Melissa Johns

Melissa Johns is an actress, changing the future of the industry through her work championing diversity and inclusion in the arts. Despite being born with a physical disability, Melissa has pursued a successful career and is a high-profile advocate for greater accessibility on stage and screen. The multiple award-winning star has proven her talents are endless, from writing commissioned pieces to performing with iconic names, Melissa is truly one to watch on the acting circuit. As a speaker, Melissa expands on her experiences as an actress with a disability, and how to encourage greater diversity across all industries. A recognisable role model, Melissa teaches audiences that the only limits are the ones we set ourselves.

A regular on British television, Melissa is well known for her role as Imogen Pascoe on Coronation Street which she landed after rising to prominence in BBC’s The Interceptor. A standout for her talent, and not her disability, Melissa has gone on to secure parts in the likes of SKY’s I hate SUZIE, series 2 of FLACK, and recently, in 2020 played a leading role as Hannah Taylor in Life, a BBC drama. Showing no signs of slowing down, Melissa has already finished filming for a 2021 series Grantchester, in which she will play the regular character of Miss Scott. Equally prominent on the stage, Melissa’s live acting has seen her versatility in a range of roles and she is currently developing SNATCHED, her one-woman show.

Born without her right forearm and hand, Melissa has never seen her disability as a limitation and has faced every obstacle head-on. Determined to pursue her passion for the arts, Melissa earned a place to study at East 15 Acting School, where she won the Laurence Olivier Bursary, one of the first disabled actors to do so. Melissa’s on-screen debut came in 2013 when she was cast in the long-running soap, Doctors, followed by Casualty. Evidently making her mark on the industry, Melissa was selected for the BAFTA Elevate programme, along with 20 other actors.

Named as one of the UK’s 100 Most Influential Disabled People and in JCI’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World, Melissa’s influence is undeniable. Utilizing her platform to support others, Melissa has co-founded DANC (Disabled Actors Networking Community) and TripleC, in addition to role as an ambassador for Models of Diversity. A truly inspirational star, Melissa is leading the future of the arts, and is the ideal speaker to inspire audiences of all demographics.