Diana Auditions as Anne

Monday, 11 April 2011 12:03

Diana Auditions as Anne

Written by Clare

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
E-mail
8 comments

Rate this item

(3 votes)

It is hard for many people to imagine anyone playing the role of Anne Shirley besides Megan Follows. She has become synonymous with the orphan of L.M. Montgomery’s creation - for lovers of both the books and the films. But what if everyone’s other favourite heroine, Diana Barry, had stepped into Anne’s shoes? During the casting process in the mid-1980s, this was an actual possibility.

Actress Schuyler Grant, who played Diana, was originally recommended to Kevin Sullivan for the role of Anne by her Great-Aunt Katharine Hepburn – one of America’s most famous leading ladies. Already slightly redhead, with greenish eyes, Schuyler did seem to look the part, as can be seen in these photos. Sullivan Insiders can download these images in the "Archival Images" section of SullivanMovies.com.

However, after a cross-country talent search that looked at more than 2,000 people in major Canadian cities, it was Megan’s third (slightly frazzled) audition that proved to Sullivan the role should be hers.

It was then decided that Schuyler would have the part of Anne’s bosom friend. Her hair was dyed black and her transformation into Anne’s kindred spirit was underway.

What do you think about Schuyler potentially playing Anne? What is it about her portrayal of Diana that is admired by fans just as much as Megan’s portrayal of Anne?

Last modified on Monday, 11 April 2011 14:53

Read 5336 times Like this? Tweet it to your followers!

Published in Inspired Performances

Tagged under

Social sharing

Clare

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Latest from Clare

Related items (by tag)

More in this category: « Behind-the-Scenes of the Haunted Wood Megan Follows to Guest Star on House »

8 comments

Comment Link Saturday, 16 April 2011 04:34 posted by Elaine
Nope, sorry, Schuyler Grant looks too 'sophisticated' to be Anne! Megan Follows is amazing as a young Anne as well as the grown up Anne. I think that Schuyler Grant would not have carried off the young Anne like Follows did. There was an energy, an eagerness for life which just emanated naturally from Follows and made Anne the character she was. It might have made all the difference to the popularity of the movies. Katharine Hepburn as Marilla I can definitely imagine, although I'm perfectly happy with Colleen Dewhurst's portrayal.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Comment Link Wednesday, 13 April 2011 04:02 posted by Theresa
Such a surprise to see her with red hair. She is beautiful. I love her as Diana and just can't picture her carrying off young Anne's energy and awkwardness. Thanks for the pictures.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Comment Link Tuesday, 12 April 2011 08:13 posted by Ammie
She did play the perfect Diana. It's hard to believe how much the red hair suited her though vs the black. I think no one will play the part of Anne better than Meghan Follows.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Comment Link Monday, 11 April 2011 17:43 posted by Genine
I think you did the right thing...Schuyler played the perfect Diana, and I didn't know she was the grand niece of my favorite actress. No wonder I liked her :)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Comment Link Monday, 11 April 2011 17:14 posted by lindsey
It might have worked... but Megan Follows has the perfect little "pert" look that suits the character of Anne just right. :)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Comment Link Monday, 11 April 2011 14:32 posted by Kerri
Wow, she does so look the part, however she was soooo Diana and couldn't see her any other way! She and Megan both played their roles to a tee! Congrats to both you are forever branded into many of hearts and minds. :)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Comment Link Monday, 11 April 2011 13:20 posted by Imola
I had also heard that she was considered for the part, but I didn't imagine she was so beautiful and fitting for Anne's role. She looks so dreamy in these shots, I can believe she could have done a splendid job. But I'm glad she was cast as Diana, there is something in her face and figure that makes her look so… well, turn of the century. If I think of old advertisements from that time, her appearance is perfect to represent this healthy, rosy, raven-black, ivory skinned beauty. Her portrayal was just PERFECT.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Comment Link Monday, 11 April 2011 12:43 posted by Nicole
I have never pictured Schuyler as Anne. Thank you for the pics! I knew she had auditioned, but I could only see her as Diana with raven hair. She looks very beautiful as Anne. I loved her portrayal of Diana though, and could never see her as anything else.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it