Finola Hughes is a British actress, renowned particularly for her Emmy Award-winning role as Anna Devane on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital.” She has had a distinguished career in television and film, marked by multiple Emmy nominations and wins, along with notable contributions to stage and voice acting.
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Who is Finola Hughes?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 66 years |
| Parents/ Family | To be updated |
| Twin Sister | Anna Devane and Alexandra “Alex” Devane (General Hospital and All My Children) |
| Ex-Husband | Russell Young |
| Children | Dylan Joseph, Sadie Beatrice (Daughter), and Cash Justice |
| Illness/ Cancer | Polycythemia Vera (PV) blood cancer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $8 million |
| Salary | $50,000 and $100,000 per episode |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
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Early Life and Training
Finola Hughes was born on October 29, 1959, in London, England. She trained rigorously in dance and performing arts at the Arts Educational Schools London, a prestigious institution famed for nurturing performers. Hughes distinguished herself early by originating the role of Victoria the White Cat in the London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Cats” in 1981, demonstrating a strong foundation in both dance and acting.
Career Beginnings and Film Roles
Hughes transitioned from stage to screen with her role in the 1983 musical film “Staying Alive,” the sequel to “Saturday Night Fever,” where she played Laura, an English dancer and the romantic interest of John Travolta’s character. She continued to take on diverse film roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including appearances in “Aspen Extreme” (1993), “Above Suspicion” (1995), and “Like Crazy” (2011), showcasing her versatility across genres.
Television Stardom and Soap Opera Legacy
Finola Hughes’ most prominent work is in daytime television, particularly with her portrayal of Anna Devane on “General Hospital” from 1985 to 1992 and subsequent returns in the 2000s and 2010s. Her performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1991 and multiple nominations in the same category over the years. She also played Anna Devane’s identical twin, Alexandra “Alex” Devane, on “All My Children,” further cementing her status in daytime drama. Additionally, she portrayed Patty Halliwell, the mother of the lead characters in the supernatural series “Charmed.”
Her television career includes guest roles in popular series such as “Blossom,” where she played Carol in the final season, and voice acting roles, notably as Lara, Superman’s biological mother in “Superman: The Animated Series.”
Directing and Later Work
Expanding her talents beyond acting, Hughes made her feature-film directing debut with the indie comedy-drama “The Bet” in 2013. She followed this with “Byrd and the Bees” in 2015, a romantic comedy starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. She also starred in dance-themed films like “Platinum the Dance Movie.”
Husband, Divorce, and Personal Life
Throughout her career, Hughes has been romantically linked to on-screen partners corresponding to her roles but no public relationships beyond those noted above are documented. However, recent reports indicate that Finola Hughes is currently single. There is no verified public information about a current boyfriend following her divorce from Russell Young.
Finola Hughes was married to Russell Young, an artist and screen printer. They married in 1992 after a long period of dating. Their marriage lasted approximately 28 years until officially divorcing in 2021. During their marriage, they had three children together: Cash Justice (born 2005), Sadie Beatrice (born 2007), and Dylan Joseph (born November 9, 2009). Cash and Sadie were adopted, while Dylan is their biological son.
Before her marriage, in 1981, Finola Hughes had an encounter with Prince Andrew of the British royal family, which is noted but not elaborated upon publicly. Finola Hughes currently lives at 1279 Journeys End Drive, La Canada Flintridge, California, a home featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and around 2,357 square feet of living space.
Awards and Recognitions
Finola Hughes’ career is highlighted by numerous accolades, including:
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (won in 1991 for “General Hospital”)
- Multiple Daytime Emmy nominations spanning decades for her roles in “General Hospital” and “All My Children”
- Soap Opera Digest Awards including Outstanding Lead Actress: Daytime and Favorite Return
- LA Femme Filmmaker Award for Best Feature (Director) for “The Bet” in 2013
Her critical acclaim speaks to her talent and her enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.
Net Worth and Salary
Finola Hughes’s estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $8 million. This financial standing reflects her long-standing and successful career primarily in television, especially her iconic role as Anna Devane on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital.” Throughout her career, Hughes has also earned income from her work in film, stage, and voice acting, along with ventures into directing, which have helped diversify her income sources.
