Biography

Emma Wray was born on March 22, 1965 in Birkenhead, Merseyside, England, UK. She is an actress, known for Stay Lucky (1989), Watching (1987) and Minder (1979).

[on her five-foot stature] I'm just gobby and there are loads of women like me in Birkenhead. When you're small, you have to speak louder to be heard. People often talk to me like I'm a kid, which is really patronising.

[on public recognition] When I go out, I don't look anybody in the eye because I don't want them to know who I am. Recognition was never something I wanted. Somebody once tried to talk to me while I was having a row. I wasn't pleased and I swore at them. They told me they'd never watch me again. It didn't bother me.

[on her acting career] I took a year off after my O-levels, but after a few weeks I was bored and decided I wanted to do A-levels immediately. A teacher told me about this drama school where the term started later than everywhere else. I wasn't that interested in the drama side of things at all, but got involved just for a laugh. Even now, I don't really rate myself as an actress.

[on nude scenes] I'd never do a nude scene. I had to do a bed scene in My Wonderful Life (1996) where myself and Phil Glenister draped ourselves in sheets. He had his kit off, but I was wearing all my clothes underneath. I'd never do a nude scene. Not in a million years, no matter how much money I was offered. I don't think I look very nice with no clothes on. And besides, my mum would be really upset if I got my knockers out on the telly!

Other actors don't understand. They're so passionate about their work, they don't see why I don't do more. But I'm passionate about travelling. I love being away from England. I like the fact that nobody can contact me. It's real freedom.