Anna Lee: Memoir of a Career on General Hospital and in Film

Born Joan Boniface Winnifrith on January 2, 1913, Anna Lee is best known for her portrayal of General Hospital’s Lila Quartermaine, a character who she brought to life for over two decades. From her early years in England to her final days in Hollywood, she recounts details of her extraordinary life in her memoir. Expressed in her energetic style, Anna Lee tells of her childhood as the daughter of an English clergyman and her early determination to become an actress. She writes of her teenage struggles to realize her dream, two failed marriages, and the difficulties she faced raising a family while maintaining her career. Finally, we see the picture of a mature Anna Lee--a successful actress playing a role she loved while enjoying an ideal marriage to writer Robert Nathan. Personal remembrances from her family and General Hospital co-stars round out this touching, entertaining self-portrait of the actress’ life. A complete filmography and list of television appearances is also included.

Actress Anna Lee (1913-2004) was born in the village of Ightham, Kent, England. She starred in numerous films during her long and successful career. Barbara Roisman Cooper is the arts correspondent for British Heritage Magazine, and has also written for Soap Opera Weekly, Modern Maturity, Evergreen and The Baker Street Journal, among other journals. In 2003, she partnered with filmmaker Ronald Neame on his autobiography, Straight From the Horse’s Mouth. A former English and film instructor, she lives in Encino, California.