Gwyneth Keyworth: Actor from Aberystwyth Stars in Death Valley
Gwyneth Keyworth, an actor from Aberystwyth, is one of the stars of the detective series Death Valley. The new series is currently available, and in addition to playing Detective Janie Mallowan, she has also appeared in Game of Thrones, Black Mirror, and The Crown.
Speaking on Georgia Ruth's program on Radio Cymru, Gwyneth emphasized the similarities between herself and her character, DI Mallowan, noting that both share neurodiverse traits.
She also spoke about her enjoyment of acting alongside Timothy Spall and expressed gratitude to one of her teachers at Penweddig School.
Gwyneth acting with Timothy Spall in Death Valley
The series Death Valley follows the partnership between Gwyneth's character and John Chappell, played by Timothy Spall, as they work together to solve crimes in rural Wales.
"The relationship between them is something lovely, working with Tim is incredible.
"The two of us work quite similarly. Take the work seriously but don't take yourself too seriously.
"He is so good at what he does and brings so much energy to the work considering all the things he has done in his career - he's a National Treasure."
Challenges During School Years
Before her acting career began, Gwyneth's time at school was exceptionally challenging. At that time, awareness of neurodiverse conditions was less common than today.
She was often labeled as a student who did not try hard and was always daydreaming, which was far from the truth.
"I only received a diagnosis of ADHD about two years ago.
"It was always something in the noughties in Aberystwyth, not many people talked about it, and definitely not many girls.
"Almost every school report I have from Rhydypennau and Penweddig Schools says that 'Gwyneth is daydreaming and not concentrating, talkative and with lots of ideas but unable to finish reading.'
"Now you look back on it, it's so obvious."
'Lack of Concentration'
Regarding her work as an actor, Gwyneth notices similar personality traits and can identify with the character Janie Mallowan.
She also highlights how important it was for her to discover acting while knowing she lives with ADHD.
"I believe with Janie, and what I share with Janie, I know I am so lucky to have found acting.
"Things like being talkative and bringing lots of ideas at school were something positive.
"What I wanted to show with Janie, especially in the second series, is that she doesn't deal very well with paperwork and how she can switch from one subject to another.
"It's part of her character, but what I didn't want to do was make it a sob story."
Reflecting on her school years, she is very grateful to a particular teacher at Penweddig for her awareness and efforts to support her.
"If I look back on my time at school, there was almost a stigma to the fact that I couldn't work like other people, and I remember that hurt my confidence at the time.
"I remember talking to Pam John, a teacher at Penweddig, and she did her best to make sure I got extra time."
Gwyneth is proud that there is now greater awareness of ADHD and neurodiverse conditions and that she has found work as an actor, making the most of skills that were once seen as failures or negatives during her school years.
The new series of Death Valley is available to watch on BBC .
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