Nerys Hughes, born 11 August 1941 in Rhyl, Denbighshire, became known primarily as a television actress. Ms Hughes starred in the popular comedy-drama series 'The Liver Birds' that followed the exploits of two women from Liverpool. Starring in the BBC TV production of 'District Nurse', Nerys won the prestigious Variety Club Television Actress of the Year Award. Beyond these two breakthrough successes, she starred and guest starred in a variety of eclectic roles for television. 'The Liver Birds' followed the adventures of two Liverpool women. The series ran from 1969 through 1979 with a brief revival in 1996. Nerys Hughes played Sandra, one of the two 'Liver Birds', from the second series on and she reprised her role as the foil to her friend Beryl. The series' themes followed the lives of two single women friends who were tested in one way or another by their various relationships with boyfriends, relatives and finances.
Additionally, Nerys Hughes acted in the hit drama series 'District Nurse' wherein she played the strong, but caring and empathetic main character, Megan Roberts. This period piece, set in South Wales during the 1920s and 1930s, was a popular series that ran from 1984 to 1987 on BBC1 Wales.
Nerys Hughes has showcased her talent with a variety of roles from comedy to drama. She was well received in the six part 1964 BBC1 drama 'Diary of a Young Man'. She was Jenny in the BBC sitcom pilot about working on a small Welsh newspaper called 'The Valley Express' in 1969. Nerys Hughes also acted in 'Take A Girl Like You' in 1970. She was 'Beth Jenkins' in 1982's 'Third Time Lucky' about the difficulties and complications of two veterans of marriage getting married once again. She also guest starred in the Dr Who (1982) with actors Peter Davison, Richard Todd and Janet Fielding. She was in 'How Green Was My Valley' in an all Welsh production by John Nathan-Turner. In 1994, Nerys Hughes played Maureen opposite John Hurt in 'Second Best'. She appeared as Aunt Glenda in the six episode children's drama about making dreams come true, 'The Queen's Nose', in 1998. She was also Gwen in the 2002 television programme 'The Secret'.
Nerys Hughes has recorded many audio stories. She portrayed Eileen in the successful 1995 play in the Woolwich Young Radio Playwrights' Competition. In 1998, she recorded 'The Parsley Parcel' written by Elizabeth Arnold as well as the saga 'Patsy of Paradise Palace' by Rosie Harris in 2003.
Hughes has been on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English Stage Company and the Theatre of Comedy and as well as other theatre and pantomime appearances.
She has been outspoken in her desire to promote better health in rural communities, improving breast cancer awareness and lending support to the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability and the children's charity, NCH.
Biography written by William I. Williams.
Actress best known for 'The Liver Birds' & 'District Nurse'.
