After Essex: In Conversation with Melissa Johns

After Essex celebrates the journeys and accomplishments of our diverse and inspiring alumni around the globe.

Melissa Johns knew from an early age that she wanted to be an actor. In 2012, she graduated from East 15 Acting School with a BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre and went on to land parts in TV dramas, including Casualty, Doctors and Coronation Street. Most recently, she starred in BBC One drama Life playing a title role alongside fellow alumna Alison Steadman.

Last year she was presented with the Alumna of the Year Award for her inspiring activism. Melissa is a passionate campaigner, she was born without her right forearm and hand and uses her voice to advocate for the rights and representation of disabled actors.

Chatting to Uri Roodner, Senior Lecturer from East 15 Acting School, Melissa joins us during Disability History Month to tell us more about her journey after Essex.

Any questions for Melissa can be sent in advance to alumni@essex.ac.uk or asked on the day using the Q&A function on Zoom.