Frances Ruffelle has been performing from a young age, appearing in her first West End musical at the age of 16. She went on to create the role of "Eponine" in the blockbuster musical, Les Misérables, for which she won a Tony award when she took the role to Broadway. After New York, she returned to London and appeared in musicals such as Chicago, Joseph and Apples among others. She represented Britain in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, and has released 4 solo albums; Fragile; Frances Ruffelle; Showgirl and Imperfectly me. In 2010, Ruffelle appeared in the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables at the O2 Arena as part of the original London cast and in 2011 starred as meddling Essex mother Fastrada at the Menier Theatre's production of 'Pippin'. Ruffelle recently appeared in the multi award winning film of 'Les Miserables' as well as 'The Devil's Tower' due for release June 2013. She will be opening in the title role of the new Piaf musical in February 2013 and later on in the year will be performing her solo show 'Beneath the Dress' in New York. Frances is the daughter of Sylvia Young who founded the prestigious London Theatre school.
Won Broadways 1987 Tony Award as Best Actress for "Les Misrables."
Created the role of Dinah in the Original London (World Premiere) production of "Starlight Express" in 1984 at the tender age of 16.
Has two children with John Caird : Eliza Doolittle and Nathaniel Caird.
Has a son with former boyfriend Rob Manley named Felix
Sister of Alison Ruffelle.
Daughter of Sylvia Young.
Supports Arsenal.
Ex Sister-in-law of Ras Barker.
