In the '90s, Melissa Tkautz's face - and voice - was everywhere

In the early '90s, Melissa Tkautz was absolutely everywhere.

She got her start as a model in the '80s, appearing in numerous ads for major brands including Qantas, and landed some small TV acting roles.

In fact, by age 17 she had more than 160 TV and print ads to her name.

READ MORE: Co-star's emotional message after actress dies

However, the teenager was well and truly catapulted to fame in 1990 when she was cast in soap E Street, playing bad girl Nikki Spencer, at age 16.

She became a fan favourite, and the role earned her a Logie nomination.

Her co-stars on the show included Toni Pearen, who also had success as a singer and TV host, and now-Hollywood star Simon Baker, who Tkautz dated for a time.

READ MORE: Subtle detail in NRL snap confirms Aussie star's big news

Tkautz quickly managed to leverage her newfound profile into a music career, performing under the name Melissa.

Much like Delta Goodrem, Tkautz's pop prowess began with a song recorded for her on-screen character.

Suddenly, she was racing up the charts with tracks like Read My Lips, Sexy (Is The Word) and Skin to Skin.

Tkautz's burgeoning music career caused her to quit E Street in 1991, and she released her debut album in 1992.

READ MORE: Andrew Garfield's girlfriend speaks out on their romance

At the 1992 Aria Awards, she won Highest Selling Single and was a nominee for Best New Talent.

That same year, Tkautz returned to her role in E Street, but the show was ultimately axed in 1993.

The end of E Street was just the start for Tkautz's TV career.

She went on to star in some of the biggest Aussie shows of the '90s, including Paradise Beach, Echo Point, Pacific Drive, Medivac and All Saints.

Her profile off-screen was also significant.

Tkautz regularly appeared on magazine covers and featured in advertising campaigns, and modelled in high-profile events including Australian Fashion Week.

She's also performed on stage in The Vagina Monologues and Sleeping Beauty.

Through the years she's continued her work with TV appearances, presenting and singing.

Tkautz released a second album in 2005, followed by a Greatest Hits album in 2012.

In 2017, she starred in the first season of The Real Housewives of Sydney.

Career aside, Tkautz is married with two children, son Cuba and daughter Ayla.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.