Anna Gunn

Anna Gunn
Gunn at San Diego Comic-Con in 2018
Born (1968-08-11) August 11, 1968 (age 56)
OccupationActress
Years active1992–present
Spouse
(m. 1990; div. 2009)
Children2

Anna Gunn (born August 11, 1968)[1] is an American actress. She is known for playing Martha Bullock on the HBO Western series Deadwood (2004–2006) and Skyler White on the AMC crime drama series Breaking Bad (2008–2013). Her accolades include two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Gunn has starred on the ABC series The Practice (1997–2002) and the Fox series Gracepoint (2014). Her film roles include the action thriller Enemy of the State (1998), the independent thriller Red State (2011), the docudrama Little Red Wagon (2012), the financial thriller Equity (2016), the biographical drama Sully (2016), the comedy drama Being Frank (2018), and the Deadwood sequel film Deadwood: The Movie (2019). She also voiced Ariel in the Legacy of Kain video game series (1996–2003).

Early life and education

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Gunn grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico.[2] She is descended from William Rufus Day, who was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.[3] She is of Polish, Slovak, English, German and distant Irish and Dutch descent.[citation needed] She graduated from Santa Fe Preparatory School in 1986,[4] then attended Northwestern University, where she majored in theater[2] and graduated in 1990.[5][6] In the fall of 1988, she spent a semester abroad to study at the British American Drama Academy.[citation needed] She moved to Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, where she shared a house with Pamela Adlon.[7]

Career

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Gunn's first screen credit was the Quantum Leap episode "The Play's the Thing". She had a recurring role as Assistant District Attorney Jean Ward on the ABC series The Practice from 1997 to 2002, and was series regular as Martha Bullock on HBO's Deadwood from 2005 to 2006. She appeared on Seinfeld in the episode "The Glasses", in the Six Feet Under episode "Parallel Play", and on the first season of Murder One. She also provided the voice of Ariel in the Legacy of Kain series of video games.[8][9][10][11][12]

The cast and crew of Breaking Bad at the Peabody Awards in 2009

Gunn starred as Skyler White in the AMC drama series Breaking Bad, for which she was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2012, 2013 and 2014, winning in 2013 and 2014.[13] In August 2013, she wrote an op-ed piece for The New York Times examining the public dislike directed toward her character.[14]

In 2011, Gunn had a lead role in the Lifetime film Secrets of Eden, opposite John Stamos.[15] Her other film credits include Without Evidence, Enemy of the State, Treading Water, and Red State.

In February 2013, cable network Bravo announced that Gunn would star in a pilot for a one-hour TV drama, Rita, based on a Danish TV series about a private-school teacher and mother. The Fox TV Studios pilot was to be written by Krista Vernoff and directed by Miguel Arteta.[16]

In 2014, Gunn starred Off-Broadway with Billy Magnussen in Sex with Strangers, directed by David Schwimmer at Second Stage Theater.[17]

Gunn starred in the 2016 film Equity. Billed as the first female-driven Wall Street film, it premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.[18][19] That same year, she starred in Clint Eastwood's biographical drama film Sully.[20]

In 2019, Gunn starred as Maxine Faulk in the Noël Coward Theater limited-time production of Tennessee Williams' The Night of the Iguana.[21][22]

Personal life

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Gunn married Scottish actor and real estate broker Alastair Duncan in 1990. They divorced in 2009.[2] They have two daughters, Eila Rose and Emma.[23]

Filmography

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Gunn at San Diego Comic-Con in 2013

Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1994 French Intensive Rachel Short film
Junior Casitas Madres Receptionist [24]
1995 Without Evidence Liz Godlove
Star Power Denise Short film
1997 Santa Fe Jane
1998 Enemy of the State Emily Reynolds
2000 Lost Souls Sally Prescott
2001 Nobody's Baby Stormy
2002 Treading Water The Actress
2011 Red State Travis' Mother
2012 Little Red Wagon Laurie Bonner
Sassy Pants June Pruitt
2016 Equity Naomi Bishop
Sully Dr. Elizabeth Davis
2018 Being Frank Laura Hansen
2021 Land of Dreams Nancy
2022 The Apology Darlene Hagen

