Julie Nihill (born 1957 in Melbourne) is an Australian actress, voice artist, narrator, producer and writer, best known for her 12-year role as Chris Riley on the police drama Blue Heelers (1994–2006).^[1]

Nihill was drawn to acting through her love of storytelling. She originally studied a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) at La Trobe University, which she abandoned to pursue a career as an actress. She trained at Trinity College London, studying an Associate Diploma in Speech and Drama, and an Associate Diploma in Effective Speaking.^[2]

Nihill made her television debut in I Can Jump Puddles (1981) and her film debut in Careful, He Might Hear You (1983). This led to her first lead role in the ABC TV movie Every Move She Makes (for which she received a Penguin Award) and the miniseries Bodyline, in which Nihill played Jessie Bradman, Sir Donald Bradman's wife.

Nihill became a household face in 1994 when she was cast as publican and local Councillor Chris Riley on the police drama Blue Heelers. Nihill was one of only two actors (the other being John Wood) to star in the series for its entire run.^[3]

Nihill played guest roles in television programs including Prisoner: Cell Block H, Sons and Daughters, A Country Practice, Mother and Son, House Husbands, The Leftovers, and Picnic at Hanging Rock.

She is also a theatre performer, having worked with Australian theatre companies such as the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Tasmanian Theatre Company. She has performed numerous radio plays for the ABC, as well as commercial voice-over work and documentary narration.^[4] Nihill has also narrated a number of audiobooks.^[5]

Nihill was married to actor Richard Moir, and they had two daughters, actress Lucy Moir and director Bonnie Moir.^[6]

She runs an Australian production company called EarthStar Films.^[7]

Nihill has a Graduate Diploma in Education from Mercy College, Melbourne and is registered with the Victorian Department of Education. She is also a Human Potential and Transformation Coach and Facilitator, a qualification she obtained in California.^[8]

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• Julie Nihill at IMDb