Anna Gunn

An actress who has led a successful career on both stage and screen, Anna Gunn recently garnered national acclaim for her Emmy Award-winning role as "Skyler White" on AMC’s hit show "Breaking Bad."

Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Gunn discovered acting at a young age in a drama class at the Santa Fe Preparatory School. She pursued theater at Northwestern University in Illinois where she had the opportunity to study abroad and to perform at the famed Royal Court Theatre in London.

Prior to "Breaking Bad," Gunn played a variety of complex characters both in film and on television. Her breakout role came in 2004, when she portrayed "Martha Bullock" on HBO's seminal show, "Deadwood." She has appeared on "NYPD Blue," "The Practice," "ER," "Boston Legal," "Law & Order," and "Seinfeld," with feature film credits including "Nobody’s Baby," which premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival; "Enemy of the State," opposite Jon Voight and Will Smith; "Without Evidence," opposite Angelina Jolie; and "Red State."

Also a highly regarded actress of the stage, Gunn made her Broadway debut in 1997 alongside Roger Rees in "The Rehearsal" at the Roundabout Theater. She went on to receive starred reviews for her turn in "Uncommon Ground" at the Northlight Theatre, and for her role opposite Jeremy Piven in Keith Reddin's "Peacekeeper" at the American Blues Theatre.

Drawing from her varied experiences in the acting business, Gunn reflects on successes and failures she faced along the way, covering topics ranging from balancing life and career to a women’s role in society, which was highlighted in her New York Times Op-ed titled "I Have a Character Issue." With a message that appeals to audiences ranging from organizations and associations to women’s groups and college students, she offers a unique presentation on the power of perseverance—and the importance of having a vision—as we strive to reach the goals we set in life.