By rights, as she was cast as a foil to Marlena and Roman’s relationship, viewers weren’t supposed to like the character of Anna Fredericks Brady. But when Days of Our Lives hired actress Leann Hunley to play the part, fans couldn’t help but fall in love with her!
Now, the stunningly beautiful actress is having a birthday celebration today. Hunley was born on February 25, 1955, which means she’s turning 64 years old.
Hunley was destined to be on soaps. She’d previously tested for the role of Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless. While that part went to Eileen Davidson, Hunley was the perfect choice to play Anna, the mother of Carrie Brady and Roman’s former love.
It wasn’t long before Hunley, a native of Forks, Washington, was paired with Thaao Penghlis (ex-Tony) and sparks ignited! The couple became a fast favorite with fans as viewers fell in love with Anna and Tony’s wit, sophistication, style, and humor!
Alas, the couple’s run was cut short after Tony disappeared into the fog and, later, Anna moved to Europe.
Comedy’s not always easy to do on soaps, but Hunley has great timing. For example, Anna’s reactions to Tony having a fondness for Jasmine, a beautiful island girl, whom Tony brought to Salem, were comical and made Anna more endearing.
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In 1986, Hunley won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Alas, she wasn’t on hand to accept the award at the ceremony held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York as she was busy taping her role as Dana Waring Carrington on Dynasty!
Hunley also played Pacey’s (Joshua Jackson) teacher Tamara Jacobs on Dawson’s Creek. Her other credits include Raising Hope, Law & Order: SVU, Models, Inc., Murphy Brown,
Soap Hub joins Hunley’s family, friends, and fans in wishing the actress a happy birthday and many happy returns!
Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on NBC. Check local listings for air times.
Video Credit: exquisiteXproduction
Video Credit: gozolavida
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