Few actors successfully navigate the transition from regional television to major international productions while simultaneously building a career behind the camera.
Erin Richards has accomplished exactly that, transforming from a Welsh-language television presenter into a versatile actress and director who has captivated audiences in both “Gotham” and “The Crown.” Her journey reveals the strategic choices and creative risks that define a modern entertainment career.
Born in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, on December 12, 1983, Erin Richards represents the new generation of Welsh talent making waves internationally.
Her story demonstrates how regional roots can provide the foundation for global success, and how artistic ambition can evolve beyond traditional acting roles into directing and writing.
Early Life and Foundation in Wales
Erin Richards’ creative journey began at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, one of the UK’s most prestigious performing arts institutions. This classical training provided her with the technical skills and artistic discipline that would later distinguish her performances across multiple genres.
Her first significant exposure came through presenting “Mosgito,” a Welsh-language teen magazine show for S4C. This role required her to connect with younger audiences while working in her native Welsh language.
The experience taught her valuable lessons about audience engagement and on-camera presence that would prove essential in her later work. These early experiences in Welsh media created a solid foundation for her career.
The intimate scale of Welsh television allowed her to experiment with different aspects of performance while building confidence in front of cameras. This regional experience would later inform her approach to larger productions, bringing authenticity and groundedness to her performances.
Career Highlights and Early Recognition
Richards’ transition from Welsh television to broader UK productions marked a strategic career pivot. Her work in short films helped her develop relationships with directors and producers while showcasing her range as a performer. These projects served as stepping stones to more substantial roles in established television series.
Her appearance in the BBC series “Crash” demonstrated her ability to handle dramatic material in a contemporary setting. This role helped establish her credibility within the UK television industry and opened doors to more ambitious projects.
The role of Nancy Reid in “Being Human” across multiple episodes (“Daddy Ghoul,” “Though the Heavens Fall,” “The Wolf-Shaped Bullet”) showcased her versatility within the supernatural drama genre. Working alongside established actors in this cult favorite series provided valuable experience in ensemble storytelling while building her fan base.
Breaking Into American Television
Richards’ casting as Molly Hughes in “Breaking In” during 2012 represented her successful transition to American television. This comedy series allowed her to demonstrate comedic timing while working within the fast-paced environment of US network television production.
The experience of working in American television exposed her to different production scales and storytelling approaches. The higher episode counts and quicker production schedules of American series required adaptability and stamina that would prove valuable in her subsequent work.
Gotham: The Role That Changed Everything
Barbara Kean in “Gotham” became Erin Richards’ breakthrough role, spanning five seasons from 2014 to 2019. This character arc allowed her to explore psychological complexity as Barbara evolved from Bruce Wayne’s friend’s girlfriend into one of the series’ most unpredictable antagonists.
The role required Richards to navigate significant character development across multiple seasons. Barbara’s transformation from socialite to criminal mastermind demanded both dramatic range and physical commitment. Richards embraced these challenges, creating a character that balanced menace with charisma.
Her performance in “Gotham” demonstrated her ability to handle both intimate dramatic scenes and large-scale action sequences. The series’ comic book aesthetic required a specific performance style that honored the source material while creating believable human emotions within fantastical situations.
Stepping Behind the Camera
Richards’ directorial debut came within the “Gotham” universe when she directed “The Trial of Jim Gordon,” a fifth-season episode. This opportunity represented the network’s confidence in her creative vision and marked her transition from performer to filmmaker.
Her short film “Hot Girl,” which she wrote, directed, and starred in, earned special mention at the NY Lift Off Film Festival in 2016. This recognition validated her abilities as a complete filmmaker and opened doors to additional directing opportunities.
The success of “Hot Girl” led to her second short film, “Got It,” which earned her a place on the WBTV directing course in 2017. This professional development opportunity connected her with established industry mentors and provided access to advanced filmmaking resources.
Expanding Creative Horizons
Richards’ directing portfolio has expanded beyond her own projects. She directed an episode of “God Friended Me” for CBS, demonstrating her ability to work within established series formats while maintaining her creative voice.
Her contribution to “Everything I ever wanted to tell my daughter about men” showcased her commitment to female-driven storytelling. This anthology of 14 short films by female directors created a feature-length work that premiered at Austin Film Festival in 2021.
Most recently, she completed “Words That Move,” an hour-long stand-up poetry special that premiered at Dances with Films Festival. This project represents her interest in hybrid formats that combine performance and filmmaking in innovative ways.
The Crown and Recent Success
Richards’ role as Kelly Fisher in “The Crown” episodes “Decommissioned” and “Persona Non Grata” placed her within one of television’s most prestigious productions.
Playing Dodi Fayed’s former partner required sensitivity to real historical events while creating a compelling dramatic performance.
This role demonstrated her ability to work within established ensemble casts while creating memorable characters in limited screen time. The production values and international profile of “The Crown” provided global exposure for her work.
Personal Milestones and Future Projects
Richards’ recent pregnancy announcement at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in October 2025 marked a personal milestone that coincides with her professional achievements. Her appearance at this prestigious Welsh awards ceremony highlighted her continued connection to her Welsh roots despite international success.
She is currently developing her first feature film, an adaptation of Naomi Booth’s novel “Sealed” with screenplay by Chloe Moss. The psychological horror project, produced by Shaun Redick and Yvette Yates of Impossible Dreams (producers of “BlacKkKlansman” and “Get Out”), represents her most ambitious directing project to date.
The Evolution of a Complete Artist
Erin Richards’ career trajectory illustrates the modern entertainment industry’s opportunities for multi-talented creators. Her progression from regional television presenter to international actress and director demonstrates both strategic career planning and creative risk-taking.
Her success stems from combining classical training with practical experience across different media formats. The foundation provided by Welsh institutions and early television work created the skills necessary for later international success.
Richards represents a new generation of entertainment professionals who refuse to be limited by traditional role definitions. Her work as actress, director, and writer creates multiple revenue streams while allowing for creative fulfillment across different aspects of storytelling.
Her upcoming feature film project positions her to join the ranks of actor-directors who successfully navigate both sides of the camera. The psychological horror genre provides an opportunity to demonstrate her range while working with established producers known for supporting innovative filmmaking.
Richards’ transition from acting to directing showcases her versatility and dedication to storytelling. Her ability to balance these roles while pushing creative boundaries underscores her position as a rising force in the entertainment industry.
With her upcoming projects and a burgeoning reputation for innovative filmmaking, Erin Richards is set to leave an indelible mark both in front of and behind the camera.