Anna Gunn was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico and went on to study at Northwestern University's renowned theatre department. She built an impressive background performing on stage in Chicago, landing her first professional role before graduating as the female lead, Lucy Lockit, in the critically acclaimed production of "The Beggar's Opera." She also received rave reviews starring in the world premiere of "Uncommon Ground" at the Northlight Theater, as well as Keith Reddin's "Peacekeeper" at American Blues Theatre. After moving to Los Angeles, Gunn continued to garner acclaim in the American premiere of "Hysteria" directed by Phyllida Lloyd at the Mark Taper Forum, and went on to star as Isabella in "Measure for Measure" at the Ahmanson Theatre, helmed by famed director Sir Peter Hall. While living in L.A., New York beckoned and Gunn was brought East to make her Broadway debut opposite Roger Rees in "The Rehearsal" at the Roundabout Theater.

In television, Gunn's association with David Milch began early on when she first worked with the "Deadwood" creator on the hit drama series "NYPD Blue", playing a junkie longing to escape New York to swim with the dolphins. She went on to a recurring role on David E. Kelley's "The Practice," giving a notable performance as ADA Jean Ward opposite Dylan McDermott and Lara Flynn Boyle. Other television credits include starring roles in television movies alongside Jennifer Beals, Dennis Franz, and Tom Selleck, recurring roles on the "The Guardian" and "Murder One", and guest-starring appearances on such shows as "ER", "Seinfeld", and "Judging Amy." Gunn's first appearance on HBO came last season on its hit series "Six Feet Under", playing the role of Madeleine the wealthy divorcee, opposite Peter Krause.

Gunn's first major film role was in the independent feature "Without Evidence" with Angelina Jolie, directed by Gil Dennis. She also starred alongside Gary Oldman and Mary Steenburgen in the dark comedy, "Nobody's Baby," directed by David Seltzer, which had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001. She returned home to do another Indie movie aptly titled "Santa Fe" with Lolita Davidovich and written by Tony Award winner Mark Medoff. She was also seen in the blockbuster Tony Scott film, "Enemy of the State" appearing opposite Jon Voight.