Melissa Tkautz
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Melissa Natalie Tkautz (born 24 January 1974) is an Australian actress, singer, model, and presenter. She played the role of Nikki Spencer on the popular Australian TV soap opera '' E Street'', from September 1990 to May 1993. During the early 1990s she had a solo music career, performing mononymously as Melissa, and had top 20 hits on the
ARIA Singles Chart The ARIA Charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling songs and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA became the offici ...
with " Read My Lips" (Number One, June 1991), " Sexy (Is the Word)" (No. 3, September) and " Skin to Skin" (No. 16, April 1992). "Read My Lips" also became a Number One hit in Sweden. Her debut album, ''
Fresh Fresh may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Films and television * ''Fresh'' (1994 film), a crime film * ''Fresh'' (2009 film), a documentary film on sustainable agriculture * ''Fresh'' (2022 film), a thriller film *''Fresh with the Aust ...
'', was released in June 1992 and peaked at No. 15 on the ARIA Albums Chart. After her stint on ''E Street'', Tkautz has appeared on '' Paradise Beach'' (1993–94), '' Pacific Drive'' (1996–98), '' All Saints'' (2001–02, 2004), '' Swift and Shift Couriers'' (2008, 2011) and ''
Housos ''Housos'' (titled ''Housos of the Housing Commission'' from seasons 1 to 2, ''Housos vs Virus: The Lockdown'' from season 3, and ''Housos: The Thong Warrior'' from season 4) is an Australian comedy television series created by Paul Fenech for ...
'' (2011). Her modelling career has included early child modelling, then as a teen in various pop entertainment magazines and from 1996 on fashion and men's magazines. On 4 December 2005, she issued her second solo album, '' Lost & Found'', which provide a single, her cover version of "
The Glamorous Life "The Glamorous Life" is a song written by Prince (musician), Prince, recorded by American percussionist Sheila E. and produced by both. The song has lyrics which reflect a cynicism for the decadence and materialism of the song's protagonist, ref ...
", which appeared in the top 40. In August 2011 she issued a compilation album, '' The Hits & More''. In February 2009, Tkautz married finance businessman Kwesi Nicholas, her partner of five years; outside her performance career, she uses her married name, Melissa Nicholas.


