For a generation of Brits, the sight of a young woman dreamily eating a Cadbury's Flake in a sun-drenched field is one of the most enduring images of 1980s television. The actress behind that iconic role, Janis Levy, became one of the nation's most recognisable faces, yet her life today is a world away from her advertising fame.
From Sunflower Fields to Hollywood Glamour
Janis Levy was just 17 years old when she made her debut as the Flake girl in 1985. The advert, which featured her wandering through sunflowers before riding off in a horse-drawn caravan, became the longest-running Flake commercial ever. Her ethereal performance cemented her as a cultural icon, leading chat-show host Des O’Connor to famously introduce her as the "most famous face on TV whose name you don’t know".
The success of the Cadbury campaign launched a prolific advertising career. Levy went on to appear in up to 50 other commercials for major brands including Fairy Liquid, Toblerone, Boots, Asda, and TSB. This portfolio eventually secured her a contract with American network NBC, prompting a move to Los Angeles.
Her time in LA was glamorous, filled with encounters with movie stars like Sylvester Stallone and Joan Collins. However, after over a decade in the States, a profound personal shift prompted a return home.
A New Chapter: Building a Hair Empire
"I had the most wonderful time in LA, but I came home when I had my daughter," Levy explained. This decision marked a conscious turn away from her television career. Instead, she stepped into the family business, Hair Development, an award-winning company specialising in hair loss solutions, replacements, and extensions.
The business was originally founded by her father, Stanley, a hairdresser who learned his craft in Paris before setting up in East London. Following his passing, Janis and her cousin, Mark Burns, took over the reins. Mark serves as Managing Director, while Janis leverages her creative flair as the company's Creative Director.
Full Circle: How Hair Launched Her Career
In a fitting twist of fate, it was the hair industry that first set Janis on her path to stardom. She began modelling at the age of four. At 15, her potential was spotted by legendary hairstylist John Frieda, who saw her picture at her father's salon. Frieda's mentorship was instrumental in launching her to TV fame in her late teens.
Today, Janis Levy's focus is firmly on helping others. Gone are the days of daily glamour for television; now, she dedicates her energy to making clients feel confident and positive through the work of Hair Development. Her journey from a nationwide sweetheart to a respected business director is a testament to a life lived on her own terms, far from the sunflower fields of her youth.
