Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, has inspired or been mentioned in several works over the years, including books, theatre, and opera. There has also been a number of films and TV shows in which Anne has been represented. With a new programme premiering soon on Channel 5 about Anne’s final months, Royal Central is looking at some of the stars who have brought her story to a modern audience.
Elaine Stewart
Embed from Getty ImagesStewart played Anne in a 1953 film called Young Bess – a film focusing on the early life of Elizabeth I to the eve of her accession to the throne.
Vanessa Redgrave
Embed from Getty ImagesRedgrave played Anne in a 1966 film called A Man for All Seasons. It was a British biographical drama depicting the final years of Sir Thomas More’s life, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England who refused to sign a letter asking Pope Clement VII to annul Henry VIII of England’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
Geneviève Bujold
Embed from Getty ImagesBujold won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for her appearance in the 1969 British period drama Anne of the Thousand Days. The film centres around Henry VIII considering if he should sign the warrant for the execution of his second wife.
Dorothy Tutin, DBE
Embed from Getty ImagesTutin was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for her role as Anne in the 1970 drama The Six Wives of Henry VIII.
Jodhi May
Embed from Getty ImagesMay played Anne in the 2003 British TV movie version of the novel, The Other Boleyn Girl.
Helena Bonham Carter
Embed from Getty ImagesBonham Carter, known for her many roles, including playing Princess Margaret in The Crown, is no stranger to playing royalty. The actress played Anne in the 2003 TV movie Henry VIII. Bonham Carter also played Queen Elizabeth in the 2010 award-winning film, The King’s Speech.
Natalie Dormer
Embed from Getty ImagesThe actress played Anne in the popular Showtime series The Tudors. The performance was critically praised, and she won two Gemini Awards.
Natalie Portman
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Academy Award-winner played Anne in the 2008 film, The Other Boleyn Girl.
Claire Foy
Embed from Getty ImagesAlso not a stranger to playing royalty, Foy played Anne in the 2015 BBC two TV series, Wolf Hall. She would later take on the role of Queen Elizabeth II for the first two series of Netflix’s The Crown.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Embed from Getty ImagesThe actress will play Anne in Channel 5’s upcoming drama. The three-part series is described as a “psychological thriller” depicting the final months of Boleyn’s life.
