As of 2025, Anna Friel—an English actress—has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Well known for being a multifaceted actress in television, film, and theater, she is perhaps best known for her breakout role in the 1990s Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, along with her roles in the highly acclaimed television shows Pushing Daisies, Marcella, The Girlfriend Experience, and Broken.
She is also known for her acting roles in feature films Me Without You, Timeline, Bathory, Charming the Hearts of Men (on Netflix), and Locked In, along with award-winning theater roles in Closer and Uncle Vanya.
Early Life and Education
Anna Friel was born on July 12, 1976 in Rochdale, England to Desmond Friel, a folk musician and French teacher, and Julie, a teacher for the learning disabled. She has a brother named Michael and started her education at Crompton House CE School and Holy Cross College.
Very early on in life, Friel discovered her ambitions in the performing arts, with professional acting as a teenager.
Television Career
Friel’s first on-screen television role was in the television movie G.B.H. in 1991, but her career breakout role was in 1993, as Beth Jordache in Brookside. Her character achieved iconic status due to numerous impactful storylines that were highly publicized, including a same-sex kiss that was the first to be scripted as such on British television. Over the last few decades, she has built a remarkable portfolio on television:
Pushing Daisies (2007-2009) — Recognized for her portrayal of Charlotte Charles, she was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Marcella (2016-2021) — She starred as detective Marcella Backland in a Nordic noir detective series that gained her more praise on the international stage.
The Girlfriend Experience (2017), Broken (2017), and Butterfly (2018) — During the period, she continued to demonstrate her dramatic range.
In The Box (2021) and Monarch (2022), she continued to balance both international projects and Hollywood television.
The Dream Lands and Unforgivable (2023) — As of late, her two projects for the BBC.
Her ability to pivot her career trajectory has shown that she has been able to sustain herself from British soaps and also significantly expand to American network television and international streamed platforms.
Film
Friel debuted in film in the late 1990s with The Stringer and The Land Girls. Along the way, she balanced producing independent films as well as working on a number of larger films including:
Me Without You (2001)—An indie drama that received favorable reviews
Timeline (2003)—Sci-fi adventure movie
Bathory (2008) — Received positive attention globally for her role as Countess Elizabeth Bathory
Land of the Lost (2009)—Grossed up a Hollywood comedy film with Will Ferrell
Limitless (2011)—A sci-fi thriller with Bradley Cooper
The Look of Love (2013)—Biographical drama
Books of Blood (2020)—Horror anthology
Charming the Hearts of Men (2021)—A historical drama
Locked In (2023)—A Netflix psychological thriller
Due to her ability to effortlessly hover in and out of genres, she has affirmed her ability to distinguish herself as a steady presence on the silver screen. Stage Career
Friel is a gifted stage actress as well.
She made her Broadway debut in Closer (1999) and won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress.
In London’s West End, she has been in productions of Lulu (2001), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (2009), and Uncle Vanya (2012–2013).
Friel’s theatrical work has focused on emotional depth while expressing bold creative choices, which underscores her multi-talented reputation.
Personal Life
Anna Friel had a long-term relationship with actor David Thewlis from 2001 to 2010, and they have a daughter, Gracie, born in 2005.
Despite receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, Friel embraced motherhood and continued her career.
Friel was in a relationship with Welsh actor Rhys Ifans from 2011 to 2014.
Friel is a private yet highly regarded family woman and performer.
Anna Friel’s Net Worth and Career Trajectory
Anna Friel’s estimated \$4 million net worth reflects her reliable financial income from her television work (especially on the long-running Brookside, Marcella, and Pushing Daisies) as well as from films (both indie and mainstream features) she has appeared in, her work in critically heralded performances on stage, and her international work that exposed her to those beyond living in the UK.
The portfolio of the last five years reflects a pattern of success and demonstrates Friel’s ability to diversify her work and stay relevant amidst the instability of the entertainment industry.
FAQs About Anna Friel
What is Anna Friel’s net worth?
Anna Friel’s estimated net worth is \$4 million as of 2025.
What is Anna Friel most famous for? Friel is most well-known for Brookside, Pushing Daisies, and Marcella.
Has Anna Friel won awards?
Yes. Friel won a Drama Desk Award for her performance in Closer (the play) and was nominated for the Golden Globe for her role in Pushing Daisies (2007).
What movies has Anna Friel been in?
Her films include Me Without You, Timeline, Bathory, Land of the Lost, Limitless, and Locked In.
Did Anna Friel act on stage?
Yes. Anna Friel starred on Broadway and in London’s West End; productions include Closer (1999), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (2009), and Uncle Vanya (2012).
Does Anna Friel have children?
Yes, Friel has a daughter (Gracie) born in 2005.
