Anna Friel is a Golden Globe-nominated English actress from Rochdale, in Greater Manchester. Anna Louise Friel was born July 12, 1976 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. At the age of 13, she was hired for her first professional acting job in the Channel 4 drama serial G.B.H., as the daughter of Michael Palin's character. In 2001 she began a relationship with actor David Thewlis, whom she met on a flight to Cannes. In November 2006 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bolton for contributions to the performing arts.