Television career

Tkautz was born in Sydney in 1974. According to Tkautz "I had very strict parents ... I wasn't allowed to do anything". Her father, Stefan Tkautz, is from
Austria Austria, formally the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine Federal states of Austria, states, of which the capital Vienna is the List of largest cities in Aust ...
and her mother's family are
Maltese Maltese may refer to: * Someone or something of, from, or related to Malta * Maltese alphabet * Maltese cuisine * Maltese culture * Maltese language, the Semitic language spoken by Maltese people * Maltese people, people from Malta or of Maltese ...
. As a young child she studied drama, dance and singing; she began modelling and appearing in commercials. By the age of 17, she had appeared in over 160 television and print commercials. Some of these included ads for
Qantas Qantas ( ), formally Qantas Airways Limited, is the flag carrier of Australia, and the largest airline by fleet size, international flights, and international destinations in Australia and List of largest airlines in Oceania, Oceania. A foundi ...
and
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. She started modelling and then began acting in TV soap operas, '' Richmond Hill'' and '' Home & Away'' in the late 1980s. In 1989 she entered the Miss Teen Australia contest. In September 1990, at the age of 16 years, Tkautz was cast in the role of Nikki Spencer on the popular Australian soap opera, '' E Street''. She described her role, "Nikki is everything I don't want to be ... She smokes and she's really the sort of girl most parents would be horrified to have their daughters associating with". Tkautz soon became one of the show's main stars due to the popularity of her character. During this time, she attended the
Australian Academy of Dramatic Art Australian(s) may refer to: Australia * Australia, a country * Australians, citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia ** European Australians ** Anglo-Celtic Australians, Australians descended principally from British colonists ** Aboriginal Aus ...
in Sydney, graduating in 1991. During that year she appeared on numerous Australian editions of magazine covers including '' Vogue'', ''
Cosmopolitan Cosmopolitan may refer to: Internationalism * World citizen, one who eschews traditional geopolitical divisions derived from national citizenship * Cosmopolitanism, the idea that all of humanity belongs to a single moral community * Cosmopolitan ...
'', ''
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'', ''
Smash Hits ''Smash Hits'' was a British music magazine aimed at young adults, originally published by EMAP. It ran from 1978 to 2006, and, after initially appearing monthly, was issued fortnightly during most of that time. The name survived as a brand ...
'' and '' Dolly''. In 1991 readers of '' TV Hits'' voted her as the Hottest Woman on Earth. Tkautz also had a supporting role in the mini-series, '' The Girl from Tomorrow'' (1992). Due to her popularity, the producers of ''E Street'' decided to have Tkautz record a song, which would be used in the show as part of a dream sequence, where her character imagines she is a pop star. This resulted in a recording career for Tkautz, she later recalled "I loved singing and I had trained as a singer, but everything happened so quickly, it was just a crazy whirlwind. One minute I'm watching ''E Street'' in my lounge room, the next minute I’m starring in ''E Street'' and I've got a number one single in the charts". However, in November 1991, due to the pressures of juggling two full-time careers, and a conflict with the producer, Forrest Redlich, Tkautz left ''E Street'' to concentrate on her music career. At the ''TV Week''-sponsored
Logie Award The TV Week Logie Awards (known colloquially as The Logies) is an annual ceremony celebrating and honouring the best shows and stars in Television in Australia, Australian television, sponsored and organised by the magazine ''TV Week''. The eve ...
s she was nominated for Most Popular New Talent in
1992 1992 was designated as International Space Year by the United Nations. Events January * January 1 – Boutros Boutros-Ghali of Egypt replaces Javier Pérez de Cuéllar of Peru as United Nations Secretary-General. * January 6 ** The Republ ...
. By November 1992 Tkautz had returned to ''E Street''. However, the network decided to axe the series in May 1993. In 1993 and 1994, Tkautz appeared on '' Paradise Beach'', playing Vanessa Campbell, the manipulative ex-girlfriend of Sean Hayden (played by
Ingo Rademacher Ingo Rademacher (born 22 April 1971) is a German-Australian television actor known for his roles of Sean Hayden on the Australian soap opera ''Paradise Beach'', Jax Jacks, Jasper "Jax" Jacks on the American daytime soap opera ''General Hospital ...
). Tkautz described her character " e's a bit of a psycho, a real bitch ... She is nothing like Nicki in ''E Street''. This one's a real troublemaker". In 1995, she had a role in '' Echo Point''. In 1996, Tkautz joined the series '' Pacific Drive'', where she played a model, Bethany Daniels. This role had a major effect on Tkautz, who played the first long-term
HIV positive The human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) are two species of ''Lentivirus'' (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infect humans. Over time, they cause AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which progressive failure of th ...
character on Australian TV. She described how "I did a lot of research on the role and a lot of charity work with HIV atients especially young kids who had contracted the disease". The series later gained a cult following. When ''Pacific Drive'' was cancelled in 1998, Tkautz joined the cast of '' Medivac'' (1998) as Nurse Evie Morrison. Tkautz later appeared in the series, '' All Saints'' (2001–02, 2004). From 1996, Tkautz modelled for fashion and men's magazines ''
Black+White Black-and-white (B&W or B/W) images combine black and white to produce a range of achromatic brightnesses of grey. It is also known as greyscale in technical settings. Media The history of various visual media began with black and white, a ...
'', ''
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'', ''
Ralph Ralph (pronounced or ) is a male name of English origin, derived from the Old English ''Rædwulf'' and Old High German ''Radulf'', cognate with the Old Norse ''Raðulfr'' (''rað'' "counsel" and ''ulfr'' "wolf"). The most common forms are: * Ra ...
'' and ''
FHM ''FHM'' (For Him Magazine) was a printed British multinational men's lifestyle magazine that was published in several countries. It contained features such as the ''FHM'' 100 Sexiest Women in the World. The final printed issue of British ''F ...
''. In 2001 she appeared on the
Myer Myer (stylised MYER) is an Australian mid-range to upscale department store. It trades in all Australian states and one of Australia's two self-governing territories. Myer retails a broad range of products across women's, men's, and child ...
Intimacy Apparel runway, modelling underwear, and followed with a stint at the
Australian Fashion Week Australian Fashion Week is an annual fashion industry event, or fashion week, showcasing the latest seasonal collections from Australian designers. Fashion weeks take place all around the world and often have a big influence on the trends t ...
, that year. In late 2008, Tkautz starred in '' Swift and Shift Couriers'' (created by the same crew that created ''
Fat Pizza ''Fat Pizza'' is a 2003 Australian comedy film based on the ''Pizza'' television series, both of which were created, produced, written and starred in by Paul Fenech. The film's story takes place between seasons two (episode "Desert Pizza") and ...
''), which aired on
SBS ONE SBS is a multicultural public TV network in Australia. Launched on 24 October 1980, it is the responsibility of SBS's television division, and is available nationally. In 2024, SBS had a 9.3% audience share, compared to 2023 when SBS had an 8. ...
. Filming took place in early 2008, with some episodes being shot in
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and
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. The first season had eight episodes that aired on TV during October–November 2008. She returned for a second season in 2011. Tkautz was also a guest star in controversial comedy series, ''
Housos ''Housos'' (titled ''Housos of the Housing Commission'' from seasons 1 to 2, ''Housos vs Virus: The Lockdown'' from season 3, and ''Housos: The Thong Warrior'' from season 4) is an Australian comedy television series created by Paul Fenech for ...
'' (from October 2011) and residents of housing commission units wanted the show banned. In May 2012, Tkautz was interviewed by
Sonia Kruger Sonia Melissa Kruger is an Australian television presenter, actress and media personality. Kruger is currently the host of ''Big Brother (Australian TV series), Big Brother Australia'' and a presenter on ''The Voice (Australian TV series), The ...
and David Campbell on '' Mornings'' and described her career after ''E Street'' in the segment, "Where Are They Now?". On 22 July 2016, it was announced Tkautz would be one of seven women appearing on the first season of '' The Real Housewives of Sydney''.


