Anna Maxwell Martin, born Anna Charlotte Martin on 10 May 1977, is an acclaimed English actress who has earned widespread recognition for her powerful performances across British television and theatre. She has won two British Academy Television Awards, first for her portrayal of Esther Summerson in the BBC adaptation of Bleak House in 2005, and later for her role as N in the Channel 4 adaptation of Poppy Shakespeare in 2008. Her career has since flourished with memorable roles in major series, culminating in an International Emmy Award for Best Actress in 2025.

Martin grew up in Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, and developed an early interest in acting. She studied at the University of Liverpool, where she graduated with a degree in history, before training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Her breakthrough came in the early 2000s when she was cast as Lyra Belacqua in the National Theatre’s production of His Dark Materials from 2003 to 2004, a role that showcased her versatility and emotional depth. This theatre work paved the way for her television debut, and she quickly made an impact with her performance in Bleak House, which earned her the BAFTA for Best Actress.

Following this success, Martin continued to build an impressive resume. She won her second BAFTA for her work in Poppy Shakespeare, a drama about mental health that highlighted her ability to tackle complex, socially conscious material. She also took on the role of DCS Patricia Carmichael in the acclaimed BBC One crime drama Line of Duty from 2019 to 2021, where her chilling portrayal of a corrupt police officer became a fan favorite. Around the same time, she starred as Kelly Major in the comedy series Code 404 from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating her range in lighter roles. From 2016 to 2022, Martin starred in the BBC comedy Motherland, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Female Comedy Performance for her turn as the frazzled mother Julia.

In 2025, Martin achieved a career milestone when she won the International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Delia Balmer in the ITV drama Until I Kill You. The series, based on a true story, required her to portray a woman who survived a violent relationship and helped bring her attacker to justice, earning critical acclaim for its raw and nuanced storytelling. Martin’s dedication to her craft and her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters have made her one of Britain’s most respected actresses. She continues to take on diverse roles in television, film, and theatre, maintaining a strong presence in the entertainment industry while balancing her work with her family life.