Celebrity Info
MyAnna Buring may be best known to many American viewers as Tanya, the charismatic leader of the Denali coven in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011) and its sequel Part 2 (2012), but her journey to that role was paved with a series of impressive performances long before she stepped into the world of sparkling vampires. Prior to her breakout in Twilight, Buring had already been building a solid reputation in British cinema and television, with roles that showcased her versatility and depth as an actress.
It was actually her compelling performance in the critically acclaimed British thriller Kill List (2011) that gave her the confidence boost she needed to go after bigger opportunities. That role, in particular, served as a turning point in her career, giving her the momentum and self-assurance to submit her reel for Twilight—a move that ultimately landed her the role of Tanya without even needing to audition. This was a major leap forward, especially considering how high-profile the franchise was at the time.
Despite the fame that came with Twilight, Buring has always preferred ensemble casts that allow her to blend into the background a bit more, giving her a kind of creative cover that’s helped her maintain a steady and respected presence in the UK film and television industry. Off-screen, she’s known for being thoughtful and grounded, qualities that seem to echo through her career choices.
Born in Sweden and raised in the Middle East by British expatriate parents, Buring attended the American British Academy in Oman. A bit of a rebellious spirit in her youth, she left school at 16 and tried to make it on her own in Stockholm. Eventually, she realized she was letting some valuable opportunities slip away, so she made the decision to pursue acting more seriously. That led her to London, where she trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, graduating in 2004.
Early in her career, she appeared in British television shows like Murder Prevention (Channel 5, 2004) and Casualty (BBC, 1986–present), but her first major film role came in 2005 with The Descent, a claustrophobic horror film featuring an all-female cast. The film earned her a degree of international recognition and was followed by roles in The Omen (2006) and the Grindhouse faux trailer (2007). During this time, she remained a familiar face on British television, appearing in popular series such as Doctor Who (BBC America, 2010–), Midsomer Murders (ITV, 1997–), and The Bill (ITV, 1984–2010).
Buring also appeared in a number of low-budget horror and thriller films like Freakdog (2008), Credo (2008), Lesbian Vampire Killers (2009), and even The Descent Part 2 (2009), which didn’t quite live up to the acclaim of the original. However, her career trajectory took a significant upward turn with Kill List, a film that not only earned her a Best Actress nomination at the British Independent Film Awards but also brought her into the spotlight in a whole new way.
The success of both Kill List and the Twilight films helped elevate her status back in the UK, leading to more high-profile television opportunities. In 2012, she appeared in the Christmas special of Downton Abbey (PBS, 2010–16), one of the most beloved period dramas of the decade, and later joined the cast of Ripper Street (BBC, 2012–16), where she played the unforgettable Long Susan, a Whitechapel brothel madam with a sharp mind and a fierce presence.
Throughout her career, MyAnna Buring has maintained a balance between film and television, often choosing roles that challenge her and allow her to disappear into a character. Whether she’s playing a powerful vampire or a morally complex historical figure, Buring consistently brings a level of authenticity and nuance that makes her performances stand out.
When it comes to MyAnna Buring’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Way of the Morris (2011) as her standout performance—this one definitely stands out as her highest rated movie. It’s a heartfelt documentary-style film that really showcases her depth as an actress. On the other hand, going through her body of work, it seems that Freakdog (2008) received notably less acclaim, making it MyAnna Buring’s lowest rated movie to date. While every actor has their ups and downs, MyAnna Buring continues to build a diverse and compelling career across both indie and mainstream projects.
United States