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1992 Quantum Leap Liz Episode: "The Play's the Thing"
Indecency Celeste Television film
1992–1993 Down the Shore Arden Main role
1993 Seinfeld Amy Episode: "The Glasses"[25]
1994 Missing Persons Ellie Keogh Episode: "My Beautiful Son Is O.K..."
NYPD Blue Kimmy 2 episodes
Moment of Truth: Caught in the Crossfire Agt. Alex King Television film
1995 If Someone Had Known Officer Linda Reed Television film
1995–1996 Murder One Melissa Griotte 3 episodes
1996 Chicago Hope Megan Stanard Episode: "Sexual Perversity in Chicago Hope"
The Lazarus Man The Journal Episode: "The Journal"
Men Behaving Badly Michelle Episode: "Babies Having Babies"
The Big Easy Evie Episode: "Snake Dance"
1997 Sleepwalkers Angie Gilpin Episode: "Night Terrors"
1997–2002 The Practice Jean Ward Recurring role; 10 episodes
1999 ER Ekabo's Lawyer Episode: "Point of Origin"
The Drew Carey Show Kelly Walker Episode: "Drew's Reunion"
Judging Amy Emily Noble Episode: "Presumed Innocent"
2000 Bull Miss Coyle Episode: "A Beautiful Lie"
2001 The Guardian Meghan Barstow 2 episodes
2002 Yes, Dear Jessica Episode: "Kim's New Nanny"
2003 Twelve Mile Road Leah Television film
Dragnet Dr. Louise Nottingham 2 episodes
The O'Keefes Phyllis Episode: "Pilot"
L.A. Confidential Renata Unsold pilot
Wild Card Janell Morgan Episode: "The Cheese Stands Alone"
The Lyon's Den Elizabeth Hopper Episode: "Blood"
Miss Match Maureen Weston Episode: "Kate in Ex-tasy"
Miracles Rebecca Webb Episode: "You Are My Sunshine"
2004 NYPD 2069 Natalie Franco Unsold pilot
The D.A. Shelly Ward Episode: "The People vs. Sergius Kovinsky"
Six Feet Under Madeline Episode: "Parallel Play"
2005–2006 Deadwood Martha Bullock Main role
2007 Boston Legal Attorney Susan Bixby Episode: "Nuts"
2008–2013 Breaking Bad Skyler White Lead role
2010 Law & Order Marielle Di Napoli Episode: "Love Eternal"
Lie to Me Jenkins Episode: "Dirty Loyal"
2012 Secrets of Eden Detective Catherine Benincasa Television film
2014 The Mindy Project Sheila Hamilton Episode: "Girl Crush"
Gracepoint Detective Ellie Miller Main role
2015 Criminal Minds Special Agent Lily Lambert Episode: "Beyond Borders"
Portlandia Glynis Brooks Episode: "House for Sale"
2016 Robot Chicken Mother / Skyler White (voice) Episode: "Food"[26]
Shades of Blue Julia Ayres Recurring role; 10 episodes
2019 Deadwood: The Movie Martha Bullock Television film
2021 Prodigal Son Sheriff Fern Cooley Episode: "The Last Weekend"
2022–2023 Physical Marika 3 episodes
2023 Most Dangerous Game Chairwoman 4 episodes
2024 Sugar Margit Recurring role; 6 episodes

Video games

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Year Title Role Notes
1996 Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain Ariel, Azimuth, DeJoule Voice role
1999 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Ariel Voice role
2001 Soul Reaver 2 Ariel Voice role
2003 Legacy of Kain: Defiance Ariel Voice role

