Black Country-born actress Julie Walters CBE is set to be the latest Midlander to be immortalised on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars.
The announcement was made as the 58-year-old Oscar-nominated and Bafta-winning star, best known for her roles in Educating Rita, Billy Elliot and the Harry Potter films, prepares to talk about her 25-year career at the Birmingham Rep, in a BAFTA/Screen WM event to publicise her autobiography That’s Another Story.
It is thought Ms Walters will be presented with her star early next year.
Born in Smethwick and educated at Holly Lodge Grammar School for Girls, Ms Walters initially trained as a nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Edgbaston, before moving to Manchester to pursue her acting career.
She follows in the footsteps of Ozzy Osbourne, Noddy Holder, Jasper Carrott, Murray Walker and The Archers who have also been awarded stars on Broad Street for their significant contribution to the arts, sport or business worlds, since the Walk of Stars was inaugurated last year.
Nominated stars must have made a recognisable contribution to their specialist category, performed at one of Birmingham’s venues, originally hail from the area or have prominent links with the city or the Midlands.
Since Ms Walters appeared in Boys From The Blackstuff in 1982, she has formed one of television’s strongest comedy partnerships with Victoria Wood and most recently appeared in the film of the Abba-based musical, Mamma Mia!
In accepting the award, she said: “I am very honoured and happy that the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands want to include me in their Walk of Stars and I look forward to receiving my star.
“Birmingham and the West Midlands is where I’m from, these are my roots and, in essence, it has played a big part in making me the person I am today”
Allan Sartori, marketing director of the Broad Street Business Improvement District, said: “It is only fitting that Julie be honoured in this way as she is a true Midlander and I know the people of Birmingham are very proud of Julie’s achievements.”
