10 iconic female characters from historical dramas to celebrate Women’s History Month

4. Anne Boleyn from The Tudors

Not only did Natalie Dormer deliver one of the most memorable renditions of Anne Boleyn, but it also became her breakout role and helped pave the way for her to go on and star in numerous other period dramas as other iconic female characters including Game of Thrones.

Unfortunately, Anne’s character meets a bitter end when she is executed, something that occurs in the television show as it did in real life and other versions of the story, so she only appears in the first few seasons (and in one brief dream sequence later on). Yet, it was Dormer’s work that helped put The Tudors on the map.

Countless critics called Dormer’s performance a “star-making” role, and it proved to be just that, as the actress has gone on to star in numerous films and television shows since then. She was enigmatic and incredible in the role. When Dormer’s character died, it left an undeniable void in the series that was never really filled.

Sure the show went on, and it was still enjoyable to watch, but it lost a great deal of its sparkle and charm when Dormer was no longer part of the project. During her tenure, she was nominated for two Gemini Awards and Outstanding Actress at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival.