When it was revealed that Hannah Baker (played by Katherine Langford) would not be returning as the narrator of 13 Reasons Why season three, fans were curious to know who would replace her. The answer was brand-new character Ani Achola (Grace Saif) who became central to the storyline. As the series progresses, her knowledge of the inner lives of the Liberty High schoolers helps unravel the murder mystery.
Who plays Ani Achola in 13 Reasons Why?
WARNING: This article contains spoilers for 13 Reasons Why season 3
When she first appears in the show, she is introduced as Amorowat Anysia “Ani” Achola, the “new girl” of Liberty High School.
Fans quickly find out that she is embedded in the storyline of who murdered Bryce Walker right from the beginning.
As it is revealed her mother cares for Bryce’s dying grandfather, the British character finds herself getting closer to the ill-fated footballer.
Alongside this, Ani also has another storyline of a bustling romance with Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette).
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Fans who have watched the show the whole way through will know that Ani is essential in the cover-up of Bryce’s murder to the police.
In fact, it is her who tells Deputy Standall (Mark Pellegrino) that Monty (Timothy Granaderos) killed him when it was actually Alex (Miles Heizer).
The season ends with her and Clay finally going on a date and it is heavily implied that viewers will see more of her in series four.
Ani was played in the show by British actor Grace Saif, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
READ MORE: 13 Reasons Why season 3: How did Monty die?
This is the actor’s first major role out of drama school as she has only appeared in a few projects.
Viewers may recognise her from Doctors where she played Angel Hurley in 2017 or from her two short films Wilton and Night Out.
She was also the voice of Abby in the World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth video game.
While she hasn’t appeared much on-screen, she has been in a few impressive stage productions, including The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie at the Donmar Warehouse and Saint George and the Dragon at the National Theatre.
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After the series was released on Netflix, some fans have been vocal about not taking to the new character and have lamented the disappearance of Hannah.
Some have pointed out that it is difficult to relate to her as the narrator as she hasn’t been a central character from the start.
Coming to her defence, Monty actor Timothy Granaderos took to Instagram to post a photo of Grace and write a message of support.
He wrote: “Hey y’all, just a reminder. Whether or not you support, like, or love, a character in our fictional TV show – please remember that there is a talented and beautiful actor/actress bringing those scripted words to life.
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“One of the underlining themes in our show is to take care of each other. I’ve seen some pretty nasty things being said online, concerning the introduction of a new character.
“Y’all are passionate and we love you for that, but please, please try to be kind and respect the work of the talented actress/actor behind the character.”
Saif has not publicly commented on the criticism of the role.
13 Reasons Why season 3 is now available to stream on Netflix.
For support about any of the issues raised in the show visit 13ReasonsWhy.info or call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123
