Gabrielle Anwar Bio
Gabrielle Anwar (born 4 February 1970) is a British-American actress known for her versatile performances in both film and television. She has built a distinguished career spanning several decades, earning recognition for her roles in productions ranging from independent films to major network television series. Anwar is perhaps best known for her starring role as Fiona Glenanne on the USA network series Burn Notice from 2007 to 2013, as well as her portrayal of Margaret Tudor in The Tudors. Her filmography includes notable appearances in Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991), Scent of a Woman (1992), and The Three Musketeers (1993). She became an American citizen in 2008 and currently resides in Palm Island, Florida.
Early Life and Background
Gabrielle Anwar was born in Laleham, Surrey, England, located west of central London. Her mother, Shirley Hills, was an English actress, show host, and chef, while her father, Tariq Anwar, is an Indian-born British film producer and editor known for his work in Indian cinema. Her paternal grandmother, Edith Reich, was an Austrian Jew, and her paternal grandfather was an Indian Muslim, giving Anwar a diverse multicultural heritage.
Anwar attended Laleham C of E Primary and Middle School from 1975 to 1982. During her time there, an end-of-term St Trinian’s sketch in the 1982 school concert provided an early indication of her theatrical inclinations. Her passion for performing arts led her to study drama and dance at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, one of Britain’s most prestigious performing arts schools. This formal training laid the foundation for her future career in acting.
Path to Acting
Anwar made her acting debut in the 1986 British miniseries Hideaway. She also appeared in the music video for Paul McCartney’s song “Pretty Little Head” during this early period. Her film debut came with Manifesto in 1988, which was followed by additional British television productions including First Born, Summer’s Lease, Press Gang, and The Mysteries of the Dark Jungle.
While working in film and television in London, Anwar met American actor Craig Sheffer. The two formed a connection that would significantly alter her career trajectory, leading her to relocate to Hollywood. Her first American film was If Looks Could Kill, in which she played the daughter of a murdered British agent portrayed by Roger Daltrey. She also appeared in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ music video for “Into the Great Wide Open.”
Gabrielle Anwar Career
Early Career (1985–1990)
Gabrielle Anwar began her professional acting career in 1985, appearing in British productions during the latter half of the 1980s. Her work during this period included the miniseries Hideaway and the feature film Manifesto (1988). These early roles helped her develop her craft and establish connections in both British and American entertainment industries.
Breakthrough (1991–1995)
The early 1990s marked a significant breakthrough period for Gabrielle Anwar. In 1991, she starred in Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken, a film inspired by the story of a young woman who overcame adversity through horse riding. One of her most memorable screen moments came in 1992 when she performed a tango with Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman, in which Pacino played a blind character. The scene became iconic and showcased Anwar’s talent for physical storytelling.
She followed this success with roles in several high-profile films including Body Snatchers (1993), For Love or Money (1993), and The Three Musketeers (1993). In 1992, she made a guest appearance on the American television series Beverly Hills, 90210 as competitive ice skater Tricia Kinney, who had a brief romance with the character Brandon Walsh. In 1994, People magazine recognized her beauty by naming her one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Gabrielle Anwar has demonstrated remarkable range across genres. Her television work includes a starring role in Press Gang as Sam Black and appearances in John Doe (2002–2003). She appeared in The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines in 2006. Her portrayal of Princess Margaret, sister of King Henry VIII, in Showtime’s The Tudors in 2007 brought her significant critical acclaim. Her most prominent role came from 2007 to 2013 when she starred as Fiona Glenanne in Burn Notice.
Gabrielle Anwar Family
Gabrielle Anwar has three children. She shares a daughter with her former partner Craig Sheffer, born in 1993. From 2000 to 2005, she was married to actor John Verea, with whom she has a son and a daughter. Craig Sheffer serves as godfather to Anwar’s two children with John Verea. Her father is the noted film producer and editor Tariq Anwar, and her mother Shirley Hills had a career as an actress, show host, and chef.
Personal Life
Anwar was in a relationship with actor Craig Sheffer from 1989 through the 1990s. From 2000 to 2005, she was married to actor John Verea. In April 2010, she began dating Shareef Malnik, son of Alvin Malnik. The couple married in August 2015 in Montana and currently reside in Palm Island, Florida. Gabrielle Anwar became an American citizen in 2008, reflecting her long-standing connection to the United States following her move to Hollywood with Craig Sheffer earlier in her career.