Megan Follows is perhaps best remembered for her unforgettable performance as Anne Shirley in the beloved CBC miniseries Anne of Green Gables (1985), a role that not only captured hearts across Canada but also launched Megan Follows into the spotlight as one of the country’s most enduring and versatile actresses. Over the years, Megan Follows has amassed more than 100 credits in television and film, showcasing her remarkable range and dedication to her craft. Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1968, Megan Follows was practically born into the business—growing up in a family deeply rooted in acting. Her on-screen journey began at just nine years old with a commercial for Bell Canada, a small but significant start that foreshadowed a long and successful career.
By the age of eleven, Megan Follows had already made her TV debut in the Boer War-era drama A Gift To Last (CBC, 1976–79). From there, she quickly built momentum, starring in the adventure series Matt and Jenny (Global, 1979) and the family sitcom The Baxters (Syndicated, 1979–1981). Seeking to refine her skills, Megan Follows eventually moved to Los Angeles to study acting, but she never strayed far from the screen. She appeared as Jo’s cousin Terry on The Facts of Life (NBC), shared the spotlight with her real-life family in a two-part episode of The Littlest Hobo (CTV), and took on a recurring role as Didi Crane in the CBS comedy Domestic Life (1984). That same year, Megan Follows appeared in the TV movie Hockey Night, further solidifying her presence in Canadian television.
The year 1985 proved to be a turning point in Megan Follows’ career. Not only did she make her cinematic debut in the Stephen King adaptation Silver Bullet, but she also stepped into the iconic role of Anne Shirley—the fiery, red-headed orphan from Prince Edward Island—in Anne of Green Gables. The performance earned widespread acclaim and became synonymous with Megan Follows’ name. She would go on to reprise the role in the sequel Anne of Avonlea (1987) and later return for Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000), demonstrating both her deep connection to the character and audiences’ lasting affection for her portrayal.
Following this success, Megan Follows continued to take on diverse and challenging roles. She starred in TV movies like Sin of Innocence (1986) and a remake of Inherit The Wind (1988), then delivered a powerful performance in the gritty Canadian drama Termini Station (1989). In 1990, Megan Follows played Shelley in the psychological thriller Deep Sleep and lent her voice to Clara in the animated feature The Nutcracker Prince. The early ‘90s saw her tackling real-life stories, including portraying kidnap victim Peggy Ann Bradnick in Cry In The Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann (1991), and diving into classical theater with a lead role in Romeo and Juliet (1993).
Though her stint as Kate Benedict on the short-lived CBC series Second Chances (1993–94) was brief, Megan Follows remained highly active, guest-starring on popular shows like Murder, She Wrote and The Outer Limits. Her performance as an autistic pianist in the 1996 film Under The Piano received rave reviews, highlighting her depth as an actress. She also embraced lighter fare, playing the quirky Lisa in the comedy Reluctant Angel (1998).
Throughout the 2000s, Megan Follows stayed consistently busy, appearing in high-profile series such as Law & Order, ER, and The X-Files. She took on supporting roles in films like A Foreign Affair (2003) and the heartwarming Christmas Child (2004), and found a steady presence on Canadian television as Janice Keneally in the anthology series Robson Arms (CTV, 2005–08). Megan Follows also portrayed Shania Twain’s mother in the biopic Shania: A Life in Eight Albums (2005), adding emotional weight to the music star’s story.
Further expanding her repertoire, Megan Follows brought Francie Thomson to life in several TV adaptations of Bernice Thurman Hunter’s Booky novels. She made guest appearances on hit American dramas including Lie To Me, Brothers and Sisters, and House, proving her ability to blend seamlessly into ensemble casts. In the 2010s, Megan Follows transitioned into historical fiction with strong performances—as Maud in World Without End (ReelzChannel, 2012) and as the regal Queen Catherine in Reign (The CW, 2013–), a role that introduced her to a new generation of viewers.
Most recently, Megan Follows took on the role of Barbara in the action-packed racing thriller Drive Hard (2014), once again demonstrating her adaptability across genres. From child star to seasoned performer, Megan Follows has navigated her decades-long career with grace, talent, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling—making Megan Follows not just a household name in Canadian entertainment, but a respected figure in international film and television.
When it comes to Megan Follows’s career highlights, one name consistently stands out—Megan Follows. Her most acclaimed work by far is Anne of Green Gables (1985), which remains her highest-rated film and a defining role in her acting journey. Over the years, Megan Follows has delivered many memorable performances, but none have quite matched the critical success of that beloved classic. On the other end of the spectrum, Megan Follows appeared in Lie Exposed (2020), a project that received notably lower ratings compared to her earlier work. While Megan Follows continues to take on diverse roles, it’s clear that her legacy is deeply tied to standout performances like the one in Anne of Green Gables.