Chelsie Preston-Crayford

Chelsie Florence Preston Crayford, also known as Chelsie Florence, is a prominent New Zealand actress. Born in 1987 in Wellington, she is the daughter of filmmaker Gaylene Preston and musician Jonathan Crayford. Her acting debut began when she was a child of just 13 years old, appearing in the New Zealand TV series 'A Twist in the Tale', starring the legendary William Shatner. Her stage performance in later years was commended by none other than Ian McKellen, which sparked her pursuit of an acting career. Preston-Crayford attended the Toi Whakaari national drama school from 2006 to 2008, a New Zealand drama school where she graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. She took on a guest role in the soap opera 'Shortland Street' in 2003, before making her feature film debut in the comedy 'Eagle vs Shark' in 2007. In 2009, she was cast in the TV series 'The Cult' and later came to limelight playing brothel madam Tilly Devine in the Australian crime drama 'Underbelly: Razor' in 2011, a role for which she won the 'Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer' at the 2012 Logie Awards. Preston-Crayford starred in ABC TV adaptation of 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab', 'Hope and Wire', 'The Code', 'Ash vs Evil Dead', 'Hot Words and Bold Retorts' and 'Dark City: The Cleaner'. She has also ventured into directing, writing, and starred in the short film 'Falling Up'.