Written by: Jack Thompson

Megan Follows: The Beloved Anne of Green Gables

Megan Follows is a Canadian-American actress and director, best known for her iconic portrayal of Anne Shirley in the 1985 Canadian television miniseries Anne of Green Gables and its two sequels. This breakout role catapulted her to international recognition, cementing her status as a beloved and talented actress.

Early Life and Family

Born on March 14, 1968, in Toronto, Ontario, Follows is the youngest of four children in an acting family. Her father, Ted Follows, was a Canadian theatre actor and director, while her mother, Dawn Greenhalgh, is a Canadian actress. Her parents later divorced, and she has three siblings, all of whom are involved in the entertainment industry. Her elder sister, Edwina, is a writer, while her brother, Laurence, and sister, Samantha, are also actors.

Career Beginnings

Follows' first acting job came at the age of nine, when she landed a spot in a commercial for Bell Canada. She went on to find steady work in Canada, appearing in several TV series, including Matt and Jenny, The Baxters, and The Littlest Hobo, where she guest-starred with her entire family in a three-part episode. She also starred in the short films The Olden Days Coat (1981) and Boys and Girls (1983), the latter of which won an Academy Award for Best Short Subject.

Breakthrough Role: Anne of Green Gables

In 1985, Follows was cast as Anne Shirley in the miniseries Anne of Green Gables, a role that would become synonymous with her name. The part was a coveted one, with over 3,000 other young girls auditioning for the role. Director Kevin Sullivan chose Follows, despite initial concerns that she might be too old for the part. The miniseries became a global success, and Follows' portrayal of the spirited and imaginative Anne earned her widespread acclaim.

Later Career and Directorsial Debut

In the following years, Follows continued to work in film and television, appearing in projects such as Exile, Under the Piano, and Cold Case. From 2013 to 2017, she starred as Catherine de Medici, Queen of France, in the television drama series Reign. In 2018, she made her directorial debut with the short film The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, based on the classic ballet.

Awards and Nominations

Follows has been nominated for several awards, including a Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series for her work in Anne of Green Gables. She has also won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Under the Piano.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Follows has been married to gaffer Christopher Porter since 1996, and they have two children together. She is involved with several charitable organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Hospital for Sick Children. Follows has also been an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking publicly about her own struggles with anxiety and depression.

Legacy and Impact

Megan Follows' iconic portrayal of Anne Shirley has inspired generations of young actresses and actresses-in-training. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to philanthropy have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. As a Canadian-American actress and director, Follows continues to make a lasting impact on the world of film and television.