Biography for
Gabrielle Anwar More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

4 February 1970, Laleham, Middlesex, England, UK

Height

5' 3" (1.60 m)

Mini Biography

Her father is Tariq Anwar and her mother is Shirley Hills. Anwar attended Laleham Church of England Primary and Middle School from 1975 to 1982. Trinian's sketch in the school concert of 1982 gave an early indication of her theatrical leanings. She studied at the London drama and dance school Italia Conti. She appeared in many British television productions before making her film debut in Manifesto (1988).

Her first American movie was If Looks Could Kill, in which she played the daughter of a murdered British Agent (played by Roger Daltrey). In 1992, she made a guest appearance on Beverly Hills, 90210 as Tricia Kinney. She followed that with the films Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (inspired by A Girl and Five Brave Horses), Scent of a Woman, Body Snatchers, For Love or Money, and The Three Musketeers. In 1994, People magazine named her one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world. One of her most memorable moments on screen came in 1992's Scent of a Woman, when she danced a tango with Al Pacino whose character was blind.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous

Spouse

John Verea

(? - ?) (divorced) 2 children

Trivia

Daughter of Tariq Anwar, a British film editor, and Shirley Hills, an English actress.

At 19 she moved to Los Angeles with American actor Craig Sheffer, whom she met while both were working in London.

1993: Chosen by "People" magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world.

She was kicked out of school in England for fighting.

Once held the record of the "World's Fastest Talker.".

Went to the same high school as her "Press Gang" (1989) cast mate Julia Sawalha; however, she was a few grades below Julia.

She ranked #82 in 1996 and #79 in 1997 in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World editions.

Gained widespread fame for her tango with Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman (1992).

Was pregnant with daughter Willow Anwar during the filming of The Three Musketeers (1993) and had to have her costumes let out. She later appeared with Willow in Kimberly (1999).

Became firm friends with Chris O'Donnell while filming Scent of a Woman (1992).

Trained at a London drama and dance school.

Appeared in many British television productions before making her film debut in Manifesto (1988).

Had a four-year relationship in her late teens with drummer Jed O'Brien.

Has three children: a daughter (Willow Anwar) with Craig Sheffer, and a son (Hugo, who is also known as Basil, as this is Gabrielle's preferred name for her son) and a daughter (Paisley) with ex-husband actor John Verea.

Said in an interview for her show "Burn Notice" (2007) that Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991) is her favorite of all her films.

Chose acting to keep from going to school. She felt the competition at drama school was too stiff and dropped out at age 15. So after landing a role in the BBC miniseries "Hideaway" (1986), she just kept working.

Personal Quotes

I've been hounded by a reputation of being difficult when really what I'm being is truthful and honest. And I think that's been a thorn in my side. I auditioned for a lot of work and got some good feedback, and then was told I wasn't the choice.