From Anne Shirley to Now: Megan Follows Reflects on Her Iconic Legacy 40 Years Later
Four decades after capturing hearts worldwide, Megan Follows remains an enduring figure in television history. The actress first rose to international stardom in 1985, stepping into the role of the spirited Anne Shirley in the beloved production of Anne of Green Gables. Based on the novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the series became a defining moment in Follows’ career and a cultural touchstone for audiences across the globe.
The road to becoming the face of Anne Shirley was an arduous one; Follows was selected from a staggering pool of 3,000 candidates. Now 58 years aged, the Canadian actress continues to be active in the film industry, though the role of the red-haired orphan remains her most recognized achievement. Reflecting on the impact of the character, Follows told Variety: “I have always been extremely grateful that as a young woman I was able to debut in the role of a strong heroine, constituting the center of her own story. One of the things that connects me with the creators of the series is that Anne had a very strong influence on our lives. She defined us as artists, writers and me as an actress.”
Although the 1985 miniseries and its two sequels cemented her fame, Follows has navigated her adult career with a focus on quality and discretion. One of her most notable later performances saw her portraying Queen Catherine de’ Medici in a series focused on the young Mary Stuart. Unlike many child stars, Follows has largely avoided the turbulence of tabloid scandals, maintaining a private and professional public image.
Her personal life has remained relatively quiet, though We see known that her first marriage to Christopher David Porter ended in 1996 after five years, with the couple sharing two children. She was later in a relationship with actor Stuart Hughes.
Beyond her acting credits, Follows is dedicated to charitable endeavors. Looking forward, the actress has revealed that she was approached for a role in an upcoming biographical film centered on the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author who created the character that first launched her into the spotlight.
From Anne Shirley to Now: A Look at Megan Follows at 58
