Melanie Walters
| Melanie Walters | |
|---|---|
| Born |
1963 Mumbles, Swansea, Wales |
Melanie Walters (born 1963) [1] is a Welsh actress, who has worked frequently in television. She is best known for playing Gwen West in the BBC comedy-drama Gavin & Stacey.
Early life
Walters was born and raised in the Mumbles, near Swansea. Her father died when she was very young, leaving her mother to raise four children under four years old. In 1973, aged 11, she took over her brother's paper round, covering Mumbles Head every day, an experience she described at length on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012. When she was 14 she qualified as a lifeguard, working on the local beaches.[1]
Career
Walters has worked frequently in television, but is best known for playing Gwen West in the BBC comedy-drama Gavin & Stacey. She was one of eight celebrities chosen to participate in an intense week learning Welsh in an eco-friendly chic campsite in Pembrokeshire in the series cariad@iaith:love4language shown on S4C in July 2011.
In December 2011 she appeared in the pantomime Cinderella at the Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport.[2]
Film
- High Tide - Bethan (2014), Long Arm Films Production
- Submarine - Judie Bevan (2010)
- Tan ar y Comin - Mrs.Evans (1995)
TV Work
- Doc Martin - The Shock of the New (2015)
- Under Milk Wood - A Neighbour (2014)
- Stella - Sonographer (2013), Series 2 Episode 2
- Being Human - Emma (2011)
- Hollyoaks - Bonnie Bevan (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Gavin & Stacey - Gwen West (2007-2010)
- Stopping Distance - Lisa's mother (2003)
- Holby City - Melanie Hooper (2002)
- Belonging - Delyth (2000-2001)
- Dirty Work - Megan (2000)
- Casualty - Bev Lewis (1999)
- Jack of Hearts - Silvie (1999)
- A Mind to Kill - Ruth Barra (1997)
- Backup - Sally Vaughan (1997)
- Dangerfield - Beverley Groves (1996)
- Telltale - Jean Herbert (1993)
- Christmas Reunion - Mrs Evans (1993)
- The Healer - Gill Major (1992)
- Coronation Street - Valerie Jennings (1991)
- We are Seven - Helen Powell (1989-1991)
- Ballroom - Ann (1988)
- The District Nurse - Milwen Parry (1987)
Theatre Work
- Blue Remembered Hills - Angela (1998)
- Cinderella - Fairy Godmother (2014-15)
Personal life
Walters currently lives with her son in the Mumbles, Swansea, where she also runs a business teaching Pilates.[1]