Hughes’ salary for her role as Anna Devane on “General Hospital” has varied over the years, reflecting her status as a lead actress and her periodic returns to the show. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, soap opera lead actors typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per episode, with top stars sometimes earning more. Given her longevity and popularity, Hughes’ earnings from “General Hospital” have been a significant part of her wealth accumulation.
Beyond acting, Finola Hughes has diversified her income through directing and producing. She directed the indie films “The Bet” (2013) and “Byrd and the Bees” (2015), which added to her portfolio and financial standing. She has also authored a memoir, “All The Days of My Life (So Far),” which details her personal and professional journey, further contributing to her earnings. Additionally, Hughes has made investments in real estate, including her residence in La Canada Flintridge, California, which is a valuable asset.
Influence and Legacy
Known for both her acting chops and her presence in daytime television’s golden era, Hughes has remained a consistent figure in soap operas, blending her classical training with contemporary roles. Her successful crossover into directing and voice acting illustrates a dynamic career marked by adaptability and dedication to her craft.
Comprehensive Filmography Highlights
- Films: “Staying Alive” (1983), “Aspen Extreme” (1993), “Like Crazy” (2011), “The Bet” (2013, director)
- TV Shows: “General Hospital” (1985–present), “All My Children” (1999–2003), “Charmed” (1998), “Blossom” (1993–95), “Pacific Palisades” (1997)
- Voice Roles: “Superman: The Animated Series” (Lara), “Life with Louie” (Miss Robertson)
- Directing: “The Bet” (2013), “Byrd and the Bees” (2015)
Finola Hughes continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment world, celebrated for her skillful performances and creative ventures both in front of and behind the camera.
Illness, Cancer, and Weight Loss
has publicly shared her health journey related to a rare blood disorder. She was diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV), a rare, chronic blood cancer and part of a group of diseases known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). This disease affects blood cell production in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which can cause complications over time due to the excessive accumulation of blood cells.
Her character on “General Hospital” was also diagnosed with polycythemia vera, mirroring her real-life condition. This shared experience has inspired Hughes to raise awareness about this rare and under-recognized group of blood cancers, advocating for patient awareness and self-advocacy in health matters. The condition is managed with ongoing treatment, and Hughes uses her platform to support others facing similar diagnoses and to increase public understanding of these rare diseases.
Finola has experienced notable weight loss and health challenges that have garnered public attention. While she has not detailed extensive specifics about intentional weight loss, she recently revealed a significant change in her appearance with a fresh new hairstyle that complemented her slimmer look, highlighting a stylish transformation that was well-received by fans and colleagues alike.
how old is Finola Hughes?
66 years
who is Finola Hughes husband?
Finola Hughes was married to artist Russell Young from 1992 until their divorce in 2021. They have three children together. As of now, she is reportedly single.
Is Finola Hughes married?
Finola Hughes is not currently married.
Is Finola Hughes a trained dancer?
Yes, Finola Hughes is a trained dancer. She studied dance and performing arts at the Arts Educational Schools London and began her career with the Northern Ballet Company after winning the Markova Award. She also was part of the original cast of “Cats” in the West End, London, and started dancing professionally from a young age, around 10 years old. Her background includes ballet and other forms of dance, which she has continued to maintain throughout her career.
How many biological children does Finola Hughes have?
Finola Hughes has three biological children. She and her then-husband Russell Young have two biological sons named Dylan Joseph and Cash Justice, and they adopted a daughter named Sadie Beatrice Young in 2008.
Where does Finola Hughes live now?
Finola Hughes currently lives in Santa Barbara, California. She has lived there with her family, including her former husband Russell Young and their children.
How long was Finola Hughes on All My Children?
Finola Hughes played on the soap opera “All My Children” from 1999 to 2001, portraying the character Alex Marick. She also reprised the role of Alex Marick on the show until 2021 during crossover appearances. So, her primary stint on “All My Children” lasted about 2 years, with later returns extending her presence to around 22 years in total with interruptions and crossover roles.