Ashley Walters

Last updated on the 25 March 2024 by Evandrus

Ashley Walters headshot

Mini Biography

Born: June 30, 1982, Peckham, London, England.

Ashley Walters, also known as Asher D, is a British actor and rapper. Raised by his mother, Pamela Case, a local government officer, Walters grew up in a vibrant, multicultural environment that shaped his early life and artistic inclinations. He attended St. George’s CE Primary School in Camberwell and later Pimlico School, now Pimlico Academy, where he completed his GCSEs with good grades across all subjects.

Ashley Walters’ journey into the entertainment industry began with his music career. He rose to fame as a member of the UK garage group So Solid Crew, which achieved a number one hit with their second single “21 Seconds”. His musical talents extended beyond performance; he also engaged in songwriting and producing.

Despite a challenging period in 2002, when he served time in a young offenders’ institute, Walters’ passion for music remained undeterred. He continued to pursue his career, releasing singles like “How You Like Me Now” and “Your Love”, featuring Alesha Dixon, after signing with SK Records in 2012.

Parallel to his music career, Ashley Walters has had a significant impact on British television and film. His acting career took off in the early 2000s with roles in “Storm Damage” (2000) and “Bullet Boy” (2004). He gained international recognition with his appearance in “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” (2005) and continued to build his portfolio with “Life and Lyrics” (2006).

However, it was his lead role as Dushane Hill in the British crime series “Top Boy” that cemented his status as a household name in the UK. Ashley Walters also co-created and starred in the Sky One police procedural series “Bulletproof” alongside Noel Clarke and Nick Love. His versatility as an actor is evident from his performances in various British TV shows, including “Grange Hill”, “The Bill”, “Holby City”, “Doctor Who”, “Silent Witness”, and “Cuffs”¹.

On a personal level, Walters is known for his resilience and dedication to his craft. His life experiences have not only influenced his artistic expression but also his perspective on life and society. As a father of eight, he balances his professional endeavours with a full family life, which he often keeps private.

Walters’ journey from the streets of Peckham to the screens of the entertainment world is a testament to his talent and determination. His contributions to music and acting continue to inspire many and his story serves as a beacon of possibility for aspiring artists.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Top Boy (2011)

Top Boy poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4

Top Boy dives into the harsh realities of life on a London housing estate, following a young drug dealer who walks a tightrope between gang violence, turf wars and the ever-present threat of jail. While trying to secure his own place in this ruthless world, he’s also determined to shield his younger brother from the same dangerous path.

Trivia: The 2019 release of the third installment of Top Boy on Netflix was labelled as “Season 1” to draw in an audience, while the earlier seasons from 2011 and 2013 were renamed “Top Boy: Summerhouse” for clarity.

Top cast: Ashley Walters, Kano, Jasmine Jobson, Little Simz, Araloyin Oshunremi, Joshua Blisset, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Micheal Ward, Reniko Francis, Shone Romulus, Kadeem Ramsay.

Bulletproof (2018)

Bulletproof poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.7

Bulletproof follows two undercover detectives in London’s dangerous underworld. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they share an unshakeable bond. While navigating the city’s criminal underbelly and facing suspicion from their own unit, they must use their wits and courage to take down violent criminals, all while staying true to their own moral compass.

Top cast: Ashley Walters, Noel Clarke, Jason Maza, David Elliot, Mandeep Dhillon, Lashana Lynch, Lindsey Coulson, Christina Chong, Caroline Goodall, Clarke Peters.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

Ashley Walters Gallery

 

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