family:
- Father: Desmond “Des” Friel
- Mother: Julie
- Siblings: Michael
- Children: Gracie Ellen Mary Friel
- Partner: David Thewlis (2001–2010), Rhys Ifans (2011–2014)
- Occupation: Actress
- Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
- Notable Alumni: Holy Cross College (UK)
- City: Lancashire, England
- Education: Holy Cross College (UK)
Childhood & Early Life
Anna Louise Friel was born on July 12, 1976, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England, to Julie and Desmond “Des” Friel. She has a brother named Michael. Friel attended ‘Crompton House Church of England School’ and then graduated from ‘Holy Cross College.’ She received training at the ‘Oldham Theatre Workshop.’
Career
Friel made her first screen appearance as ‘Susan Nelson’ in the ‘BAFTA’-nominated miniseries ‘G.B.H.’ She then had brief appearances in two ‘ITV’ dramas, ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Emmerdale.’ Friel’s second major TV project was the soap opera ‘Brookside,’ where she played the character ‘Beth Jordache.’ Her performance in ‘Brookside’ earned her a ‘National Television Award’ and a ‘TVTimes’ award in 1995.
Friel made her TV film debut with ‘The Tribe’ in 1998 and her feature film debut with ‘The Land Girls’ in the same year. She also appeared in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Rogue Trader.’ Friel’s performance in Patrick Marber’s play ‘Closer’ on Broadway earned her a ‘Drama Desk Award.’
Friel continued to work in both film and television, with notable roles in projects such as ‘Goal!’ and ‘Pushing Daisies.’ She also received critical acclaim for her performance in the theater adaptation of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’ Friel has since appeared in various films and TV shows, including ‘American Odyssey’ and ‘The Girlfriend Experience.’
In 2016, Friel began playing the title role in the detective drama ‘Marcella,’ for which she won the ‘International Emmy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ in 2017. She also starred in the drama ‘Butterfly’ in 2018.
Personal Life
Friel’s mother is a special-needs teacher, and her father is a former French teacher and folk guitarist. She has a brother who is a physician. Friel dated actor David Thewlis and they have a daughter together. They separated in 2010.
In 2001, Friel survived septicemia caused by an ovarian cyst blast. She is also a wildlife charity ambassador for the ‘World Wide Fund for Nature’ (WWF).