Julie Hesmondhalgh supports underprivileged youth in arts

Julie Hesmondhalgh, a well-known actress from the show Coronation Street, is passionate about helping young talent in the arts. She recently starred in the drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, playing Suzanne Sercombe. Julie is not your typical actress. She is 55 years old and firmly identifies as a working-class northerner. Julie made history in 1998 as the first transgender character on British soap operas. Her role as Hayley Cropper was groundbreaking and helped change public perceptions about transgender people. She has received several awards for her performances over the years, including accolades for her portrayal of Hayley’s struggle with cancer. These days, Julie is dedicated to supporting the charity Arts Emergency. This organization helps underprivileged young people find careers in the arts. Julie, who comes from a working-class background herself, understands the challenges faced by those without connections in the industry. “Creativity isn’t a privilege,” she emphasizes, wishing for equal opportunities for all children. Julie also speaks out about stereotypes in the acting world. She believes that class-related assumptions affect casting decisions, often limiting roles for actors from certain backgrounds. Arts Emergency aims to provide mentorship to those who lack an “old boys’ network” in creative fields. Julie is currently performing in a play called Punch, which deals with serious social issues. She continues to connect with former Coronation Street co-stars and feels a strong bond with her roots in Manchester, where she remains active in the local arts scene. To aid the arts during a financial crisis, Julie encourages donations to campaigns like Big Give. These contributions can truly make a difference for various arts charities facing tough times.