Anna Friel

Last updated on the 10 April 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 12 July 1976, Rochdale, England. 

Anna Friel’s mother, Julie Bamford Friel, is a special needs teacher, while her father, Desmond “Des” Friel, is a former French teacher and folk guitarist who now owns a web design company. Anna has a brother named Michael, who is a doctor. Growing up in a supportive family, Anna’s interest in acting was nurtured from a young age.

Anna Friel attended Crompton House Church of England School, an Anglican secondary school and later Holy Cross College, a Roman Catholic sixth form. Her passion for acting led her to train at the Oldham Theatre Workshop.

Anna Friel’s professional acting career began at the age of 13 when she appeared in the television miniseries “G.B.H.” in 1991. This early role paved the way for her to secure small parts in popular ITV soap operas such as “Coronation Street” and “Emmerdale”. However, it was her portrayal of Beth Jordache in the Channel 4 soap opera “Brookside” from 1993 to 1995 that brought her widespread recognition. The character was involved in some of the series’ most memorable storylines, including the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television.

Friel’s career continued to flourish as she transitioned to international projects. She gained further acclaim for her role as Charlotte “Chuck” Charles in the ABC series “Pushing Daisies” (2007-2009), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In 2017, she won the International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the title character in the ITV/Netflix mystery drama series “Marcella” (2016-2021).

In addition to her television work, Anna Friel has made significant contributions to film and theatre. She made her feature film debut in 1998 with a leading role in “The Land Girls” and has since appeared in films such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1999), “Me Without You” (2001), “Timeline” (2003), “Land of the Lost” (2009), “Limitless” (2011) and “Charming the Hearts of Men” (2021). Her stage credits include notable performances in “Closer” (Broadway, 1999), “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (West End, 2009) and “Uncle Vanya” (West End, 2012)1.

She dated actor David Thewlis from 2001 to 2010 and the couple have a daughter named Gracie, born in 2005. Despite their separation, Anna and David have maintained a close relationship and co-parent their daughter amicably. Following her split from Thewlis, Friel was in a relationship with actor Rhys Ifans from 2011 to 2014.

Suggested viewing

Marcella (2016)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

Marcella experiences a profound shock when her husband, Jason, abruptly leaves her, revealing that he no longer has feelings for her. This devastating event leads her to rejoin the Murder Squad at the Metropolitan Police after she had given up her promising police career a decade ago to focus on her family. Now separated from her 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son, Marcella immerses herself in her work to prevent herself from unravelling emotionally.

Top cast: Anna Friel, Nicholas Pinnock, Ray Panthaki, Sinéad Cusack, Nina Sosanya, Jamie Bamber, Harry Lloyd, Ian Puleston-Davies, Robert Whitlock, Florence Pugh.

Me Without You (2011)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.5

“Me Without You” is a British romantic drama film directed by Sandra Goldbacher. It chronicles the lifelong friendship between two women, Holly and Marina, from their childhood in the 1970s through their complicated adult lives. The film explores themes of love, jealousy and the challenges of maintaining a close bond over the years.

Top cast: Anna Friel, Michelle Williams, Kyle McLachlan, Oliver Milburn, Trudie Styler, Marianne Denicourt, Allan Corduner, Deborah Findlay.

Our Mutual Friend (1998)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

“Our Mutual Friend” is based on the novel written by Charles Dickens. Set in Victorian London, it explores themes of wealth, greed and social injustice. The story revolves around John Harmon, who is presumed dead but resurfaces to claim his inheritance, leading to a web of intrigue love and mystery.

Top cast: Paul McGann, Keeley Hawes, Anna Friel, Pam Ferris, Kenneth Cranham, Timothy Spall, Anthony Calf, Doon Mackichan, David Bradley.

More Dickens

Without You (2011)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.5

“Without You” is a three-part British television drama based on the novel by Nicci French. It follows Ellie Manning whose life unravels when her husband is found murdered. As she investigates his death, she discovers shocking secrets and realises she never truly knew the man she married.

Top cast: Anna Friel, Marc Warren, Barnaby Kay, Olivia Poulet, Simon Trinder, Tim Woodward, Gina Bramhill, Heidi Monsen.

The Land Girls (1998)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.2

“The Land Girls” is a war drama film that portrays the lives of three young women who join the Women’s Land Army during World War II. Through their experiences working on a farm in rural England, they forge friendships, face hardships and discover their strength in the face of adversity.

Top cast: Rachel Weisz, Anna Friel, Catherine McCormack, Steven Mackintosh, Paul Bettany, Nicholas Le Prevost, Celia Bannerman, Tom Georgeson, Lucy Akhurst.

More “Home Front”

Full filmography @ Wikipedia