Megan Follows

Megan Follows is a Canadian actress and director, internationally renowned for her defining portrayal of the spirited Anne Shirley in the acclaimed CBC Television miniseries Anne of Green Gables (1985) and its sequels. Her career spans over four decades, encompassing significant work in film, television, and theatre, with notable roles in series such as Reign and Heartland. Follows has received multiple accolades, including Gemini Awards and a Directors Guild of Canada award, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in Canadian cinema.

Early life and education

Born in Toronto, she is the daughter of Ted Follows and Dawn Greenhalgh, both established actors, and the sister of Laurence and Edwina Follows, creating a deeply rooted family connection to the performing arts. She attended Jarvis Collegiate Institute in Toronto before fully committing to her acting career from a young age, making her professional debut at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. Her early training was largely practical, honed through extensive experience on stage and on set, under the guidance of her theatrical family and the demands of the industry.

Career

Her breakthrough came with her iconic performance in Kevin Sullivan's adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel, which earned her a Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series and launched her into international recognition. She continued to build a diverse resume, starring in films like The Last Days of Pompeii and The Sound and the Silence, while also maintaining a strong presence in American television with roles in series such as Poltergeist: The Legacy and The Outer Limits. In the 2010s, she gained a new generation of fans playing Catherine de' Medici in The CW's historical drama Reign and later joined the cast of the long-running CBC series Heartland. She has also directed episodes of television, including for Heartland, and performed in numerous stage productions across Canada and the United States.

Personal life

She was married to actor Stuart Hughes from 1991 until their divorce in 2001; the couple has two children. She maintains a relatively private life, focusing on her family and her craft, and is known for her advocacy and support of the arts community in Canada. She has spoken about the lasting impact of playing Anne Shirley and her gratitude for the connection the role has fostered with audiences worldwide over many decades.

Filmography

A selective list of her extensive work includes the film The Last Days of Pompeii (1984), the television movies Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Anne of Avonlea (1987), the series Poltergeist: The Legacy (1996–1999), Reign (2013–2017), and Heartland (2019–2023). Her theatrical credits include performances at the Stratford Festival and in productions like Saint Joan.

Awards and nominations

Her performance in Anne of Green Gables won her the Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series. She has received additional Gemini Award nominations for her work in The Sound and the Silence and Life with Billy. For her directing work on Heartland, she won a Directors Guild of Canada award. She has also been honored with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

Category:Canadian film actresses Category:Canadian television actresses Category:Canadian television directors Category:Actresses from Toronto Category:1968 births Category:Living people