Sherrie Hewson

Infobox actor


imagesize = 150px
name = Sherrie Hewson
birthname = Sherrie Lynn Hutchinson
birthdate = birth date and age|1950|9|17|df=yes
birthplace = Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, England
deathdate =
deathplace =
occupation = Actress, Television presenter
spouse = Ken Boyd (1976-2005)

Sherrie Hewson (born Sherrie Lynn Hutchinson, 17 September 1950) is an English actress and television presenter.

Early life

She was brought up in a showbusiness family; her father was a singer and her mother a model. Sherrie began performing at the age of six, touring the UK's theatres in revues with her own signature song, "You've Got to Have a Heart". At the age of fifteen, she won the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Newcomer, and two years later, was granted a scholarship to attend RADA. Upon graduating, Sherrie won seven major awards, including Best Actress and Best Comedy Actress.

Career

Her screen career began in the early 1970s, with early television appearances in "Z Cars", "The Moonstone" and "Within These Walls". In 1975, she joined the "Carry On" team for the film "Carry On Behind" and was subsequently cast in several episodes of the "Carry On Laughing" television series.

As well as further film roles in "The Slipper and the Rose" alongside Richard Chamberlain and Edith Evans and "Hanover Street" with Harrison Ford, Sherrie became a regular fixture on television, most notably as part of a young cast of future stars in "Love For Lydia". She also had a brief role in the 1979 Alan Bennett drama "Afternoon Off" as Iris, the ultimately unworthy object of the protagonist Lee's quest.

In the 1980s, as well as appearances in dramas such as "Play for Today", "The Sandbaggers", "Minder", "Juliet Bravo" and "The Gentle Touch", Sherrie's talent for comedy saw her invited to join Russ Abbot's "Madhouse" series and she remained an integral part of his team for over ten years, later appearing in "The Russ Abbot Show".

Other comedy appearances included roles in "Home To Roost", "Home James!", "Never The Twain" and "Haggard", while she was also a popular foil for various comedians, including Stanley Baxter, Les Dawson, Little and Large, Cannon and Ball and Les Dennis. Her most famous role during this period was as Mary in the popular sitcom "In Loving Memory", alongside Thora Hird and Christopher Beeny.

In 1993, she was cast as Maureen Naylor in the UK's longest-running soap opera, "Coronation Street". Her portrayal of the dizzy, accident-prone supermarket assistant drew great acclaim, as did her on-screen rapport with Ken Morley who played Maureen's paramour Reg Holdsworth.

In 1996, Sherrie was due to leave the show to film the first series of the BBC's "Oh Doctor Beeching!", reprising her role of May Skinner from the 1995 pilot. Although the part had been written with her in mind, Sherrie agreed to sign a new contract at the request of the "Coronation Street" producers, who had story lines planned for her character, and Julia Deakin took over the role of May.

However, in 1997, "Coronation Street"'s new producer Brian Park announced a spate of controversial 'axings' of some of the soap's most popular characters. Maureen was among those chosen, her transformation from a happy-go-lucky romantic to a downtrodden, world-weary divorcee no doubt influencing the decision. Sherrie's final appearance was broadcast in October 1997.

Sherrie subsequently returned to the theatre - appearing in "Billy Liar" and several pantomimes - and radio, notably as the lead character in a series entitled "The Circle". She was also in great demand for light entertainment programmes, and made appearances on "Blankety Blank", "Noel's House Party" and "Call My Bluff" among others. In 1999, Sherrie was cast as Jean in the first series of "Barbara", an ITV sitcom starring Gwen Taylor. The show proved highly popular and continued until 2003.

In 2001, Sherrie made a second foray into the world of soap opera, as a key cast member of the revival of "Crossroads". The series was not a great success, but Sherrie's portrayal of supercilious receptionist Virginia Raven proved popular with the show's fanbase.

When "Crossroads" ended in 2003, Sherrie became a regular panelist on "Loose Women", an ITV1 daytime magazine programme aimed at women. Her outspoken opinions and unique brand of humour ensured her popularity with the viewers and she continues to appear on the panel regularly in 2008. When introduced on the show to the viewers at home and studio audience, Sherrie usually responds to the applause with the phrase 'Come on lets here you!'.

In 2004, Sherrie took part in a celebrity edition of makeover show "10 Years Younger" and underwent cosmetic surgery to her face as well as a hair and fashion overhaul. She later revealed that her decision to appear was partially influenced by the breakdown of her 25-year marriage to husband Ken Boyd.

That same year, Sherrie joined the cast of a third soap opera, "Emmerdale", playing Lesley Meredith, mother of fishmonger Simon. She remained with the show for two years. In 2006, she was invited to resurrect the character of Maureen for two Christmas editions of "Coronation Street". Her return proved to be a highlight of the festive episodes.

2007 saw Sherrie make a number of non-acting television appearances. As well as "Loose Women", she featured in "Celebrity Masterchef", "Big Brother's Little Brother", "Dickinson's Real Deal" and was runner-up in "Soapstar Superchef" alongside her former "Emmerdale" co-star Julia Mallam. Most recently, Sherrie appeared on a celebrity special of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?". In partnership with fellow "Loose Women" panellist Carol McGiffin, she raised £75,000 for charity.

On Sunday 7 October 2007, the "News of the World" revealed that, after over thirty years in showbusiness, Sherrie had been forced to declare herself bankrupt. She described the experience as "humiliating".

In March 2008, Sherrie took part in the BBC reality show "Murder Most Famous" and was declared the winner. She won the opportunity to write her own crime fiction novel, which will be published in 2009 by Pan Macmillan as one of their 'quick reads', published annually as part of the World Book Day celebrations.

Personal life

Sherrie has one daughter, Keeley (b. 1984), from her marriage to Ken Boyd, and a grandson named Oliver (b. 2006). She has professed to having a passion for Thai cuisine which forms an integral part of her diet. [Loose Women, September 12 2008, Retrieved on September 14 2008]

References

External links

* [http://www.rdfmanagement.com/clients/Sherrie_Hewson.html CV at RDF Management]
*
* [http://www.itv.com/Lifestyle/LooseWomen/presenters/SherrieHewson.html Sherrie's profile at itv.com]