Born with an extra finger on her left hand, which was removed shortly after her birth
Worked for 10 years in an administrative career before enrolling in the Guildford School of Acting
Made her first American theater appearance in the 1991 off-Broadway production of Absent Friends, for which she earned the Theater World Award for Outstanding New Talent
Made her film debut in 1990's The Witches
Participated in the 2002 London Marathon
Was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003
Awards
2007Australian Film Institute Awards-Best Lead Actress:nominated
2006BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress in a Supporting Role:nominated
2001Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie:nominated
2001Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:nominated
1999BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress in a Supporting Role:nominated
1999Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:nominated
1998Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:nominated
1998Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role:nominated
1998Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:nominated
1997BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress in a Leading Role:winner
1997Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:winner
1996Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role:nominated
1996Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1996Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Actress:winner
1996National Society of Film Critics-Best Actress - Runner-up:winner