Julie Walters

Dame Julia Mary Walters DBE known professionally as Julie Walters, is an accomplished English actress. Beginning her career in 1972, she gained prominence as the lead role in Educating Rita (1983), a character she had originally brought to life in the West End stage play of the same name. A versatile actress, Walters has shown her talents in a broad array of films, from Personal Services (1987) and Billy Elliot (2000) to the Harry Potter series (2001–2011), Mamma Mia! (2008), and its sequel in 2018. Moreover, she is also known for her work on television, having four British Academy Television Awards under her belt. She commonly collaborated with Victoria Wood, their projects included Wood and Walters (1981), Pat and Margaret (1994), and Dinnerladies (1998–2000). Her immense contribution to drama was recognized when she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017.

Born on 22nd February 1950 at St Chad's Hospital in Edgbaston, Birmingham, Julie was the youngest of five children. She attended St Paul's School for Girls in Edgbaston and later at Holly Lodge Grammar School for Girls in Smethwick. In her later years, she pursued acting at the newly established Manchester Polytechnic School of Theatre. Her personal life includes her marriage to Grant Roffey in 1997 and their only child, a daughter named Maisie Mae Roffey, born in 1988. Throughout her career, Walters has made a significant impact in the television industry. Despite announcing her step back from demanding roles following her recovery from stage III bowel cancer in 2020, she continues to take on roles that spark her interest.