Megan Follows Actress: A Look At The Beloved Star's Journey

When you think of classic Canadian television, it's almost impossible not to picture the vibrant and imaginative Anne Shirley. That, is that character, brought to life so memorably by the incredibly talented Megan Follows, has really captured hearts for decades. Her portrayal of the spirited orphan in the "Anne of Green Gables" miniseries is, you know, a true cultural touchstone for so many people.

Megan Follows, the actress we're talking about here, has had a fascinating career that goes far beyond that iconic red-haired girl. She's a veteran performer with a truly impressive list of credits to her name, and her work has, in a way, shaped how many of us see Canadian storytelling. So, if you've ever wondered more about the woman behind Anne, or perhaps her other notable roles, you're in for a treat.

Today, we're going to explore the remarkable journey of Megan Follows, from her early days in a showbiz family to her enduring legacy as a celebrated Canadian actress. We'll look at what made her portrayal of Anne so special, and also touch on the diverse characters she's brought to life since then. It's really quite a story.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Megan Follows
• Personal Details & Bio Data
• The Anne of Green Gables Phenomenon
• A Veteran Actress and Diverse Roles
• Frequently Asked Questions About Megan Follows
• A Lasting Impact

Biography of Megan Follows

Megan Elizabeth Laura Diana Follows, a Canadian actress, was born on March 14, 1968, in Toronto, Ontario. She comes from a showbiz family, which is pretty cool, you know? Her father, Ted Follows, and her mother, Dawn Greenhalgh, were both involved in the performing arts. This background, perhaps, set the stage for her own path into acting from a rather young age. It's almost as if she was destined for it.

She began her acting journey early on, and by the time she was a teenager, she had already started to make a name for herself. Her talent was, in some respects, evident from the beginning, leading her to some very significant roles that would define much of her public recognition. She was, you know, just 16 years old when she landed what would become her most famous part.

Over the years, Megan Follows has built a career that spans stage, film, and television, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft. She's truly become a prominent figure in Canadian entertainment, and her work is, honestly, recognized by many around the world. It’s pretty amazing how long she’s been doing this.

Personal Details & Bio Data

The Anne of Green Gables Phenomenon

If you love "Anne of Green Gables," you're probably very familiar with Megan Follows. She's, you know, truly best known for playing the outspoken and imaginative Anne Shirley in the 1985 Canadian television miniseries. This role was, in a way, a defining moment not just for her career, but for many viewers who grew up with Anne's adventures. It was, apparently, a hugely popular series.

When Anne Shirley arrives at the Cuthbert's farm on Prince Edward Island, she is, as the story goes, a lively and talkative orphan. Megan Follows, at just 16 years old when she was chosen for the part, managed to capture Anne's spirit with such remarkable depth. Her performance was, in fact, so compelling that it earned her significant recognition.

She received a 1986 Gemini Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actress for her work in the miniseries. Then, two years later, she won another Gemini Award in 1988 for the same category, likely for her continued portrayal in the sequels. These awards really cemented her status as a standout talent, even at such a young age. It’s pretty incredible, honestly, what she achieved.

Her portrayal of Anne Shirley wasn't just a role; it became a cultural touchstone. The series and her performance gained prominence, and she went on to star in its two sequels, continuing Anne's story. For many, Megan Follows *is* Anne Shirley, and that's a testament to her acting prowess and the deep connection she forged with the character. It’s, like, truly unforgettable.

A Veteran Actress and Diverse Roles

While Anne Shirley might be her most famous character, Megan Follows has, as a matter of fact, built a long and varied career since then. With close to 100 film and TV appearances, she is now, you know, definitely a veteran actress. Her extensive filmography on Rotten Tomatoes, for instance, shows every movie and TV show she has been credited in, which is pretty cool to explore.

Beyond the green gables, she's taken on a wide array of roles, demonstrating her range and commitment to her craft. She portrayed Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France, in the popular television series "Reign." This was, in a way, a very different kind of role from Anne, showcasing her ability to embody complex historical figures with gravitas and presence. She also, apparently, played her role in the TV series "Reign" which aired for a while.

More recently, Megan Follows is a Canadian actress and director who currently plays Lily Borden on the CBC series "Heartland." This ongoing role just shows her continued presence and relevance in the entertainment industry. She's not one to rest on her laurels, you know, and keeps taking on interesting projects.

Her work ethic and talent have allowed her to sustain a successful career for many years. She's not just an actress; she's also a director, showing another facet of her creative abilities. This longevity and diversity of roles are, in some respects, what truly define her as a respected figure in Canadian and international entertainment. She’s, like, truly dedicated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Megan Follows

Here are some common questions people often have about Megan Follows:

What is Megan Follows famous for?

Megan Follows is, you know, primarily famous for her portrayal of Anne Shirley in the 1985 Canadian television miniseries "Anne of Green Gables" and its two sequels. This role brought her widespread recognition and earned her two Gemini Awards for Best Performance by a Lead Actress. She's also known for her role as Catherine de’ Medici in the series "Reign" and, more recently, Lily Borden on "Heartland."

How old was Megan Follows when she played Anne Shirley?

Megan Follows was, in fact, 16 years old when she was chosen to play Anne Shirley in the 1985 miniseries "Anne of Green Gables." Her youthful age at the time of filming, combined with her mature performance, really made her portrayal quite remarkable. It’s pretty impressive, honestly, to take on such a big role at that age.

Is Megan Follows still acting?

Yes, Megan Follows is, you know, definitely still acting. As of the information available, she currently plays Lily Borden on the CBC series "Heartland." She has a long and active career with nearly 100 film and TV appearances, showing her ongoing presence in the entertainment industry. She’s, like, very much active.

A Lasting Impact

Megan Follows has, in a way, left an indelible mark on Canadian television and beyond, particularly through her iconic portrayal of Anne Shirley. Her talent, which was evident from her early days, has allowed her to build a very successful and enduring career. She's a true example of an actress who, you know, continues to evolve and take on interesting projects.

Her ability to bring beloved characters to life, whether it's the imaginative Anne or the powerful Catherine de' Medici, speaks volumes about her skill. She's, apparently, a celebrated figure, and her contributions to film and television are widely appreciated. To learn more about her extensive work, you might want to check out her filmography on a reputable movie database.

So, next time you see "Anne of Green Gables" or catch an episode of "Heartland," remember the talented Megan Follows and the incredible journey she's had in the world of acting. You can learn more about her career on our site, and also explore other fascinating aspects of Canadian entertainment history.