Music career

Tkautz was signed to
Westside Records Demon Music Group Limited (DMG; formerly Object Enterprises Limited from 19821991 and Music Collection International Limited from 19912000) is a record company owned by BBC Studios that is mainly concerned with back-catalogue rights and re-iss ...
, a label created by ''E Street''s producers, and recorded her debut single, " Read My Lips". Redlich described why Tkautz was chosen ahead of her fellow actresses "I thought it was too raunchy for
Toni Pearen Toni Michelle Pearen (born 5 June 1972) is an Australian entertainer, actress, singer, songwriter and television presenter. She initially became recognisable through her role on soap opera '' E Street'' from 1989 until 1992. She had a limited p ...
and too teeny-bopper for
Alyssa-Jane Cook Alyssa-Jane Cook (born 16 February 1967) is an Australian actress, singer, and TV presenter currently on TVSN. Actress roles She is best known for her regular role as Lisa Bennett on the Australian television soap opera '' E Street''. She pl ...
". It was promoted via the show and released in May 1991, which reached the number-one position on the
ARIA Singles Chart The ARIA Charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling songs and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA became the offici ...
in July. The track was written by Tony King and Roy Nicolson, and was produced by Leon Berger. At the
ARIA Music Awards of 1992 The Sixth Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards (generally known as the ARIA Music Awards or simply The ARIAs) was held on 6 March 1992 at the World Congress Centre in Melbourne. Hosts were international guest, Julian Lenno ...
it won Highest Selling Single for the previous year. The song was parodied by
Gina Riley Gina Riley (born 6 May 1961) is a retired Australian actress, writer, singer and comedian, known for portraying Kim Craig in the television series '' Kath & Kim'', and for her work in musical theatre. Career Television and film Riley became a ...
on the comedy TV series, ''
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'', as "Pout Your Lips". The single's B-side is "Say Goodbye" and was written by Berger, Alston Koch and Doug Henderson. Since 1991, Tkautz has re-recorded "Read My Lips" twice: the first version as the "Read My Lips (Electro Pushers Remix)", which was to be included as a bonus track on her proposed third album, ''Glamorous Life''; and the second version as the "Read My Lips (Neon Stereo Remix)", which was performed live by Tkautz on Channel 7's '' The Morning Show''. Tkautz' second single from her debut album, " Sexy (Is the Word)", was issued in September 1991 and peaked at No. 3. It was written by Berger, King and Nicholson and produced by Berger, Koch and Henderson. She performed the track at the 1991 Rugby League Grand Final. At the end of that year Tkautz toured nationally as a support act on American dance-pop and hip hop group,
C+C Music Factory C+C Music Factory was an American musical group formed in 1989 by David Cole and Robert Clivillés. The group is best known for their five hit singles: " Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)", " Here We Go (Let's Rock & Roll)", " Things ...
's Australian Tour. Her third single, " Skin to Skin", appeared in April the next year, which reached No. 16, and was written and produced by the same team as "Sexy (Is the Word)". In June that year, having left ''E Street'', Tkautz released her debut album, ''
Fresh Fresh may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Films and television * ''Fresh'' (1994 film), a crime film * ''Fresh'' (2009 film), a documentary film on sustainable agriculture * ''Fresh'' (2022 film), a thriller film *''Fresh with the Aust ...
'', which peaked at No. 15 on the ARIA Albums Chart.Peak (
ARIA Chart The ARIA Charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling songs and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA became the offici ...
) positions for singles and albums in Australia: * Top 50 peaks: * Top 100 peaks to December 2010: * "My House": * "All I Want": * "Easily Affected": * "I Want Your Love": * "The Key":
Tkautz promoted the album by a national tour, a further single, "Is It...?", was issued in July 1993 and reached the top 40, but a proposed second album was shelved and Tkautz refocused on her acting career. In September 2005, Tkautz released a new single, a cover version of "
The Glamorous Life "The Glamorous Life" is a song written by Prince (musician), Prince, recorded by American percussionist Sheila E. and produced by both. The song has lyrics which reflect a cynicism for the decadence and materialism of the song's protagonist, ref ...
", a 1984 song by
Sheila E Sheila Cecilia Escovedo (born December 12, 1957), known under the stage name Sheila E., is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Regarded as one of the greatest musicians of her generation; she is known for skills as a multi-instrumental ...
and written by
Prince A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. The ...
, which peaked at No. 31 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Her second album, '' Lost & Found'', was issued on 4 December that year. Also that year, she re-recorded "Sexy (Is the Word)", which was included as a bonus track on ''Lost & Found''. Tkautz travelled to Sweden in early 2006 to work with 2N and while there she recorded her next single, "
Easily Affected "Easily Affected" is a song recorded by Australian singer Melissa Tkautz. It was written, produced and mixed by Swedish producers 2N. The song was released on October 21, 2006. as the first single from Tkautz's planned third album "Glamorous Life" ...
", and "Not Enough". Her version of "The Glamorous Life" had some success internationally. It was released in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, Russia, Dubai and UAE, and Canada. In February 2008 she performed "Easily Affected", "True Love", "Read My Lips (Neon Stereo Remix)" and her new single, " I Want Your Love" at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day. In January 2012, Australian comedian
Sam Kekovich Sam Kekovich (born 11 March 1950) is an Australian media personality, sports commentator, Australian meat lobbyist and former Australian rules football player. He is well known for his controversial behaviour, both on and off the field, and mo ...
released a music video as an ad for Australian lamb meat, which was a rendition of
Aqua Aqua is the Latin word for water. As such, it is often used in many words which relate to water, such as aquatic life. In English, it may also refer to: Arts * Aqua (color), a greenish-blue color Business * Aqua (Chicago), an 82-story resid ...
's hit "
Barbie Girl "Barbie Girl" is a song by Danish-Norwegian dance-pop group Aqua. It was released in April 1997 by Universal and MCA as the third single from the group's debut studio album, ''Aquarium''. The song was written by band members Søren Rasted, Cl ...
"; it featured vocals by Tkautz and an appearance by hip-hop dance and pop music group,
Justice Crew Justice Crew is an Australian dance and music group consisting of John and Len Pearce, Lukas Bellesini, Paul Merciadez, Samson Smith, and Solo Tohi. Although the group is Australian, members Samson and Solo are from New Zealand. The group origin ...
.
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's marketing manager, Andrew Cox, declared " 's the most successful lamb campaign ever in terms of lamb sales ... people were able to share our 'Barbie Girl' song on Facebook and Twitter". In August that year Tkautz issued a compilation album, '' The Hits & More'', and followed with a tour promoting its appearance. Tkautz released the single "The Key" in May 2017.


