The daughter of working man Walter Shirley and his schoolteacher wife Bertha, Anne becomes an orphan at a young age when she loses both her parents. At least that is what she has always indicated to everyone around her. Outspoken yet completely vulnerable, Anne Shirley has both the strength and the tender heart to create an impact on everyone she encounters. An enthusiastic spirit combined with an overactive imagination helps the distraught child pull through some of the most difficult times in her life.

Anne escapes the harshness of growing up with a sunny disposition and fearlessness, which allows her to remain optimistic about whatever obstacle stands in her way.

Even as an adult, her yearning to find “kindred spirits” amongst strangers and friends permits Anne to retain an idealism that leads her to discover the silver-lining to every situation.

After an exhaustive search spanning all across Canada, the hunt for a new Anne Shirley finally came to an end when 13 year-old, Hannah Endicott-Douglas, was selected to reprise the role made famous by Megan Follows. It has been 100 years since audiences were first introduced to the character, and finding the perfect girl to portray this Canadian heroine for the new movie, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES – A NEW BEGINNING (2008) was no easy task.

The role eventually went to twelve-year old Hannah Endicott-Douglas, a Toronto-native.  She started play-acting at an early age along with her older sister, Vivien, who also appears in the movie as Violetta Thomas. Hannah landed her first role at the age of nine in a film for Warner Bros. SAMANTHA – AN AMERICAN GIRL HOLIDAY (2004). She then played the part of Lori in the Hallmark movie of the week THE GOOD WITCH (2008). In addition, Hannah has lent her voice for many characters for popular animated shows including WILL AND DEWITT.

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