Anna Devane is wondering who is trying to ruin her life. If only Valentin would confide in her about his struggles with Charlotte and her animosity towards Anna. Regardless, actress Finola Hughes has much to celebrate.
Happy Birthday, Finola Hughes
That’s because she was born on October 29, 1959, in London, England, which means that this talented performer is turning 64 years old today! Having trained in dance and the performing arts at the Arts Education Schools in London, Hughes found gainful employment with the Northern Ballet. In 1981, she originated the role of Victoria the White Cat in the West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical Cats.
Off that theatrical triumph, Hughes landed a role opposite John Travolta in the 1983 musical film Staying Alive, the sequel to Saturday Night Fever. Two years later, Hughes joined the cast of ABC’s General Hospital and debuted as retired super-spy Anna Devane.
Originally intended as a spoiler for the popular Robert Scorpio/Holly Sutton coupling, Anna was eventually paired opposite Ian Buchanan’s Duke Lavery in an incredibly well-received romance.
Hughes remained with the ABC soap until 1992 — winning a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1991 — and upon her exit, the role was recast. Later, Hughes agreed to return for one episode during which the character of Anna was presumably killed in an explosion.
Subsequently, Hughes starred in the ABC primetime drama series Jack’s Place and appeared on a multitude of primetime series, including Burke’s Law and Dream On. She also had substantial roles on Blossom, the Aaron Spelling serial Pacific Palisades, and the supernatural WB series Charmed.
In 1999, Hughes returned to daytime television, this time on ABC’s All My Children, where she originated the part of Anna’s heretofore unknown identical twin Alex. Hughes remained at the soap in that role until 2001, the same year she reprised her Anna persona. As Anna, Hughes was a part of the All My Children cast until 2003.
Beginning with a short-term engagement in 2006, Hughes brought the character of Anna back to General Hospital. After a multitude of guest-starring arcs, she rejoined the series as a contract player in 2012.