Personal life

In 1999, her father, Stefan, died of cancer; she co-wrote the track "Goodbye Daddy" (with
Paul Wiltshire Paul Lancaster Wiltshire (born 25 July 1970) is an Australian entrepreneur, record producer and songwriter. Early life Wiltshire grew up in Ballarat in Western Victoria. Wiltshire performed in several cover bands in the Ballarat region befor ...
) from ''Lost & Found'' in his honour. In December 2006, Tkautz told ''
Woman's Day ''Woman's Day'' is an American women's magazine that covers such topics as homemaking, food, nutrition, physical fitness, physical attractiveness, and fashion. The print edition is one of the Seven Sisters (magazines), Seven Sisters magazines. ...
'' that she had been in love with her ''E Street'' co-star
Simon Baker Simon Lucas Baker (born 30 July 1969) is an Australian actor and director. He first gained prominence on the Australian soap opera ''E Street (TV series), E Street'' (1992–1993). He later starred in the CBS legal drama ''The Guardian (TV ser ...
; the relationship ended as "she wanted a long-term commitment but he was not at that stage of his life"; and then with
Marcus Graham Marcus Graham is an Australian film, television and stage actor, writer and director, with roles including '' Mulholland Drive'' and '' Josh Jarman''. He was known as a teenage heartthrob in the early 1990s while starring in the Australian TV ...
who "betrayed her after four months". Baker had also appeared in the music video for her debut single, "Read My Lips". In February 2009, Tkautz married finance businessman Kwesi Nicholas, her partner of five years. She uses her married name, Melissa Nicholas, outside her professional career. Together they have two children.


Filmography


Film


Television


Discography


Albums


Singles


Awards and recognition


See also

* List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Tkautz, Melissa 1974 births Australian people of Austrian descent Australian people of Maltese descent ARIA Award winners Australian dance musicians Australian television actresses Living people Tkautz, Melissa 21st-century Australian singers 21st-century Australian women singers Participants in Australian reality television series