Anna Anka, born Danuta Anna Kołodziejska on April 28, 1971, in Poland, is a prominent Swedish-American model, actress, television personality, author, and personal trainer. Her life story is a testament to resilience and transformation, spanning continents and careers, while captivating audiences with her charm and determination.
Early Life and Adoption
Anna’s early life was marked by tragedy and upheaval. Born in Poland, she faced the loss of her biological mother, Helena, at a young age. Consequently, Anna was placed in an orphanage. Her fortunes changed when she was adopted at the age of three by Gunnar and Wanda Åberg, a Swedish couple. This marked the beginning of a new chapter as she moved to Bjuv in southern Sweden, where she grew up and started her journey towards a multifaceted career.
Rise to Fame
Anna’s initial brush with fame came in 1993 when she won the title of Miss Hawaiian Tropic. This victory opened doors for her in the entertainment industry, leading to a minor but memorable role in the 1994 comedy film “Dumb and Dumber,” directed by the Farrelly brothers. In the film, she played a Swedish model, delivering the lines “Hej allihopa!” and “Hejdå!” which mean “Hi everyone!” and “Goodbye!” in Swedish.
Her career continued to blossom as she starred in the Swedish reality TV show “Svenska Hollywoodfruar” (Swedish Hollywood Wives), which showcased the lives of Swedish women married to wealthy American men. Her charismatic presence on the show made her a household name in Sweden.
Television Career and Personal Training
Anna’s television career flourished with her hosting roles on various Swedish TV programs. In December 2009, she was the star and host of “Anna Ankas jul” (Anna Anka’s Christmas) on TV3. The following year, she led another reality show, “Anna Anka söker assistent” (Anna Anka Seeks an Assistant). Later in October, she hosted “I form med Anna Anka” (In Shape with Anna Anka), a program aimed at helping participants lose weight with the guidance of experts.
In 2011, Anna further expanded her television presence by participating in the seventh edition of the Norwegian version of “Dancing with the Stars,” known as “Skal vi danse?” Paired with professional dancer Glenn Jørgen Sandaker, she finished in sixth place, demonstrating her versatility and competitive spirit.
Check out Anna’s official website.