Leann Hunley
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SOAP STAR STATS
Leann Hunley (Anna, DAYS)
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— NBC
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Vital Statistics
- Birthdate:
- February 25
- Birthplace:
- Forks, Wash.
- Star Sign:
- Pisces
- Years on Show:
- 1982-'86, 2007 to present
- Marital Status:
- Divorced
The 411
The youngest of four children, Leann Hunley was born in Forks, Wash., and attended the University of Washington in Seattle. In 1977, the blonde beauty entered the Miss Hawaii contest, and finished as second runner-up. The recognition from the pageant led to modeling work. Eventually, Hunley's focus veered toward acting, when she landed two small guest spots on HAWAII FIVE-O through her modeling agency.
Hunley's acting career quickly took off. She was cast as a regular on THE MISADVENTURES OF SHERIFF LOBO in 1979 and 1980. Then, in 1982, she made her daytime debut as Anna Fredericks Brady on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. The role earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for supporting actress in 1986.
Upon exiting DAYS, Hunley's career continued to flourish in nighttime television and film. Her most notable roles were Dana Waring Carrington on Aaron Spelling's DYNASTY, from 1986 to 1988, and Tamara Jacobs on DAWSON'S CREEK, a high school English teacher who had a tempestuous affair with Pacey, one of her students, in 1998.
Et Cetera
Five Random Facts
—Once worked as an answering service operator.
—Was unable to attend the Daytime Emmy Awards the year she won, because she was filming HOTEL.
—Appeared on the cover of TV Guide’s July 30-August 5, 1988 issue.
—Auditioned for the role of Gloria on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, but was deemed too young to play Christian LeBlanc's (Michael) mother.
—An avid golfer, she often plays at charity events.
Career Highlights
TV Roles
GILMORE GIRLS (Shira, 2005)
JUST SHOOT ME! (Binnie, 2003)
STRONG MEDICINE (Renee, 2003)
HORSE SENSE (Jacy, 1999)
PENSACOLA: WINGS OF GOLD (Lauren, 1999)
DAWSON'S CREEK (Tamara, 1998)
7TH HEAVEN (Rachel, 1997)
LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (Emily, 1996)
HUDSON STREET (Elizabeth, 1996)
BURKE'S LAW (Leslie, 1995)
THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR (Joan, 1995)
MURPHY BROWN (Linda, 1995)
MURDER, SHE WROTE (Lydia, 1994; Dana, 1990; Shannon, 1988)
HEAVEN HELP US (1994) TV series (unknown episodes)
MODELS INC. (Marcia, 1994)
THE NANNY (Bobbi Jo, 1994)
DADDY DEAREST (Pam, 1993)
SILENT VICTIM (Chrissy Lee, 1993)
COOPERSMITH (Laraine, 1992)
PRINCESSES (Andrea, 1991)
GABRIEL'S FIRE (Gwen, 1991)
L.A. LAW (1990)
LUCKY CHANCES (Eden, 1990)
MATLOCK (Leanne, 1990)
DESIGNING WOMEN (Gaby, 1990)
WOLF (1989)
WHO'S THE BOSS? (Lisa, 1989)
SIMON & SIMON (Violet/R.J., 1988)
DYNASTY (Dana, 1986-'88)
HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN (Jennifer, 1988)
HOTEL (Catherine, 1986)
KNIGHT RIDER (Liz, 1986)
AMAZING STORIES (1985)
AIRWOLF (Meryl, 1984)
HART TO HART (Diane, 1983)
FANTASY ISLAND (Secretary, 1982)
THE MISADVENTURES OF SHERIFF LOBO (Sarah, 1979-’80)
MRS. COLUMBO (Judy, 1979)
B.J. AND THE BEAR (Dr. Winters, 1979)
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (Girl Warrior, 1978, 1979)
THE ISLANDER (Mac's wife, 1978)
HAWAII FIVE-O (Lucy, 1978; Longworth’s secretary, 1977)
Film Roles
Your Guardian (Tanna, 2001)
The Beverly Hillbillies (Miss Arlington, 1993)
Memorable Quotes
"I look back at that time with a warm feeling. Joan Collins (Alexis) was always lovely to me. Everybody was terrific." — referring to her tenure on DYNASTY, Soap Opera Weekly, 5/17/05
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