Dame Julia Mary Walters, known to the public as Julie Walters, is a celebrated British actress. Often called a “national treasure,” she has become a viewer favourite over her long and distinguished career. Her work has earned her numerous awards, fame, and public acclaim. Here, we explore some interesting facts from the life of this remarkable woman. More at birminghamka.
Early Life and First Steps Towards a Dream
Julie Walters was born in 1950 in Birmingham. She came from a large, working-class family; her father was a builder and decorator, and her mother was a postal clerk. Julie attended a convent school, where she was known for her boisterous character. The young girl dreamed of becoming an actress, but her parents had a different vision for their daughter’s future.
Her mother strongly encouraged Julie to pursue a career in medicine. She helped her daughter get a job at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. At 18, she trained and began working as a student nurse. During her 18 months at the hospital, she worked in various departments, including casualty and ophthalmics. However, nursing didn’t bring her satisfaction, and Julie still dreamed of trying her hand at acting.
The Brummie decisively left her hospital job and successfully enrolled at Manchester Polytechnic (now Manchester Metropolitan University) to study English and Drama. She began applying her skills professionally in the mid-1970s when she joined the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. But true success for the young actress was still to come.
Acting Career
Julie Walters won over audiences by performing in theatre productions across England. In 1975, she made her London stage debut, a role which earned her first major award. Walters had a particular fondness for comedy and began a long-running collaboration with comedian Victoria Wood, whom she had met at university.
By the late 1970s, the comedy duo had attracted a huge following. They launched their own television sketch show, aptly named “Wood and Walters.” It was later recognised as the best entertainment show of the year and nominated for various awards. Although the project was short-lived, it made Julie Walters a household name far beyond England.
Another significant milestone was her role in the stage play “Educating Rita.” Theatre critics were amazed by how completely the actress inhabited her character. She first performed the role on major city stages, and in 1983, a film adaptation was made that was beloved by millions. For her performance, Julie Walters was nominated for an Academy Award and won both a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.
A Modern Icon
In the years that followed, Julie Walters appeared before audiences in a wide variety of roles. She has played everything from a simple yet spirited woman to a brothel madam, a loving mother, a model wife, and a vibrant mistress.
By the early 2000s, Julie Walters remained one of the most famous figures among British film stars. Worldwide fame came with her role as Molly Weasley in the eight-film Harry Potter series. She played the mother of one of the main heroes and is remembered by audiences as a kind, yet brave and courageous woman. Her successful role in “Harry Potter” led to her name being immortalised on the Birmingham Walk of Stars.
In subsequent years, Julie Walters appeared in new roles less frequently, but her performances were always memorable. For instance, she starred in the musical comedy “Mamma Mia!” in 2008 and its sequel, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” in 2018.
Over decades of an active acting career, the Brummie has won numerous awards. A particularly significant event came in 2017, when Queen Elizabeth II appointed Julie Walters a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama.
A Glimpse into Her Personal Life
Here are a few more interesting facts about Julie Walters’ life:
- The actress is proud of her long and happy relationship with her husband, Grant Roffey, an AA patrolman. The couple met in 1985 and married in 1997.
- Julie and Grant have one daughter, Maisie. As a toddler, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia but fully recovered, which Julie described as a “true miracle.” The experience of her daughter’s illness inspired Walters to write her debut novel, “Maggie’s Tree,” which was published to great acclaim.
- Throughout her life, Julie Walters has faced serious health issues. In 2018, she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, but after successful treatment, she is now in remission.
- Julie lives with her family on an organic farm she owns in West Sussex. While her recovery means she now acts less frequently, she still delights audiences with occasional film appearances. In 2020, for example, she played a leading role in the film “The Secret Garden.”