Awards and nominations

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Awards and nominations received by Anna Gunn
Award Year[a] Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Critics' Choice Television Awards 2012 Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [27]
2013 Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [28]
2014 Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [29]
Golden Nymph Awards 2013 Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [30]
Online Film & Television Association Awards 2012 Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [31]
2013 Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [32]
2019 Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture or Limited Series Deadwood: The Movie Nominated [33]
Primetime Emmy Awards 2012 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [34]
2013 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Won [35]
2014 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Won [36]
Satellite Awards 2014 Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Breaking Bad Nominated [37]
Saturn Awards 2010 Best Actress on Television Breaking Bad Nominated [38]
2013 Best Supporting Actress on Television Breaking Bad Nominated [39]
2014 Best Actress on Television Breaking Bad Nominated [40]
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2007 Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Deadwood Nominated [41]
2012 Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [42]
2013 Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [43]
2014 Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Nominated [44]
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Breaking Bad Won

Notes

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  1. ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

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  1. ^ Ho, Rodney (August 11, 2024). "Knight juggles HGTV show, touring Celebrities". South Florida Sun - Sentinel. p. E6. ProQuest 3093443850. Wrestler Hulk Hogan is 71. Actor Viola Davis is 59. Podcaster Joe Rogan is 57. Actor Anna Gunn is 56. Actor Sophie Okonedo is 56. Singer Ben Gibbard is 48. Actor Merritt Wever is 44. Actor Chris Hemsworth is 41 See also:
    • "This Day in History: Today's Birthdays". The Boston Globe. August 11, 2009. p. B6. ProQuest 405191161. Wrestler-actor Hulk Hogan is 56. Singer-songwriter Joe Jackson is 55. Playwright David Henry Hwang is 52. Actor Miguel A. Nunez Jr. is 45. Actress Viola Davis is 44. Actor Duane Martin is 44. Actor-host Joe Rogan is 42. R&B musician Chris Dave is 41. Actress Anna Gunn is 41.
  2. ^ a b c Dougherty, Margot (March 2014). "Anna Gunn: From 'Breaking Bad' to Breakthrough Star". MORE Magazine. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  3. ^ "Family relationship of Anna Gunn and William Rufus Day via William Rufus Day". famouskin.com. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  4. ^ Oliveira, Adele (May 31, 2013). "Santa Fe Prep graduation: 'Our choices are ours'". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on April 7, 2019. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  5. ^ "Anna Gunn: Biography". TVGuide.com. Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
  6. ^ LaMagna, Maria (April 8, 2010). "Q&A: 'Breaking Bad' star reflects on NU memories". The Daily Northwestern. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  7. ^ Actress Pamela Adlon Says Better Things Is Dedicated to Her Daughters. Fresh Air. NPR. September 6, 2016. Event occurs at 7:20. Archived from the original on March 20, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  8. ^ "Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain - Credits". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  9. ^ "Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - Credits". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2008.
  10. ^ "Soul Reaver 2 - Credits". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2008.
  11. ^ "Legacy of Kain: Defiance - Credits". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2008.
  12. ^ "Anna Gunn (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  13. ^ Rice, Lynette (July 19, 2012). "Emmys 2012: And the nominees are..." Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 10, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  14. ^ Gunn, Anna (August 23, 2013). "I Have a Character Issue". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 8, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  15. ^ "About the Movie Secrets of Eden". Lifetime. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  16. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 1, 2013). "Anna Gunn To Star In Bravo Drama Pilot 'Rita'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  17. ^ Isherwood, Charles (July 30, 2014). "Between the Sheets: Anna Gunn and Billy Magnussen Star in Sex with Strangers". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
