Global 100


Friel, Anna

The British

Anna Friel is best known for her quirky role in ABC’s offbeat, if slightly morbid, comedy "Pushing Daisies", which follows a man who can bring people back to life, if only for a minute, and uses this talent to solve mysteries. 

Although the show was canceled after struggling through the 2007-2008 Writers Guild strike, Friel was a hit as the female lead Charlotte “Chuck” Charles, Ned’s love interest. 

The English actress with Irish blood has captured audiences with her charm. She earned a 2008 Golden Globe nomination for her role in the Emmy award-winning show. Friel was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England on July 12, 1976. At the age of 13, she was hired for her first professional acting job in the Channel 4 drama serial G.B.H.

In 1995, Friel won the National Television Award for Most Popular Actress for her work on "Brookside. In 1998 she appeared in the original Broadway run of "Closer" by Patrick Marber, winning a Drama Desk Award and a Theatre World award for her performance as Alice.

In 2001, she made her West End debut in a production of "Lulu" which later transferred to Broadway. Friel may well get her knack for musical theater in part from her Irish father, Des, who like her mother is a teacher, but also dabbles in folk guitar.

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