Debra Leigh-Taylor
- Actress
Born in London, Debra now lives in the Chiltern area of Buckinghamshire. She is married with two daughters, both of whom are in the music industry. Eldest daughter is singer, songwriter and producer Stevie Leigh and youngest, Chess Taylor, is a classical crossover singer and recording artist.
Acting and singing formed a major part of her early life as she realised her love for performing and became involved in a local theatre. During this time she learned all aspects of live performance and stage production taking on many different roles in plays that ranged from tragedy to farce which developed her versatility. She also enjoyed playing many leading roles in musical theatre productions.
Being a strong vocalist, many hours were also spent in various recording studios laying down lead and backing vocals. One collaboration for the chance to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest made it to the final ten. Recording vocals on songs written by others was always a great opportunity and always appreciated but writing her own material was a natural progression; something she still enjoys.
Her transition into filming began following time out to raise her family. During this time she realised how much she missed her love for acting and soon returned to the stage performing in comedy plays. Also at this time she had the opportunity to take her first steps into filming; and was instantly hooked. After numerous small roles in mainstream films and TV dramas including Injustice (2011) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011), Debra has since landed a variety of roles in independent productions giving her extensive experience and in doing so she has proved herself a versatile screen actress.
For her portrayal of Meredith Jones in the film Dogged (2017) Debra received a nomination for Best Actress.
In 2021 she took part in a live on-line performance of 13 Seconds in Kent State playing the role of Doris Krause. Written by Lance Steen Anthony Nielsen, this detailed script was based on witness accounts and conversations relating to the tragic shootings that took place at Kent State University in 1970. The production was praised by several surviving victims of this tragic event, giving their thanks for highlighting what had happened; and what should never be forgotten.
Acting and singing formed a major part of her early life as she realised her love for performing and became involved in a local theatre. During this time she learned all aspects of live performance and stage production taking on many different roles in plays that ranged from tragedy to farce which developed her versatility. She also enjoyed playing many leading roles in musical theatre productions.
Being a strong vocalist, many hours were also spent in various recording studios laying down lead and backing vocals. One collaboration for the chance to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest made it to the final ten. Recording vocals on songs written by others was always a great opportunity and always appreciated but writing her own material was a natural progression; something she still enjoys.
Her transition into filming began following time out to raise her family. During this time she realised how much she missed her love for acting and soon returned to the stage performing in comedy plays. Also at this time she had the opportunity to take her first steps into filming; and was instantly hooked. After numerous small roles in mainstream films and TV dramas including Injustice (2011) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011), Debra has since landed a variety of roles in independent productions giving her extensive experience and in doing so she has proved herself a versatile screen actress.
For her portrayal of Meredith Jones in the film Dogged (2017) Debra received a nomination for Best Actress.
In 2021 she took part in a live on-line performance of 13 Seconds in Kent State playing the role of Doris Krause. Written by Lance Steen Anthony Nielsen, this detailed script was based on witness accounts and conversations relating to the tragic shootings that took place at Kent State University in 1970. The production was praised by several surviving victims of this tragic event, giving their thanks for highlighting what had happened; and what should never be forgotten.