  18. ^ McNary, Dace (June 29, 2015). "Anna Gunn Starring in Female-Driven Wall Street Movie". Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  19. ^ Chang, Justin (December 2, 2015). "Sundance Film Festival Unveils 2016 Competition, Next Films". Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  20. ^ Hammond, Pete (July 29, 2016). "Anna Gunn Talks Starring In 'Equity', Working With Clint Eastwood & Rumors Of 'Breaking Bad' And 'Deadwood' Movies". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 24, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  21. ^ Orlova-Alvarez, Tamara; Alvarez, Joe (February 2, 2019). "The Night Of The Iguana: Clive Owen Returns to The West End". Ikon London Magazine. Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  22. ^ Johnson, Robin (February 1, 2019). "Clive Owen, Anna Gunn & Lia Williams to star in The Night of the Iguana". Official London Theater. Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  23. ^ Gee, Alison (September 14, 2006). "Deadwood's Anna Gunn Has a Girl". People. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
  24. ^ "Forgotten Anna Gunn Roles, Ranked According To IMDb". screenrant.com. November 21, 2021.
  25. ^ "From Seinfeld to Breaking Bad: Anna Gunn's Journey to Stardom". tvovermind.com. October 7, 2014.
  26. ^ "'Breaking Bad' creator says Anna Gunn was "troubled" about the hatred aimed at Skyler". entertainment.ie. August 23, 2022.
  27. ^ Team, The Deadline (June 19, 2012). "Critics' Choice TV Awards: 'Homeland', 'Community' & 'Sherlock' Double Winners". Deadline. Archived from the original on June 1, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  28. ^ TVLine, Team (May 22, 2013). "Big Bang, Horror Story, Parks & Rec, Good Wife, The Americans Lead Critics Choice Nominations". TVLine. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  29. ^ Sandberg, Bryn (June 19, 2014). "Critics' Choice Television Awards 2014: Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  30. ^ Barraclough, Leo (June 13, 2013). "'Breaking Bad,' 'Modern Family' win in Monte Carlo". Variety. Archived from the original on June 4, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  31. ^ "17th Annual TV Awards (2012-13) – Online Film & Television Association". Retrieved September 22, 2024.
  32. ^ "18th Annual TV Awards (2013-14) – Online Film & Television Association". Archived from the original on September 10, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
  33. ^ "23rd Annual TV Awards (2018-19) – Online Film & Television Association". Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
  34. ^ "Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series Nominees / Winners 2012". Television Academy. Archived from the original on May 28, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  35. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (September 23, 2013). "Emmy Winners 2013: Breaking Bad and Modern Family Score Top Honors, Claire Danes Repeats, HBO and Candelabra Dominate". TVLine. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  36. ^ Staff, C. N. N. (August 26, 2014). "Primetime Emmy Awards 2014: The winners list". CNN. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  37. ^ Kilday, Gregg (February 23, 2014). "Satellite Awards: '12 Years a Slave' Wins Best Motion Picture". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 5, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  38. ^ "Saturn Awards: 'Avatar,' James Cameron, and 'Lost' take top honors". EW.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  39. ^ Cohen, David S. (June 27, 2013). "Saturn Awards: 'Avengers,' 'Breaking Bad' lead sci-fi-fantasy-horror pack". Variety. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  40. ^ "Walking Dead dominates 40th Saturn Awards". Digital Spy. June 27, 2014. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  41. ^ "The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards | Screen Actors Guild Awards". www.sagawards.org. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  42. ^ Staff, T. H. R. (January 29, 2012). "SAG Awards 2012: The Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  43. ^ Finke, Nikki (January 28, 2013). "Screen Actors Guild 2013 Awards: 'Argo' Cast, Daniel Day-Lewis In 'Lincoln', Jennifer Lawrence In 'Silver Linings Playbook', Anne Hathaway in 'Les Miserables', Tommy Lee Jones In 'Lincoln', 'Downton Abbey' Cast, Bryan Cranston In 'Breaking Bad', Claire Danes In 'Homeland', Julianne Moore In 'Game Change', Kevin Costner in 'Hatfields & McCoy', 'Modern Family' Cast, Tina Fey & Alec Baldwin In '30 Rock'". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  44. ^ Ausiello, Michael (January 19, 2014). "2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Breaking Bad, Modern Family Score Multiple Wins". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 24, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
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