Was spotted by Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes in a school play at the age of 16 and given a role in the 1996 BBC production of The Prince and the Pauper
Was prepared to study philosophy at Cambridge University, but decided to pursue acting full-time
Is often mistaken for Kate Winslet and approached by autograph seekers
Took a year off from acting after the series Moonlight was canceled and traveled throughout southeast Asia