She was born in Liminka and studied acting at the college of drama and Tampere University's program of drama studies, which she concluded in 1989.
Currently Anna-Leena Härkönen lives in Helsinki and works as freelance writer; novelist and actress.
A few dramatic productions, including one movie; have been adapted from Härkönen's works. Häräntappoase was made into a six-part television series and stage productions in Turku and Kotka. Scriptwriter Tove Idström and director Claes Olsson made a full-length movie based on Akvaariorakkautta ("Aquarium Love") which was released internationally as an art-house movie.\n